I agree with Rick's recent admonition that "I understand emotions are high around election time.  Let's try to keep the sarcasm and nastiness in check on all sides."  I was guilty of sarcasm in one of my posts, I regret having done so and I apologize to those offended.  I do wonder if this post meets Rick's standards?  Jim Bopp

"Despicable! That's the best description of how readers should feel about John Raese's attempt to buy their opinion."

That's how this editorial in the News and Sentinel (West Virginia) begins. The editorial explains that "Raese, the Republican candidate for the unexpired term of the late Sen. Robert Byrd, is offering to pay a West Virginian in each county who submits the most published letters to the editor in support of his candidacy, which can only be seen as ethically disgusting and insulting to those who truly have a political opinion they wish to share with newspaper readers."

Actual vote buying through absentee ballots remains a problem in West Virginia.

 

September 28, 2010

Blogging Schedule

I earlier noted a work crunch which is affecting my blogging schedule. While I'm finishing up two projects, Dan Tokaji has generously agreed to guest blog from Sept. 30 through October 7. I still may put up some posts from time to time, but during the next week please send any tips to Dan.

After next week, I expect to do some extra election-related blogging and commentary.

Posted by Rick Hasen at 09:09 PM

"Rivals Reach Consensus on New Earmark Rules"

The NY Times offers this report. "The plan, which the lobbyists and watchdog groups have been presenting to Congressional staff members in recent closed-door meetings, would limit the contributions that lawmakers can take from the beneficiaries of earmarks they arrange. Top officials from companies getting earmarks would be limited to donating $5,000 to lawmakers in each two-year election cycle, and they would not be allowed to give at all while seeking an earmark."

Posted by Rick Hasen at 08:58 PM

"Likely Losses of House Seats in Midwest Stir Partisan Feuds"

The NY Times offers this report.

Posted by Rick Hasen at 08:29 PM

They Want to Stop You From Voting

First conservatives railed against liberals for supporting appointment, rather than election, of state judges.

Now liberals attack Tea Party conservatives for arguing for repeal of the 17th amendment, giving voters, rather than state legislatures, the choice of U.S. Senators.

Posted by Rick Hasen at 08:25 PM

"Despicable! That's the best description of how readers should feel about John Raese's attempt to buy their opinion."

That's how this editorial in the News and Sentinel (West Virginia) begins. The editorial explains that "Raese, the Republican candidate for the unexpired term of the late Sen. Robert Byrd, is offering to pay a West Virginian in each county who submits the most published letters to the editor in support of his candidacy, which can only be seen as ethically disgusting and insulting to those who truly have a political opinion they wish to share with newspaper readers."

Actual vote buying through absentee ballots remains a problem in West Virginia.

Posted by Rick Hasen at 08:19 PM

"Cash-ocracy in America How are new campaign finance rules affecting our democracy?"

A Mark Fiore cartoon.

Posted by Rick Hasen at 03:36 PM

"Seventh Circuit Upholds Limiting Candidates in Illinois Special U.S. Senate Election to Those who Qualified for the Regular Election"

Richard Winger explains.

Posted by Rick Hasen at 03:33 PM

"The Persistence of Partisan Election Administration"

Dan Tokaji has written this commentary for Moritz.

Posted by Rick Hasen at 01:10 PM

Cert. Petitions Filed in Two 7th Circuit Judicial Speech/Conduct Cases

Siefert v. Alexander involves a judicial candidate's personal solicitation of campaign contributions. Bauer v. Shepard involves, among other things, limits on the political party activities of judicial candidates.
In my post on the 7th Circuit opinion in Siefert, I wrote: "If Judge Siefert chooses further appeal, this would be a case that might interest the Supreme Court." I commented on the importance of Judge Easterbrook's opinion in Bauer here.

Posted by Rick Hasen at 01:07 PM

Two Views of AFP

From the WaPo editorial board and from AFP.

Posted by Rick Hasen at 10:38 AM

"Our view on campaign finance: Who's buying this election? Who knows?"

USA Today offers this editorial. Senator McConnell responds with an oped.

Posted by Rick Hasen at 10:33 AM

Guess Why Rick Lazio is Running for Judge

So Paladino can get the Conservative Party line in the NY Governor's race. Ah, fusion.

Posted by Rick Hasen at 10:29 AM

Fairfax County, Va Gets a MOVE On

Absentee Ballots to military and overseas voters out early.

Posted by Rick Hasen at 10:17 AM

"Broken Federal Election Commission Fails to Enforce Campaign-Finance Laws"

The Washington Independent offers this report.

Posted by Rick Hasen at 10:14 AM

"FEC Deadlocks on PAC Advisory Request: How the lack of a ruling impacts the future of PACs"

The Strategist offers this analysis.

Posted by Rick Hasen at 10:10 AM

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

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