Topic: Sunlight Foundation

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Is bias-free news coverage coming back into vogue?

After years in which news outlets became associated with one political slant or another, there are some signs that a course correction is under way in the media. So far, the shift is a subtle one.
As Election 2012 nears, Hollywood Republicans are braving the limelight

Hollywood Republicans say for years it was best to keep their heads down and mouths shut to preserve their careers. But Election 2012 and the national debate are luring more conservatives into the open.
Rick Santorum in Congress: why his record is costing him now

Some see Rick Santorum as an uncompromising firebrand of a culture warrior, but his rivals are focusing their attacks on his legislative record in Congress, which bridged party lines.
What gambling industry money has done on Newt Gingrich's behalf

No single person, outside the candidates themselves, has had more raw impact on the presidential election than casino billionaire Sheldon Adelson, via his donations to a pro-Gingrich 'super PAC.'
Super PACs: FEC report sheds light on powerful influence of a few big donors (+video)

A strikingly few wealthy donors were the main 2011 contributors to super PACs, which analysts see as the main force behind a flood of negative campaign ads.
Who's behind 'toxic' super PAC ads? We may never know.

The super PACs paying for a flood of negative ads in the GOP presidential race are supposed to disclose who they are Tuesday. Don't expect to learn much, campaign watchdogs say.
Change Agent
Young Internet entrepreneurs embrace philanthropy

Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg, Twitter's Biz Stone, Craigslist's Craig Newmark, and many others have turned their entrepreneurial skills to solving the world's social problems.
Eight days left: Was super committee a bad idea from the start?

As the Nov. 23 deadline to propose a plan to trim $1.2 trillion from the federal deficit approaches, many in Congress are saying that that super committee should never have been created.
Deficit 'super committee' behind closed doors: Will it be too secretive?

The deficit super committee tasked with cutting $1.2 trillion from the budget over 10 years began its work Thursday. Critics say it needs to be more transparent and members need to stop fundraising.
Can 'super committee' play fair as it tries to control national debt?

The task of reining in the national debt lies in the hands of a super committee of 12, which gets down to business now that Congress is returning from its summer break.
How vulnerable will deficit 'super committee' be to pressure from lobbyists?

With the sweep of the deficit committee's mandate potentially covering every dollar taxed or spent in the federal government, Washington’s lobby community is going on full alert.
Washington, Colorado, Alaska Senate races: When will we know who won?

The Colorado, Washington State, and Alaska Senate races are undecided on Wednesday morning. They won't tip the balance of power in the Senate, but two are important to Democrats.
Outside spending fuels negative ads in tight Colorado Senate race

Democratic US Sen. Michael Bennet trails GOP challenger Ken Buck by 3 points in a Colorado Senate race that has seen outside groups spend heavily on negative campaign ads.
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.
Charles Rangel careens toward House trial; Democrats keen to avoid it

A hearing by House ethics investigators is expected to convene Thursday for Democratic Rep. Charles Rangel. In an election season, corruption allegations can be toxic for the party in power.
Charles Rangel charged with ethics violations: How bad for Democrats?

Charles Rangel, a Democratic congressman from New York, faces a House trial in which eight members will rule on the findings. Democrats will be concerned about its effect on midterms.
Healthcare reform: Obama cut private deals with likely foes

President Obama struck agreements with insurers, doctors, drug companies, and hospitals to keep them from turning against healthcare reform. What are they?
How Washington lobbyists peddle power

The equivalent of six health-care lobbyists for every member of Congress are registered for this year's biggest political battle.
New information at hand about your lawmaker's 'earmarks'

A database from watchdog groups compares projects backed by members of Congress with campaign contributors. Billions are involved in potential conflicts of interest.
Bloggers at Democratic convention plant their stake

Five hundred strong, Netroots workers in the Big Tent near Denver's Pepsi Center gain camaraderie – and affirmation.
Ethics down side to big-donor convention parties?

Special interests can give unlimited sums to national party conventions through convention host committees.
Obama opts out of public funding for campaign

He’s the first major-party candidate to opt out of public finance since advent of system.
Obama opts out of public funding for campaign

He’s the first major-party candidate to opt out of public finance since advent of system.