Posts tagged elections
Holding Politicians Accountable
Presidential candidates have already raised $377 million for the 2016 election cycle, "more than the presidential candidates raised for the entire primary election of 2000."
Buzzfeed: Rubio Skipped Closed-Door Briefing On ISIS For Fundraising Trip
That thing when you’re too busy angling for a promotion to do your current job:
“While Sen. Marco Rubio was on a big fundraising swing through California, he missed a top secret intelligence briefing on ISIS from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and two closed Intelligence Committee briefings from that period, according to records.”
Sixty percent of the money — more than $600 million — spent by so-called super PACs since 2010 was contributed by fewer than 200 donors and their spouses
That’s a lot of influence for very few people
“The 100 biggest campaign donors gave $323 million in 2014 — almost as much as the $356 million given by the estimated 4.75 million people who gave $200 or less, a POLITICO analysis of campaign finance filings found.” (Politico)
New report from Demos and USPIRG: “ Large donors accounted for the vast majority of all individual federal election contributions this cycle, just as they have in previous elections. Seven of every 10 individual contribution dollars to the federal candidates, parties, PACs and Super PACs that were active in the 2013-2014 election cycle came from donors who gave $200 or more.”
Almost $4 billion will be spent for this year’s midterm election...That figure makes this year’s election by far the most expensive midterm ever.
She’s right (via People for the American Way).
Huffington Post: Senate Candidates Actually Debate The Insidious Influence Of Money In Politics
“The influence of money in politics was long treated as a side issue during the campaign season. But this year, in at least a half-dozen Senate races, large contributions to and big spending by independent super PACs and nonprofits have featured as key topics in candidate debates.”
Every Voice’s David Donnelly on why this might be: “It’s an issue that appeals to conservatives as well as to progressives. It’s smart politics not just to blast money in politics but to say what you’re for.”
Billionaires have donated $113.7 million to federal campaigns so far this cycle
(and that only includes the donations that are disclosed)
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(Via)