Month: February 2010

C.U. response bill: fast track or no track?

In this Huffington Post piece, U.S. PIRG’s Lisa Gilbert urges quick congressional action on the Schumer-Van Hollen response to Citizens United. The Schumer-Van Hollen bill is expected to be introduced within a few weeks. Congress must fast track it so that it can forestall the worst impacts of this decision in time for this year’s […]

Slate committees and Maryland disclosure

Post author By Eric Brown
Post date February 19, 2010
Categories In Maryland

The Post notes a disclosure issue in a local race in Maryland here. The campaign of former state delegate Rushern L. Baker III received $206,000 on Jan. 13 from a slate — a group of candidates raising money collectively — called County 1 Now. The slate had been established about a week before, and because […]

High-bidder wins Jefferson County lobby contract

Post author By Eric Brown
Post date February 19, 2010
Categories In Alabama

The Birmingham News writes that the Jefferson County Council accepted a $10,000 per month lobbying contract. On Thursday, [Commission President] Collins said awarding contracts involves more than merely selecting the lowest bidder. “We look at qualifications here,” Collins said. “What they are paid is one part of it.” Experience and the amount of time spent […]