Topic: Center for Responsive Politics
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How earmark ban is already changing Capitol Hill
In many ways, the Republicans' voluntary two-year earmark ban is limited in scope. But it's already undermining Congress's spending 'cardinals' and changing how lobbyists lobby Capitol Hill.
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Homeland Security talks about air cargo changes needed
Homeland Security talks about changes needed to improve air cargo security, while lobbying by the multibillion-dollar freight industry slows process.
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You can't buy love. Usually not elections, either.
The midterm elections were the latest reminder that wealthy candidates who pour their millions into their own campaigns frequently don't win. Why is that?
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Sarah Palin and Jon Stewart agree on this: News media are bad influence
The media are berated as 'corrupt' (per Sarah Palin) and as a 'conflictinator' (per Jon Stewart). Is it a case of shooting the messenger, or did news media miss the mark in Election 2010?
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Outside groups dominate 2010 campaign spending
Colorado’s Seventh Congressional District – a bellwether district in a swing state – leads the nation in spending on political ads by outside groups not required to disclose their donors.
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Even for local politicians, campaign finance goes national
The Internet has already had a profound effect on national campaign finance. Now, it is beginning to impact local politics, too.
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Sharron Angle raises $14 million. Should we be impressed?
The $14 million that Sharron Angle, the 'tea party' backed Senate candidate from Nevada, raised last quarter is big, but some of that may have been used up in costly fundraising.
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Stephen Colbert tips his hat to Tea Party coloring book for kids
On Monday, Stephen Colbert signed off on "The Tea Party Coloring Book for Kids." Propaganda or filling a gap in the conservative curriculum?
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The Monitor's View: Campaign financing machine cranks up for midterm elections
Special interest groups are spending five times as much on this year's midterm elections as compared to 2006. Many of their donors can't be traced. Congress must require disclosure.
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Show me the money! Campaign contributions reveal much about your candidate
Forget political ads. Campaign contributions are a trove of information about a candidate's priorities. Here's how to track them.
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In Pennsylvania, signs that 'Republican revolution' could repeat itself
In Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District, a Republican challenger with little money poses a serious threat to a Democratic incumbent with deep pockets. Does the race portend a Republican revolution à la 1994?
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Senate races 101: Is the Democratic majority in jeopardy?
Republicans are almost sure to pick up seats after the 2010 Senate races are over. But they also have an outside shot at retaking the majority in the upper chamber.
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Obama, GOP argue past each other on campaign finance
In his weekly radio address, Obama berates Republicans for blocking campaign 'reform and transparency.' Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says it's all just a 'transparent effort to rig the fall elections' in Democrats' favor.
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Rep. Charles Rangel vows to fight ethics trial: 'I'm not going away'
The House ethics panel has outlined 13 charges against Rep. Charles Rangel (D) of New York. But the 20-term lawmaker gave a defiant, off-the-cuff speech Tuesday.
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How Wall Street uses your money to lobby against you
Banks are doing a lot more than shoring up balance sheets with near-zero interest rate bonds. They've reported record profitability and compensation levels, and are spending more than ever on lobbyists.
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George Steinbrenner spent big on politics, too
George Steinbrenner had a long history of political contributions as well as baseball expenditures. Some of those donations got him in serious legal trouble, but they are most notable for how evenly he supported both Republicans and Democrats.
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North Carolina runoff challenge: make Democrats care
The race to oppose incumbent Sen. Richard Burr for North Carolina senator lacks buzz, and could see very low voter turnout.
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With Joe Barton's BP apology, Republicans' points lost in oblivion
Republican leaders, in damage-control mode, forced Rep. Joe Barton to apologize for his apology Thursday to BP. Will anyone remember GOP lawmakers' other points?
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Car dealerships: Did their lobbying sway House financial reform vote?
Car dealerships are exempt from federal regulation in the House financial reform bill. A House ethics committee is probing eight congressmen for fundraising events and campaign contributions shortly before the vote.
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Republicans aim for a Scott Brown-style upset in Pennsylvania
Republicans are gunning for the House seat of the late Democratic Rep. John Murtha in Pennsylvania. They hope Tuesday's special election will replicate Scott Brown's 'Massachusetts miracle.'
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Gulf oil spill: Did Big Oil run roughshod over regulators?
Why didn't the US Minerals Management Service require that Big Oil install secondary blowout preventers on oil rigs, as other countries have? Congress is investigating this and other issues.
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Shareholder groups seek to limit corporate contributions
Shareholder groups aim to keep a lid on companies’ political spending in the wake of Citizens United v. the Federal Election Commission, a case in which the Supreme Court eased restrictions on corporate campaign spending.
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Which Oscar nominees made political donations, and to whom?
Hollywood has long been intertwined with politics, especially Democratic causes. That holds true for most of the political cash donated by this year's Oscar nominees. A Best Supporting Actor candidate heads the list.
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Bust up the health insurance trusts
The health-insurance industry is exempt from anti-trust laws. It's time to change that.
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Underdog Hayworth says he'll rap McCain on illegal immigration
J.D. Hayworth, who is contesting Sen. John McCain in the GOP primary, plans to make border security and illegal immigration key campaign themes – and to tap 'energy' of resurgent conservatives.
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