campaign finance reform Archives | 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.

Meme Coins & 747s: Campaign Finance Reformer Doris “Granny D” Haddock’s Immortal Words on Memorial Day

May 25, 2025May 25, 2025

As the egregious violations of the emoluments clause add up, with unknown millions in dark money contributed during the transition, another $240 million in inaugural donations, and now peddling meme coins and receiving a Boeing 747, I wonder what Granny D would have said. My guess? She'd be circling the U.S. Capitol again.

NYC’s Embattled Mayor Denied $4.5 Million in Matching Funds from City’s Public Campaign Finance Funding System

December 19, 2024December 19, 2024

New York City Mayor Eric Adams was denied access to over $4 million dollars in matching public funding for his 2025 campaign, due to questions over an ongoing federal investigation and accusations of financial mismanagement.

The Presidential Transition Turns Into One Big Dark Money Special Interest Swamp

November 25, 2024November 25, 2024

Federal election law governs campaign contributions directly to Presidential candidates. But when an incoming administration refuses to follow the Presidential transition rules, those contributions become an unregulated spigot of special interest dark money.

SCOTUS Turns Down Case Challenging Alaska’s Dark Money Disclosure Law. Great News for Voters and a Possibly a Future Case in Maine.

November 20, 2024November 20, 2024

A 2020 Alaska ballot initiative took steps to shine a light on dark money campaign funding. The U.S. Supreme Court just turned down a challenge to that law, and it may be good news for an expected case in Maine.