Today, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5 – 4 decision, struck down Arizona’s supplemental public financing grants paid on the basis of an opponent’s level of spending. The majority reasoned that the constitutional problem is “the manner in which … Continue reading →

Some stories about public campaign financing get a visceral response.  For example, how many public dollars are distributed to candidates during an election and how much of that money is not being recovered after the election is over?  The public’s … Continue reading →

As another New York state legislative session ticks down to the inevitable deal-making climax, campaign finance reform advocates may once again begin to echo that old Brooklyn Dodgers refrain: “wait until next year!” Despite earlier high hopes, inaction seems likely … Continue reading →

In the U.S. Supreme Court, the last oral argument of the term was in Nevada Ethics Commission v. Carrigan, concerning whether a Sparks, Nevada, city councilmember may be censured by the Nevada Ethics Commission for casting a legislative vote on … Continue reading →

Today the Supreme Court hears oral argument on the constitutionality of Arizona’s public financing system, a case with  implications both local and nationwide.   The question presented: Under the First Amendment is a state prohibited from giving additional money to a … Continue reading →

As we previously noted, last November NYC voters  passed an amendment to the City Charter requiring disclosure of independent expenditures .  Today the CFB is holding a hearing on the topic to inform its future rulemaking.  Here is testimony submitted … Continue reading →

Last November, New York City voters adopted a Charter revision proposal to require public disclosure of independent expenditures in City elections. Now comes the hard part: adopting rules to flesh out just what these new disclosure and disclaimer requirements will … Continue reading →

In his State of the State address this week, Governor Andrew Cuomo advocated public financing of campaigns, an element of his campaign’s reform platform. As with most advocacy of campaign finance and government ethics reform in New York, one hears … Continue reading →

The Supreme Court has agreed to decide the constitutionality of a provision of Arizona’s public campaign finance law, which issues additional government funding to publicly funded candidates who face high-spending opponents. The outcome of the case could have consequences for … Continue reading →

On November 2, 2010, New York City voters overwhelmingly passed two Charter Revision Commission proposals that amended the New York City Charter.  Question 1 concerned the reduction of term limits for elected officials.  Question 2 contained various substantive elements, including … Continue reading →