FEC Supports Unlimited Funding for 'Independent Expenditure' Committees

The Federal Election Commission has approved advisory opinions to help guide political organizations that want to take advantage of looser campaign finance restrictions.
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Groups Launch Ad, Grassroots Campaign for Public Financing of Congressional Elections

Common Cause and Public Campaign will use TV ads and state-based grassroots efforts to push a public-financing bill designed to limit the influence of corporate spending in congressional races.
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SEC Tightens 'Pay-to-Play' Rules in Public Pension Arena

In a move that could put a dent in fundraising for some politicians, the Securities and Exchange Commission has voted to tighten rules on "pay-to-play" in the public pension arena.
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Obama Makes it Official: No Lobbyists on Advisory Panels

President Obama has made a ban on lobbyists serving on executive agency advisory boards an official part of his administration policy.
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House Passes Democratic Response to Citizens United Ruling

Responding to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that loosened spending restrictions on corporations, associations and unions in federal elections, the House has passed a bill that strengthens disclosure provisions for campaign spending and restricts campaign money from government contractors and foreign-controlled companies.
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Council’s New International Public Affairs Survey is Now Open for Participation

As multinational firms expand their global operations, creating and managing public affairs practices outside one's home country becomes a critical tool for maintaining supply chains, expanding markets and ensuring growth. To help companies negotiate the challenges of managing an international public affairs practice, the Council invites companies to participate in its 2010 International Public Affairs Benchmarking Survey.
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FEC Deems Citizens United Part of Press, Exempt From Disclosure Regs

An advocacy group whose Supreme Court victory loosened campaign spending restrictions for corporations, unions and associations is exempt from disclosure laws because the group's film operations are part of the press, federal regulators have decided.
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Alaska and Colorado Join List of States Complying With Citizens United

Alaska and Colorado have joined a growing list of states passing legislation to comply with the Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling, which loosened spending restrictions on corporations, associations and unions in federal elections.
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Virginia Adopts Pay-to-Play Law

Virginia has adopted pay-to-play restrictions that prohibit potential state government contractors from giving the governor or certain secretaries gifts or political contributions worth more than $50 when a bid award is pending.
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Bill Would Prevent Congressional Members From Becoming Lobbyists

Members of Congress could never register as lobbyists after leaving elected office under a bill introduced by Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo.
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