Dark Money Archives | Page 2 of 13 | American Democracy Minute

A Maine Ballot Initiative Limiting State Contributions to SuperPACs was Also Ruled Unconstitutional. This One, However, Might Reach SCOTUS.

July 24, 2025July 24, 2025

We reported last fall that Maine voters approved Ballot Question 1, limiting contributions to SuperPACs spending money in state elections. It passed with massive voter support, but like the state’s foreign influence ban, was ruled as likely unconstitutional. That’s what organizers hoped would happen.

Federal 1st Circuit Deems Maine Ballot Initiative Limiting Foreign Spending in State Elections is Likely Unconstitutional

July 23, 2025July 23, 2025

The voices of 86% of Maine voters were silenced July 14th as a federal appeals court found a 2023 ballot initiative limiting political spending by foreign-owned corporations likely violates the Constitution’s right to free speech.

New ProPublica Reporting Suggests DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Failed to Disclose $80,000 Payment from a Dark Money Group to Her LLC

July 2, 2025July 2, 2025

ProPublica is reporting an alleged $80,000 disclosure omission by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in her federal executive branch disclosure form, an ethics violation. Noem appears to have received a 2023 commission for fundraising for a dark money nonprofit group.

U.S. Supreme Court Takes Case Challenging Limits on Political Party Spending. It Could Open Up Another Flood of Money into Campaigns.

July 1, 2025July 1, 2025

The U.S. Supreme Court decided in Buckley vs. Valeo and Citizens United that unlimited money spent for campaigns equaled free speech, and enabled the rise of Super PACs. But it kept limits on certain types of spending by political parties. A case by Republicans heard in the high court this fall tests those limits.

Bill Moyers, Journalist and Keen Observer of Democracy, Dies at 91

June 30, 2025June 30, 2025

Distinguished television journalist Bill Moyers died June 26th at age 91. In his long career, he earned 30 Emmy awards, served as President Lyndon Johnson’s press secretary, helped found public broadcasting, and was a stalwart voice for democracy and democracy reform.