Reform Efforts in Wisconsin

Why is the legislature failing to move campaign finance reform in Wisconsin?  One editorial theorizes:

Take that name – campaign finance reform. Eyes glazing over? Getting woozy? Feeling a sudden compulsion to turn away to watch paint dry? We don’t blame you. So, let’s not call this thing campaign finance reform anymore.

How about the Draining The Swamp Act? No, sounds like something that the Department of Natural Resources would consider – until it was blocked by a Legislature in thrall to a lobbying group representing folks selling swamp gas.

New Joint Fundraising Committee

Several sources (including CNN) report that a joint fundraising committee was formed with Clinton, Obama, and the DNC as participants.

The agreement, announced Wednesday, creates a new entity, the “Democratic White House Victory Fund” — a move which will allow both candidates to fundraise for the cash-strapped Democratic National Committee, and to help shoulder some of their primary and general election expenses. John McCain has already created his own Victory Fund with the Republican National Committee – but those funds are usually created after a nominee has been decided.

No word on whether the joint fundraising committee will accept certain contributions the Obama campaign itself declines as a matter of policy.  The Obama campaign asks donors to confirm that each

contribution is not made from the funds of an individual registered as a federal lobbyist or a foreign agent, or an entity that is a federally registered lobbying firm or foreign agent.

In addition, the Obama campaign accepts online donations from 16 year-olds; the Clinton campaign sets the minimum age of online donors at 18.  The written joint fundraising agreement might include provisions addressing these issues, along with the other requirements of a joint fundraising committee formed under the relevant FEC regulations.

Skyboxes, Guest Passes, and HLOGA

Today’s Birnbaum discusses a Redskins memo outlining how ethics rules might apply to the acceptance of skybox passes.

Their sales force has given a one-page handout to a potential customer that states that congressional officials could accept a free “Suite Guest Pass” to a skybox as long as they have a ticket for anywhere else in the stadium, including a $25 standing-room-only ticket.

The document, a copy of which was obtained by The Post, says that such guest passes allow for only a “short visit.” It does not define “short visit” or say who would monitor the requirement.