The integrity of our election system demands effective, non-partisan policing of phony non-profits — evenly applied to groups on both sides of the political aisle. After the IRS controversy, Congress must set clear rules regulating political activity by non-profits, instead of leveraging it for partisan gain.

A new report from the Center for Public Integrity reveals nearly 200 judges attended seminars sponsored by foundations and multinational corporations — groups who are also frequent litigants in federal courts.

Spending by shadowy outside groups has become increasingly pervasive everywhere, including in New York elections. Unless we change the system with reforms like meaningful disclosure rules and public campaign financing, this crisis will only grow worse.

New York State implemented the nation’s first system of disclosure for funding sources of specified lobbying entities spending more than $50,000 per year on lobbying expenditures.