MOST EXPENSIVE CAMPAIGNS IN CALIFORNIA IN 2014

The most expensive races are often the most competitive.  The Sacramento Bee has a comprehensive article on the numbers from the last election cycle.  Keep in mind that the totals include both spending by the candidates and independent expenditures.  You can access the article here.

VOTER APATHY IN CALIFORNIA

Amy Walter of Cook Political Report has an interesting article analyzing whether the top-two primary and other election changes have helped make elections more competitive or encouraged voter turnout.  Definitely worth a read.  You can access the full article here.

FPPC’S ENFORCEMENT CHIEF STEPS DOWN

The Sacramento Bee reports today that Gary Winuk, Chief of the Enforcement Division of the FPPC has resigned.  You can read more here.

THE FATE OF INDEPENDENT REDISTRICTING COMMISSIONS

KQED’s John Myers has a great story on a case pending before the Supreme Court on whether independent redistricting commissions are constitutional, and how it could affect California.  You can find the original article here.

Governor Brown Declares Special Elections

Governor Brown has declared special elections for Senate Districts 7, 21 and 37.  The Primary will be held on March 17, 2015 and the General Election will be on May 19, 2015.

The text of the proclamation can be read here.

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POLITICO’S HISTORY OF WOMEN IN THE SENATE

Check out Politico’s great “secret” history of women serving in the US Senate. The article can be found here.

Increased Contribution Limits for National Party Committees

Since national parties may now accept contributions of up to $45,000 per year from multicandidate PACs $97,200 per year from other contributors, the FEC has announced that the parties may now open new accounts for acceptance of these funds.

You can read the press release from the FEC here.

Are Elections Getting More Expensive? New data says maybe but maybe not.

Every Election is the Most Expensive Election. Or Not.  This is a very interesting New York Times article on comparing campaign finance data from one election to the next – there are too many variables and not enough consistent data to draw firm conclusions. In addition, campaign finance laws are constantly changing (and one big reason why firms like this one exist).

FEC Releases Statement on Campaign Finance Portion of #CRomnibus

This week, the Federal Election Commission announced it would be considering regulations and guidance to the public with regards to the campaign finance portions of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (H.R. 83).

The relevant portions of the bill raise contribution limits to federal political parties.  You can read the release here.

Money in Politics: Contempt Across Party Lines

There’s no question your average voter hates campaign spending. However, the average voter is also against taking private money out of campaigning and publicly financing campaigns. What’s the answer? I’m not sure anyone has that figured out.

Make your own decision about money in politics after reading the LA Times article titled Where campaign spending was highest, disdain for it is bipartisan.