Independent Spending on Rise
A Wednesday Wall Street Journal story (paid subscription required) confirms that federal campaign finance reform has reduced accountability and led to increased polarization in politics. Because of restrictions on giving to political parties and to individual federal candidates, an enormous amount of money is flowing to independent groups that tend to be more extremist and that have no limits on contributions and no requirements to disclose donors or amounts given.
Spending by independent groups comprised nearly 20% of all money spent on federal campaigns in 2006, up from just 7% in 2000. Spending by political parties is down over the same period. Independent groups “have begun to rival the parties as an election-season financial force … the shift could further polarize the American political landscape … ”
The Journal story notes that financier George Soros donated more than $200,000 to the Democratic Party before campaign law restrictions in 2002 prevented such large donations. Since then, he has given at least $20 million to unregulated and unaccountable independent organizations.
The best campaign finance reform would allow anyone to contribute any amount they want to candidates and political parties, but would require strict and immediate full disclosure on an Internet site so voters could judge accordingly.
Credit Crunch vs. Inflation
Utah economist Jeff Thredgold’s Tea Leaf economic update this week focuses on the challenges faced by the Federal Reserve, which must balance the need to cut interest rates against alarming inflationary pressures.
Washington Watch
Hatch Floor Speeches
Sen. Orrin Hatch delivers a speech on the Senate floor in support of the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension of 2007 (see press release); in a speech, Hatch pays tribute to his long-time chief of staff, Patricia Knight, who's retiring at the end of the year (press release).
Bennett Secures $$ for Utah
The Senate approves a major spending bill that includes over $290 million for Utah projects requested by Sen. Bob Bennett (see press release).
Matheson Seeks Warning Label
Rep. Jim Matheson proposes an amendment to a consumer protection reform bill that would add "a warning label for ceramic dishes and other food containers to alert consumers of possible lead content" (see press release).
Today in Political History
Dec. 20, 1686: The Dominion of New England is formed through consolidation of the New England colonies. Sir Edmund Andros is made governor. In 1687 he assumes the government of Connecticut and demands the charter, which Captain William Wadsworth concealed in a hollow tree, the famous Charter Oak. (Encyclopedia of World History. 2001)
Dec. 20, 1860: South Carolina adopts an Ordinance of Secession, testing the concept of the state's right to secede from the Union. (Source: Perspicuity)
Dec. 20, 1989: The United States launches Operation Just Cause, sending troops into Panama to topple the government of General Manuel Noriega. (New York Times)
Dec. 20, 2002: Trent Lott resigns as Senate Republican leader two weeks after a controversy over racially charged remarks. (Source: NBC5)
Wise Words
"The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite."
-- James Madison, Federalist No. 45 (Source: GMU.edu)
2008 Campaign Calendar
The Iowa caucuses are two weeks from today, and the 2008 presidential campaign is rocketing ahead. Within just six weeks, some 30 states will have held their Republican and/or Democratic presidential primaries and caucuses. Quickly following Iowa’s Jan. 3 caucuses, Wyoming holds Republican caucuses on Jan. 5, then New Hampshire holds its primary on Jan. 8. Then comes Michigan, Nevada, South Carolina and Florida by the end of January. On Feb. 5, a semi-national primary occurs with more than 20 states holding presidential nominating events. Utah is among those states, holding its primary on Feb. 5 for both parties.
National Politics
Best Stories From . . .
-- Washington Post: "Sens. Barack Obama ... and Hillary Rodham Clinton ... remain deadlocked in Iowa, with former senator John Edwards ... trailing, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll that underscores the importance of the massive efforts the Democratic candidates have set in motion to turn out supporters on Jan. 3."
-- New York Times: "[Mike Huckabee] is attempting one of the tougher transitions in politics: from also-ran to novelty act to overnight leader, with all the new scrutiny, expectation and attention that brings."
-- The Hill: "Despite rock-bottom approval ratings for Congress, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Wednesday the chances are 'rather slim' that Republicans will win a Senate majority in 2008."
-- USA Today: Columnist Frank Newport: "Here are two numbers to contemplate: 27% and 84%. The former is the percent of Americans who are satisfied with the way things are going in the U.S. The latter is the percent of Americans who are satisfied with the way things are going in their personal lives. Things are terrible 'out there', Americans tell us. But in their own lives, things are not bad at all."
Blog Watch
-- At Utah State Democratic Party, Wayne Holland says of liberal activist Lawrence O'Donnell's anti-Mormon tirade on The McLaughlin Group last week: "Mr. O'Donnell, Democrats in Utah do not associate themselves with your commentary. We reject it entirely. ... Members of the LDS Church claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of their own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. And, they honor the civic compact of our nation by believing in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. That's how it is in America, Mr. O'Donnell. That is our social contract. I think you owe Mitt Romney, the members of the LDS Church, and the Democratic Party an apology."
-- The Thicket posts a link to this press release outlining the NCSL's top 10 issues facing state legislatures in 2008.
Lighter Side
It was just before Christmas and the judge was in a happy mood. He asked the prisoner who was brought before him,” What are you charged with?” The prisoner replied, “Doing my Christmas shopping too early.”
“That’s no crime,” said the judge. “Just how early were you doing this shopping?” “Before the store opened,” answered the prisoner. |
