FirstEnergy Defends Its Role in $61 Million Bribery Scheme
The company claims its millions in donations to a dark money group that pleaded guilty to bribing politicians on its behalf are protected by the First Amendment.
Democracy
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Politicians Can Raise Unlimited Money to Repay Themselves, Court Rules
In a case brought by Ted Cruz, a D.C. court determined that capping loan repayments violated donors’ free speech rights.
Stripe and Donorbox Face Calls to Cut Off Jan. 6 Rally Organizers
Both companies have terms of service that prohibit organizations that encourage violence.
35 States at Risk of 'Rigged' Districts Due to Gerrymandering, Report Finds
The report finds that a wide swath of the South is at risk of “extreme” partisan gerrymandering.
Democrats’ Public Financing Proposal Could Give Small Donors More Influence
Public campaign financing programs in states and cities across the country have grown in use by candidates and have been strengthened by voters in recent years.
Virginia Senate Blocks Ban on Personal Use of Campaign Funds
While lawmakers killed a bill to rein in their often-lavish personal spending of campaign money, the state approved a study this year of comprehensive reform measures.
Powerful Reps Rely on Corporate PACs to Pay Their Committee Taxes
Secret pay-to-play systems used by both parties have led to key committees being run by the most corporate PAC-reliant members of Congress.
Conservative Groups Launch Misinformation Campaign Against HR 1
Ads and social media graphics from two major conservative groups contain misleading and inaccurate information about the Democratic campaign finance reform bill.
Pelosi-Controlled Committee Blocks Votes on Congressional Stock Trading
Paul Pelosi would have to give up his stock trading if bipartisan bills on blind trusts were allowed to advance.
House Dems Pass Sweeping Campaign Finance and Voting Reform Bill
The landmark democracy reform package moves on to a Senate hearing later this month.