Koch-Backed SEC Commissioner Claims Corporate Law is in the Public Interest
A lawyer whose academic career was funded by billionaire libertarian Charles Koch is now on the SEC. She thinks corporate lawyers are doing God’s work.
Alex Kotch
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Revolving Door: Lobbyists-Turned-USDA-Officials Work With Junk Food Industry to Keep Soda, Candy in SNAP Program
Two top USDA officials in charge of SNAP policy who previously lobbied for grocers, soda and snack food trade groups were in frequent communication with the groups’ chief lobbyists.
Florida Rep Sells Stock in Private Prison Company After Report Reveals Investments
Days after this reporter revealed that Florida U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel owned stock in private prison giant CoreCivic, the lawmaker sold her shares.
Another New York Political Group May Have Illegally Spent Money on Primary
A nearly invisible group calling itself the Truth in Democracy Coalition distributed flyers attacking a New York State Senate candidate without registering as a political committee.
Citizens’ Group Files Complaint Against Mystery Club Connected to New York State Senator
After Sludge exposed an unregistered political group in New York City, government watchdog Reinvent Albany has filed a formal complaint against the group, the Northeast Brooklyn Democratic Club, which likely violated campaign finance laws.
New York Special Interests Unload Outside Money to Help GOP-Aligned Dems
Unions, charter school boosters, the hospital lobby and other special interests have spent $2.2 million on independent expenditures in New York state races this year. Of the Senate spending, 69 percent is benefiting Democrats who have aligned with Republicans.
Mysterious Political Group Linked to N.Y. Sen. Martin Dilan is Funded by Big Real Estate
An eight-term state senator from North Brooklyn, who was recently exposed for failing to report thousands in campaign contributions, appears to have a shadow group that’s taking cash from the same real estate interests that fund his campaign.
Real Estate Tycoon Funds Last-Minute $100,000 Attack on Zephyr Teachout in New York AG Race
On Sept. 7, a digital ad campaign against progressive New York attorney general candidate Zephyr Teachout began, funded with a six-figure donation from a prominent real estate figure who’s backing her opponent Sean Patrick Maloney.
Watchdog Groups Urge House to Pass Anti-Corruption Rules Following Collins Arrest
Thirteen organizations are calling on members of the U.S. House to pass a recent resolution that would prevent members from serving on the boards of publicly traded companies after Rep. Chris Collins was arrested on fraud charges.
With $10 Billion Defense Contract Pending, Jeff Bezos Donates Millions to Put Veterans in Congress
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and his wife made their largest political contribution to date to a super PAC dedicated to electing military veterans for federal office.