Other Reforms
Reducing corruption and increasing participation in politics are essential goals to ensure a well-functioning democracy. To reduce corruption, the Brennan Center supports efforts to reduce the role of special interest money in elections. But reform measures must be careful not to choke off legitimate—often, highly valuable—efforts to increase voter participation. With these principles in mind, the Brennan Center has engaged in legal and policy research and advocacy on the regulation of so-called "527" organizations and other organizations whose activities affect politics and policy-making.In addition to helping draft campaign finance laws, the Brennan Center is committed to the fair interpretation and enforcement of federal campaign finance laws by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). The FEC was designed to fail. Routine appointments of three Democrats and three Republicans has led to partisan deadlock, timidity or active opposition to reform. Weak enforcement undermines even strong laws. The Center is working to ensure that the Federal Elections Commission, which enforces federal campaign finance laws, acts to promote the goals of existing campaign finance regulations.
Colorado Right to Life Committee v. Davidson
This case, filed in July 2003, involved a challenge to Colorado’s regulation of electioneering communications.
A month after the Supreme Court’s decision in McConnell v. FEC, the Sixth Circuit seemed to ignore McConnell in striking down many provisions of Kentucky campaign finance law.
This case involved a challenge to mandatory spending limits for mayor and city council in the City of Albuquerque.
Minus FEC Quorum, Lobbyists Still Bundled Up
Former lobbyist Jack Abramoff will be sentenced this September, according to papers filed by prosecutors and defense attorneys this week in federal court....
Some cases are just too ugly even for the Supreme Court, it appears. Last week it refused to grant review to a claim from Washington State challenging an important principle: the requirement that outside groups disclose their electoral spending....
“Millionaires’ Amendment” Before the Court
Tomorrow, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case testing the constitutionality of the so-called “Millionaires’ Amendment” of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act ("BCRA," also known as “McCain-Feingold")....
Illustrations by Risko
Advocates Urge Court to Dismiss Challenge to N. Carolina’s Successful Public Campaign Finance Law
The Center and the North Carolina Department of Justice submitted a brief urging the Supreme Court to refrain from reviewing a Fourth Circuit decision upholding North Carolina’s innovative program.
Study: Recent Attacks on NJ’s Clean Elections Program are Unfounded & False
Brennan Center releases exhaustive analysis debunking a survey by the Center for Competitive Politics (CCP), an organization ideologically opposed to campaign finance reform, which claimed that New Jersey’s Clean Elections public funding program is unsuccessful.
Surge in Political Spending By Outside Groups Draws Scrutiny of Legal Limits
New Brennan Center Playbook Explains Impact of Supreme Court Campaign Finance Decision on States and Judicial Elections
Testimony to the New York City Council on Proposed “Pay-to-Play” Regulations
Ciara Torres-Spelliscy assessed the constitutionality of the city’s proposal to limit campaign contributions from lobbyists and city contractors.
Testimony of Suzanne Novak to the Connecticut General Assembly
Suzanne Novak offers constitutional analysis and recommendations for revision of Connecticut’s comprehensive campaign finance reform legislation.
Fixing Congress: Oil Companies Out, Voters In
In light of Sen. Ted Stevens, piece notes Congress should act quickly next spring to pass the Fair Elections Now Act.
Money and Politics: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Remarks from the Governor of Arizona at the Brennan Center’s first Living Constitution Lecture
James Sample advocates reform of the Federal Election Commission.