Money in Politics Archives | Page 6 of 8 | American Democracy Minute

It’s Been a Year Since the East Palestine Toxic Train Derailment. Since then, the Rail Industry Spent Millions in Congress to Stop More Regulation.

February 4, 2024February 4, 2024

February 3rd, 2023, 38 Norfolk Southern rail cars detailed in East Palestine, OH, 20 of which carried hazardous materials, and 11 of which caught fire. The Railway Safety Act was filed shortly after in Congress, but in 2023, Norfolk Southern and the rail industry spent millions to kill it.

By the 14th Anniversary of Citizens United, SuperPACs and Candidates Spent Over $300 Million in IA, NH & SC

January 24, 2024January 24, 2024

January 21st was the 14th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, which opened the floodgates of money in political campaigns. In Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, over $300 Million dollars has already been spent in just three early races.

After a Canadian Utility Spent $22 Million Dollars to Influence a Ballot Measure, Maine Voters Ban Foreign Money in State Elections

November 12, 2023November 13, 2023

With an astounding 86.4% vote on November 7th, Maine passed a citizen ballot initiative banning foreign campaign contributions to state candidates and ballot measures. How much foreign money could there be in a Maine election? More than you think.

In Another Step Backwards, New Hampshire Legislators Kill Online Voter Registration & Remove Limits on Political Group Donations to Candidates

June 27, 2023June 27, 2023

New Hampshire’s former Secretary of State once said, “You can’t hack a pencil.” That 19th century philosophy resulted in the Granite State falling behind most of the country in its voting technology and election law. Last week, it got worse, not better.

Rebroadcast of “Shedding Light on Dark Money: How the Wealthy Use LLCs to Circumvent Personal Donation Limits”

June 22, 2023June 23, 2023

Our Dark Money series has explored how the member stockholders of Limited Liability Corporations can use LLCs to HIDE their political donations. Now we’ll see how the wealthy use the “LLC Loophole” to circumvent a state’s personal contribution limits.