Campaign Finance Disclosure Decision Means Rove, Others Could Suddenly Have To Disclose Donors
WASHINGTON -- One of the most consequential campaign finance loopholes affecting the 2012 race -- the one allowing big-money donors to secretly funnel millions into campaign ads -- is now closed, after an appellate court ruling on Monday.
On Monday, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit turned down a request to stay that ruling on a 2 to 1 vote.
“This case represents the first major breakthrough in the effort to restore for the public the disclosure of contributors who are secretly providing massive amounts to influence federal elections," said Democracy 21 President Fred Wertheimer, one of the lawyers who filed the original lawsuit that led to the April decision, in a statement.
The office of House Administration Committee ranking Democrat Robert A. Brady issued a statement Tuesday saying, "As of today, any entity creating electioneering communications will have to disclose the identity of their top donors."
"As far as we see, the groups now have an obligation, pursuant to the district court ruling, to disclose all their donors of over $1,000," said Tara Malloy, a lawyer with the Campaign Legal Center, a group that aims to reduce the influence of money in politics.
"A secretive network of left-wing billionaires and their political operatives descended on the luxurious Biltmore Hotel in Miami over the weekend to discuss strategy for the coming elections.
The location of the conference had been kept a closely guarded secret by the members and guests of Democracy Alliance (DA), a collection of ultra-wealthy liberal donors formed in 2005, and is reported here in a Washington Free Beacon exclusive.
Attendees roamed the grounds at the 150-acre tropical resort on their way to cocktail gatherings, salsa dance lessons, and workshops such as “Occupy the Voting Booth” and “The 1 Percent Rule.” Local police guarded entrances as members attended a “partners only” meeting in the hotel’s Country Club Courtyard."
Downside of disclosing donors can be found in California on the Gay Marriage ballot question. Some people who had been politically incorrect and donated to defeat gay marriage found themselves losing their jobs and facing public threats for supporting a majority posistion.
Our votes are still private but our donations aren't?
Thomas Sowell: There are no solutions, just trade-offs.
neptunechimney wrote: "A secretive network of left-wing billionaires and their political operatives descended on the luxurious Biltmore Hotel in Miami over the weekend to discuss strategy for the coming elections.
The location of the conference had been kept a closely guarded secret by the members and guests of Democracy Alliance (DA), a collection of ultra-wealthy liberal donors formed in 2005, and is reported here in a Washington Free Beacon exclusive.
Attendees roamed the grounds at the 150-acre tropical resort on their way to cocktail gatherings, salsa dance lessons, and workshops such as “Occupy the Voting Booth” and “The 1 Percent Rule.” Local police guarded entrances as members attended a “partners only” meeting in the hotel’s Country Club Courtyard."
Actually if you give as a private citizen to any candidate or party, your donations are already public information. Have to monitor to see that people aren't giving over the limits.
Thomas Sowell: There are no solutions, just trade-offs.
Grand Rapids, Michigan (CNN) -- President Obama appeared at two recent fundraisers with some serious sticker shock.
About 200 people ponied up at least $5,000 per ticket for an event hosted by Ricky Martin. That was followed by a function at a private home where 60 people spent $38,500 each to get through the door.
Just last week, Obama -- with George Clooney -- raised $15 million in one night. This makes me wonder how in the hell our political process became so distorted that Obama needs this much money to run for re-election.
Let's take away the $200 million war chests that Obama has been able to amass in both 2008 and 2012, and force him and future candidates to find a way to persuade the country to vote for them without relying on their ability to outspend their opponent.
But I guess those messy details are easy to overlook in a country with an 8.1% unemployment rate, whose leaders still find it appropriate to hold fundraisers for rich people.
FredHayek wrote: Actually if you give as a private citizen to any candidate or party, your donations are already public information. Have to monitor to see that people aren't giving over the limits.
Yes, to "candidate or party"...but NOT to PACs like Crossroads/GPS...
FredHayek wrote: Actually if you give as a private citizen to any candidate or party, your donations are already public information. Have to monitor to see that people aren't giving over the limits.
Yes, to "candidate or party"...but NOT to PACs like Crossroads/GPS...
