news of the day 1/13/05

Washington State news

See Military ballots sent out on time, county logs show, Election -suit Judge Recuses Self, and Minnesota Had Closer Race in '62. Political Wire collects stories on funding for the continued Washington controversy.

"Ohio Pulls Plug on Electronic Voting"

The Cleveland Plain Dealer offers this report.

"Big Money Contributors Line Up for Inauguration"

The Washington Post offers this report.

"Turning Out the Watchdogs"

The New York Times offers this editorial asking for pro-reform commissioners to be appointed to the FEC.

"Loosening Term Limits: Key Lies in Honest Remapping"

George Skelton offers this Capitol Journal column.

More on California Initiative Campaign Finance Questions

Following up on my post from yesterday, Lance Olson writes:

Your reference to the FPPC "regulation" that limits contributions to $25,000 for committees that run ads at the behest of a candidate and that feature the candidate within 45 days of an election (Govt. Code section 85310) would not apply to the Governor if he calls a special election this fall--at least not as interpreted by the FPPC. FPPC regulation 18531.10(c) limits the application of 85310 to circumstances where the candidate featured is appearing on the ballot within 45 days. Of course, the Governor will not appear on the special election ballot. By the way, if the Governor were to cooperate in filming the ad, there would be little question that it was made at his behest.
Thanks for writing! If the FPPC's interpretation would hold up, that of course makes a very big hole in the FPPC's attempt to regulate ballot measure committees that act as alter egos of candidates. One way to counteract this interpretation is to expand the definition of what counts as candidate "control."

Emily's List Challenges Some of the FEC's BCRA Regulations on Allocations

The complaint and supporting papers are now available. Bob Bauer has filed the suit on behalf of Emily's List.

"Call It Democracy" Premiere

This documentary by Matt Kohn premieres this weekend at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Call It Democracy will screen on Friday, January 14 at 12:00 PM and on Sunday, January 16 at 6:00 PM. Both showings will take place at Camelot Theaters, 2300 East Baristo Road, Palm Springs, California (http://www.camelottheatres.com/).

"Democracy at Risk" Now Free on Line

A few weeks ago, I noted a special American Prospect report on election administration. It is now available here without a subscription.

"Stolen Election?"

The Wall Street Journal offers this editorial on the Washington state controversy.

-- 
Professor Rick Hasen 
Loyola Law School 
919 Albany Street 
Los Angeles, CA  90015-1211 
(213)736-1466 - voice 
(213)380-3769 - fax 
rick.hasen@lls.edu 
http://www.lls.edu/academics/faculty/hasen.html 
http://electionlawblog.org