Disclosure gaps widen as political money surges
As campaign spending soars, donors and recipients remain opaque. Mississippi lawmakers funded benefits including a BMW and $800 cowboy boots, while Wisconsin scrutiny tied to a "sugar daddy" dating site exposed donor misreporting. Critics say current law gaps, court rulings, and weak federal action shield donors, pushing reform to states. experts urge faster, broader disclosure to restore voter trust and pressure Congress to act.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
Mississippi
Wisconsin
Scott Walker
Hasen
Congress
Plutocrats United
Supreme Court
McAuliffe vetoes coal tax credit extension
Governor Terry McAuliffe vetoed a bill extending coal related tax credits saying they have failed to protect mining jobs and cost the state hundreds of millions. The General Assembly approved the measure, but the veto awaits possible Senate support when lawmakers reconvene in April.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
McAuliffe
Richmond
Terry McAuliffe
General Assembly
Senate
Virginia lawmakers tweak ethics rules beat limit on gifts
The Virginia General Assembly approved minor changes to ethics rules and rejected a broader rollback. Lawmakers may accept unlimited gifts under twenty dollars, while the existing cap remains for higher value gifts from lobbyists or others. The Senate sought broader meal and drink exemptions, but the House blocked the measure.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Richmond, Va
Virginia
General Assembly
Senate
House
Court decision puts candidate contribution limits at risk
The Citizens United ruling is being used to challenge state caps on direct contributions to candidates in Alaska Montana and New Mexico. Indiana attorney James Bopp leads suits arguing limits are vulnerable while supporters warn of corruption risks and reduced accountability. Montana's 1994 caps, among the lowest, face a potential end if the 9th Circuit ruling stands.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
U.S. Supreme Court
Citizens United
Supreme Court
Helena
Mont
US. Supreme Court
Alaska
Montana
New Mexico
James Bopp
Indiana
Jonathan Mott
U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
California
Bopp
9Th Circuit
Appeals Court
Jessica Levinson
Loyola Law School
Los Angeles
New York City
Mercer BOE to meet in special session
Mercer County Board of Education will hold a special session on Tuesday March 15 at 4 p.m. in Room 100 at the Mercer County Technical Education Center Princeton. Agenda items include personnel and student and employee disciplinary actions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mercer Boe
Princeton
Mercer County Board of Education
Mercer County Technical Education Center
Stafford Drive
Types of groups influencing political spending
An overview of actors funding elections. Candidates at federal state and local levels must disclose donors and spending though state rules vary. PACs and Super PACs report donors with Super PACs raising unlimited funds but not directly giving to candidates. 527 groups and 501 c tax nonprofits also raise or spend for political aims, with IRS registration and donor disclosure varying by type.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Congress
Supreme Court
Antonin Scalia
David Donnelly
Every Voice
Donnelly
Ashington
Wisconsin
Political Action Committees
IRS
Also Mentioned on This Page
Richard Hasen
University of California, Irvine
Federal Election Commissions
Eric DiNovo
St. Joseph's University
University of Georgia
Wade Center
St. Joseph’s University
Bridget Goodwin
Emily Kelly
Airport Road
King Tire
Green Valley
E.M. Saddler
Mercer County Sheriff's Department
Saddler
Bluefield Rescue Squad
Bluewell Volunteer Fire Department
Bluefield
Raritan Club
Serona
Sun Valley Raritan Club
Lerena
Rt. 20
Athens
Fairofmer
Cercounty.com
BSC Board of Govs
Bluefield State College Board of Governors
Boyd
Conley Hall
Bsc
DHHR
West Virginia
Karen Farmer
Mercer County
Rocky Gap Tree Service
VA & WV
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