Analysis & Commentary
Democracy
Bringing Transparency to Maryland Elections
Dark money in politics poses a serious threat to our democracy. Maryland's disclosure laws are some of the worst in the country, but a new bill, currently awaiting the governor's signature, seeks to bring clarity on the Chesapeake.
Authored by: Mimi Marziani
– 04/22/11
Did Marge Have a Bake Sale or Did Monty Burns Write a Check?
Many of the financial disclosure laws that govern our elections are woefully out of date. Oregon's Legislature is currently considering a bill that would fix this problem through improved on-ad disclaimers.
Authored by: Ciara Torres-Spelliscy
– 04/16/11
Judicial Public Financing in Wisconsin — 2011
This page reflects Wisconsin judicial advertisements in 2011.
– 04/05/11
Citizens Get United
Lady Gaga broke ties with Target because of their anti-LGBT political spending, but now we must fight for more corporate transparency laws so citizens can see who is spending money and where.
Authored by: Ciara Torres-Spelliscy
– 03/24/11
Voter ID Legislation in the States
This legislative session, at least 38 states are considering or have considered some type of voter ID and/or proof of citizenship legislation. This document lists the status of each voter ID bill under consideration.
Authored by: Nhu-Y Ngo & Keesha Gaskins
– 03/22/11
We Can’t Rely Only on Whistle-Blowers
Months after the 2010 elections ended, America is still waiting for insiders to come forward to let the public know where the secret money in campaigns came from. That is why America needs more robust transparency laws.
Authored by: Ciara Torres-Spelliscy
– 03/17/11
Trust but Verify…
As elections turn into fundraising arms races, we need stricter disclosure laws to shine a light on spending. Voters must be able to "trust but verify" the true source of money in politics.
Authored by: Ciara Torres-Spelliscy
– 03/01/11
Letter: Maryland Needs Greater Campaign-Finance Transparency
In the political arena, hit-and-run political ads are a growing phenomenon, but thoughtful legislation in the Maryland legislature could put an end to this problem.
Authored by: Ciara Torres-Spelliscy
– 02/14/11
Monica Youn Discusses Judicial Activism
At an American Constitution Society panel, Monica Youn discusses judicial activism in the federal court system.
– 02/08/11
Filibuster Reform’s Small Steps
With the start of a new session, the time was ripe for the Senate to reform its archaic procedural rules and curb obstruction – to do something about rampant filibuster abuse. It has apparently missed its opportunity for real reform.
Authored by: Mimi Marziani and Diana Lee
– 01/27/11