Michael Beckel
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Director of Money in Politics Reform @IssueOneReform. Previously research director. Investigating #darkmoney. Protecting democracy. 🦋 @mjbeckel 🦋
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Articles by Michael Beckel
Montanans blaze trail in fight against corporate and dark money election spending | Michael Beckel
A proposed ballot initiative this year known as The Montana Plan (Initiative 194) represents an innovative and impactful way to take back our democracy following the U.S. Supreme Court’s disastrous Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission decision in 2010. The Montana Plan is a breakthrough, constitutionally sound legal strategy to combat the deep-pocketed corporate and special interests that are spending massive amounts of money to secretly influence elections. kAmxUCDBF@jG6 366?
Montanans blaze new trail in fight against corporate and dark money election spending | Michael Beckel
A proposed ballot initiative this year known as The Montana Plan (Initiative 194) represents an innovative and impactful way to take back our democracy following the U.S. Supreme Court’s disastrous Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission decision in 2010. The Montana Plan is a breakthrough, constitutionally sound legal strategy to combat the deep-pocketed corporate and special interests that are spending massive amounts of money to secretly influence elections. kAmxUCDBF@jG6 366?
Political corruption erodes democracy: Michael Beckel on dark money & graft in politics
Fifteen years ago, the Supreme Court ruled on the landmark case Citizens United which opened the floodgates for obscene amounts of wealth to enter into political campaigns. Since then, the role of dark money groups, super PACs, and other forms of corruption have only intensified, most evidently in the 2024 election. Now, Jen is joined by Michael Beckel to discuss how Trump has taken advantage of this system as well as his many other forms of corruption he and his family have been involved in.
The Tech Money Machine: How Silicon Valley Buys Power — and Shapes Reality | TechPolicy.Press
This post is part of a series of contributor perspectives and analyses called "The Coming Age of Tech Trillionaires and the Challenge to Democracy." Learn more about the call for contributions here, and read other pieces in the series as they are published here. In July 2024, the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) passed the Senate with a staggering 91–3 bipartisan vote. Nearly 9 in 10 Americans backed the bill.
When are big-money contributions to super PACs corrupting?
Can contributions to super PACs be corrupting? That question is at the heart of a lawsuit being heard next week in federal court in Maine, where two super PACs are challenging a ballot measure passed by 75% of Maine voters in November 2024 that limits contributions to super PACs to $5,000 per year.
Meet the Faces of Democracy: Julie Wise
Minkin is a research associate at Issue One. Clapp is the campaign manager for election protection at Issue One. Whaley is the director of election protection at Issue One. Van Voorhis is a research intern at Issue One. Beckel is the research director for Issue One. Julie Wise, who is not registered with any political party, has more than 24 years of election administration experience.
Meet the Faces of Democracy: Cathy Darling Allen
Editor’s note: More than 10,000 officials across the country run U.S. elections. This interview is part of a series highlighting the election heroes who are the faces of democracy. Since 2004, Cathy Darling Allen, a registered Democrat, has served as the county clerk and registrar of voters in Shasta County in northern California.
Commentary: FEC urged to curb abuse of leadership PACs
By Michael Beckel Issue One and the Campaign Legal Center (CLC) sent a letter to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) last month urging commissioners to begin a rulemaking to formally clarify that leadership PAC funds cannot be used by members of Congress for their personal use. “The Commission has a plain statutory mandate to make clear that the personal use ban applies to leadership PACs,” states the new letter.
Lev Parnas conviction shows dangers of political dark money, shell companies
In the wake of a federal jury convicting Ukrainian-born businessman Lev Parnas and one of his associates of violating U.S. campaign finance laws, Issue One released the following statement warning about the dangers of dark money and foreign interference in U.S. elections. “As this case shows, political dark money is one of the most toxic forces in politics because it can be used as a conduit for foreign influence in our elections,” said Issue One Founder and CEO Nick Penniman.
Scores of lawmakers’ leadership PACs spent vast sums on luxurious dining, lodging, and travel, new Issue One and Campaign Legal Center report shows
New research from Issue One and Campaign Legal Center shows that scores of lawmakers are not using the bulk of the money they raise in their leadership PACs to assist other candidates, political groups, or their parties — the intended purpose of leadership PACs when they were approved by the Federal Election Commission more than 40 years ago.
Issue One condemns FEC’s inaction on cases of alleged illegal coordination between 2016 presidential candidates and supportive outside groups
In the wake of the news that the statute of limitations has run out on two cases of alleged illegal coordination with big-money outside groups in the 2016 presidential race that the Federal Election Commission (FEC) had been investigating, Issue One issued the following statement: “It’s shameful that the FEC was missing in action for 15 months during the 2020 election cycle, and its failure to act on these two cases of alleged illegal corruption is inexcusable,” said Issue One Executive...
Issue One - Outsized Influence: 12 political megadonors are responsible for $1 of every $13 in federal elections since Citizens United and 25% of all giving from the top 100 ZIP codes - a total of $3.4 billion
Click for a PDF version of the report. As Congress debates potential changes to the nation’s campaign finance system designed to empower ordinary Americans, new research from Issue One shows the extent to which wealthy, overwhelmingly white donors dominate political giving in the post-Citizens United era.
After Letlow’s swearing in, 90% of current House members now operate leadership PACs
With her swearing in today, Rep. Julia Letlow (R-LA) became the newest member of Congress, filling the vacancy left after the death of her husband, Luke Letlow, who won the election in Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District last fall. Letlow also becomes the latest member of Congress to operate a leadership PAC — a political committee separate from a lawmaker’s official campaign committee that are frequently used to dole out extra cash to like-minded candidates and political allies.
Four Cabinet members willing to help Democratic super PACs – Center for Public Integrity
Introduction At least four Cabinet members appear ready and willing to answer President Barack Obama’s call to help fill the coffers of Democratic outside spending groups, which have to date been badly outgunned by better-funded Republican organizations. After previously denouncing the so-called “super PACs” as a “threat to democracy,” Obama signed off last week on a move to allow top campaign aides and high-level White House officials to raise money.
12 ways 'Citizens United' has changed politics – Center for Public Integrity
Introduction The court declared that spending by labor unions and companies — including certain types of nonprofit corporations — did “not give rise to corruption or the appearance of corruption” so long as it was not done in concert or coordination with a political candidate’s own campaign. While it is still illegal for corporations and labor unions to give money directly to candidates for federal office, that ruling, known as Citizens United v.
Bipartisan National Council on Election Integrity urges Americans to “refrain from violence”
In the wake of the FBI announcing that right-wing militias are planning activities in Washington, D.C., and state capitals across the country ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, the National Council on Election Integrity — a bipartisan group of more than 40 former elected officials, former Cabinet secretaries, retired military officials, and civic leaders — issued the following statement: “While peacefully protesting is a sacred right protected by the First Amendment,...
Issue One - Bipartisan National Council on Election Integrity condemns violence in D.C. as “un-American and reprehensible,” calls for attacks on our democracy to end
In the wake of a violent mob storming the U.S. Capitol and disrupting today’s joint session of Congress to count the Electoral College votes, the National Council on Election Integrity — a bipartisan group of more than 40 former elected officials, former Cabinet secretaries, retired military officials, and civic leaders — issued the following statement: “Today was a dark day for America.
Issue One praises Congress for passing new bipartisan corporate transparency measure, which may help shine a light on political dark money
Issue One today praised Congress for including a new corporate transparency provision targeting secretive shell companies in the newly passed annual defense policy bill. “This new corporate transparency provision passed by Congress with bipartisan support will help shine a light on the owners of secretive shell companies.
Issue One statement on Federal Election Commission regaining a quorum
Issue One Executive Director Meredith McGehee issued the following statement after the Senate voted today to confirm three new commissioners to the Federal Election Commission (FEC): “After being sidelined for the majority of the 2020 election because it lacked the quorum necessary to conduct most official business, it’s good news that the FEC can get back to work and begin addressing the hundreds of enforcement matters on its docket.
Issue One raises concerns about two individuals nominated to serve on Federal Election Commission
With the Senate Rules Committee expected to soon vote on the nominations of three lawyers who have been nominated to fill vacancies on the Federal Election Commission (FEC), Issue One Executive Director Meredith McGehee issued the following statement: “It is a travesty that the FEC has lacked the quorum necessary to conduct official business for the majority of the 2020 election cycle, during which a record $14 billion flowed into our elections.
New pro-Cruz ad blitz bankrolled by mysterious super PAC – Center for Public Integrity
Introduction In January 2016, super PAC Stand for Truth produced a television ad blitz promoting Sen. Ted Cruz’s presidential candidacy Stand for Truth Update, Jan. 31, 2016, 5:29 p.m.: This article has been updated to include new information about Stand for Truth’s contributors. A new super PAC promoting Sen. Ted Cruz’s presidential candidacy on Wednesday launched a multi-million dollar ad blitz — the first major TV push by outside groups supporting the ascendant Republican.
Trump's new super PAC attack dog – Center for Public Integrity
Introduction Donald Trump (Mark Lennihan/The Associated Press) A pro-Donald Trump super PAC called “Rebuilding America Now” has positioned itself as an attack dog, unafraid to take shots at Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. One of its hard-hitting ads spliced together clips of Clinton denying ever sending classified information via her private email with clips of Bill Clinton denying having sexual relations with Monica Lewinsky while president.
With eleventh-hour transparency move, Biden shines light on the people raising big money for his campaign
A record amount of money is flowing into the 2020 presidential race, and on Saturday night, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden took a step that helped pull back the veil on how his campaign has raised its massive sums. On Saturday night, the Biden campaign published a list of more than 800 individuals who have raised $100,000 or more in support of his candidacy.
Clinton got union money, but Trump won many workers' hearts and minds – Center for Public Integrity
Introduction Donald Trump puts on a miners hard hat during a rally in Charleston, W. Va., on May 5, 2016. Steve Helber/AP On Thursday, after Democrats’ bruising losses on Election Day, members of several powerful labor unions swarmed a Washington, D.C., park a stone’s throw from Senate offices.
New bipartisan council formed to defend election integrity launches $20 million public education campaign to count every vote
A bipartisan group of more than 40 former elected officials, former Cabinet secretaries, retired military officials, and civic leaders called the National Council on Election Integrity has formed to defend the legitimacy of our elections and ensure that every American’s vote is counted in 2020, Issue One announced today.
Majority of U.S. Supreme Court justices are millionaires – Center for Public Integrity
Introduction At least six — and perhaps as many as all eight — U.S. Supreme Court justices are worth at least $1 million, according to a Center for Public Integrity analysis of new financial disclosures. Topping the list is Stephen Breyer, who is worth at least $6.1 million — and possibly as much as $16 million going into 2016. Breyer’s top holdings include stock in publishing company Pearson PLC, as well as property in New Hampshire and the Caribbean island of Nevis.
Donald Trump dismantles Hillary Clinton's big money machine – Center for Public Integrity
Introduction In the end, Donald Trump defeated big money. The Republican’s presidential campaign raised less than half of what Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton did. He ran a fraction of the TV ads, even in decisive battleground states. And although prominent Republican donors came to Trump’s aid during the campaign’s final days, his supportive super PACs and other political groups raised relatively paltry sums when compared to Clinton’s groups.
9 key numbers to know about the money in the 2020 presidential race
Big money is flowing in the 2020 presidential race, even amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to an Issue One analysis of new campaign finance reports filed with the Federal Election Commission on Sunday. Here are some of the key numbers to know from these new filings, which detail the money presidential candidates — and their allies — raised and spent in August.
Issue One statement on the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
In the wake of the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Issue One Founder and CEO Nick Penniman issued the following statement: “Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a ground-breaking warrior for women’s rights and ensuring equality in the United States on the basis of sex, both on the Supreme Court and long before she served as a justice on the highest court in the land.
Hillary Clinton's presidential committee officially history – Center for Public Integrity
Primary Source Published — February 4, 2013 Updated — May 13, 2014 at 12:55 pm ET Its debts paid, the potential 2016 White House hopeful disbands 2008 organization Dave Levinthal Editor-at-Large Introduction FILE – In this June 10, 2011 file photo, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton waves as the arrives at Lusaka International Airport in Lusaka, Zambia.
Issue One’s ReFormers Caucus urges Senate to include money for safe and secure elections in next coronavirus relief bill
Approximately 200 members of Issue One’s bipartisan ReFormers Caucus — the largest bipartisan group of former members of Congress, governors, and Cabinet officials ever assembled to advocate for political reform — today urged senators to include additional funding for states to administer safe and secure elections in the next coronavirus pandemic relief legislation.
New report highlights shell company loophole that could be abused by foreigners who want to interfere in U.S. elections
Shell companies that give money to super PACs could be conduits for foreign money in the 2020 election, warns a new report published today by Issue One. Under current law, super PACs are permitted to collect contributions of unlimited amounts, but must disclose their donors. In some cases, their campaign finance disclosures list opaque shell companies as contributors. As a result, the public is left in the dark about the true identity of the sources of the money being spent to influence elections.
Five money-in-politics facts about John Lewis – Center for Public Integrity
Introduction Congressman John Lewis, D-Ga., talks Thursday, Dec. 1, 2005, in Montgomery, Ala., in front of the site where Rosa Parks was arrested Dec. 1, 1955, for refusing to give up her seat to a white man. Rob Carr/AP Screenshot of Congressman John Lewis dancing “Gangnam Style” YouTube Fifty years ago, Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., was in Washington, D.C., to hear the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I have a dream” speech.
20 groups from across political spectrum urge Donald Trump and Joe Biden to reveal information about their campaign fundraisers
In an effort spearheaded by Issue One, 20 organizations from across the political spectrum today urged the campaigns of President Donald Trump and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden to publicly report information about their top campaign fundraisers — often referred to as “bundlers” — on a regular basis ahead of the 2020 presidential election.
Supreme Court’s decision in “faithless electors” cases is a relief
Issue One Executive Director Meredith McGehee issued the following statement in the wake of the news that the U.S. Supreme Court today unanimously affirmed that states can bind the votes of their Electoral College electors: “At a time when faith in government institutions is already dangerously low, it is a relief that the Supreme Court has affirmed that states can impose penalties on electors who cast ballots in the Electoral College that violate state law and contradict the votes of the...
Issue One and Campaign Legal Center Send Letter to FEC Chair: Get to Work on Dark Money
Campaign Legal Center and Issue One today sent a letter to recently confirmed FEC Chair Trey Trainor urging him to take action on the flood of secret or “dark” money flooding U.S. elections, drowning out the voices of everyday Americans. The letter is a response to a recent interview with Trainor where he dismissed the threat posed by “dark money” and downplayed the effects of secret money flooding our elections.
Will the American people have an election watchdog in 2020?
Issue One Executive Director Meredith McGehee issued the following statement in the wake of news that Commissioner Caroline Hunter will be resigning from the Federal Election Commission next week, a move that will cause the FEC to again lose its quorum this year. “It is deeply disheartening and concerning that the FEC will again be missing in action as the country enters the home stretch of the 2020 election.
8 key numbers from the latest 2020 campaign finance filings
Money continues to pour into the 2020 presidential race amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to new campaign finance reports filed with the Federal Election Commission this weekend. Here are some of the most vital numbers to know from an Issue One analysis of these filings, which detail the money presidential candidates raised and spent in May. Election Day is currently roughly 19 weeks away.
Federal Election Commission should act to close loophole exposed by billionaire Michael Bloomberg
Issue One Executive Director Meredith McGehee today commended the Federal Election Commission (FEC) for opening the door to consideration of a potential new rulemaking that could limit the amount of leftover campaign funds a candidate who self-funded their campaign could legally transfer to national party committees. “If the FEC does not take action to close this loophole, it’s virtually guaranteed that we’ll see more affluent individuals embrace this maneuver.
IRS rules change allowing groups to keep donors’ names hidden is both disappointing and troubling
In the wake of the news that the Treasury Department and IRS this week implemented a rules change that allows many 501(c) organizations — including politically active dark money groups organized under Secs.
8 numbers to know from the newest 2020 campaign finance filings
Despite the public health and economic crises spawned by the coronavirus pandemic, money continues to pour into the 2020 presidential race, according to new campaign finance reports filed with the Federal Election Commission. Here are some of the most vital numbers to know from these new campaign finance filings, which detail the money presidential candidates raised and spent in April: $17 million: The total amount of money raised in April by President Donald Trump’s official campaign committee.
Issue One Executive Director Meredith McGehee on Senate’s confirmation of Trey Trainor to the FEC
Issue One Executive Director Meredith McGehee issued the following statement in the wake of the Senate’s confirmation of Texas attorney Trey Trainor to serve on the Federal Election Commission, which ends the longest period in the agency’s history without the quorum necessary for it to do its job — nearly nine months.
Issue One Executive Director Meredith McGehee urges all senators to vote no on Trey Trainor’s FEC nomination
Issue One Executive Director Meredith McGehee warned that Texas lawyer Trey Trainor is the wrong choice to serve as a commissioner on the Federal Election Commission ahead of the Senate’s expected vote today on his nomination: “Trey Trainor is the wrong choice to serve on the Federal Election Commission. Reopening the FEC with a commissioner who does not think we should enforce the nation’s campaign finance laws will only make matters worse.
Shaun McCutcheon hopes donation in S. Carolina election will be first of many nationwide – Center for Public Integrity
Introduction GOP lawyer launches political donation refund group By Michael Beckel September 26, 2013 Supreme Court plaintiff McCutcheon exceeded campaign contribution limit By Michael Beckel October 3, 2013 Supreme Court mulls axing campaign donation limits in ‘McCutcheon’ case By Michael Beckel October 8, 2013 Shaun McCutcheon, the Alabama Republican who is the lead plaintiff in a case to overturn the government’s existing biennial limit on campaign contributions, has thrown his financial...
The 'McCutcheon' decision explained — more money to pour into political process – Center for Public Integrity
Introduction Just when we learned what “Citizens United” and “super PACs” were all about, the U.S. Supreme Court has again roiled the world of campaign finance, voting 5-4 to allow even more money into a political process that is pretty well saturated with it. So what does it all mean? We at the Center for Public Integrity shall try to provide some answers. What did the Supreme Court do?
Trump accepted illegal contribution from ‘proud Muslim’ in Canada – Center for Public Integrity
This story was co-published with Philly.com. A version of this story also appeared in TIME. Introduction Donald Trump hasn’t been shy about voicing hostility toward foreigners. The Republican presidential nominee has proposed banning Muslim immigrants to the United States. He’s asserted that “a lot” of refugees fleeing Middle Eastern violence are members of the terrorist organization ISIS.
FEC continues to endure longest period without a quorum in its history - 8 months and counting
Even before the coronavirus crisis upended the lives of millions of Americans and the operations of countless government agencies, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) was struggling. Today, in fact, marks the start of the ninth month since the nation’s campaign finance watchdog lost its ability to do its job due to the resignation of one commissioner in August.
6 numbers to know from the newest 2020 presidential campaign finance filings
March proved to be a pivotal month in the 2020 presidential election. Former Vice President Joe Biden became the presumptive Democratic nominee after winning big on Super Tuesday, and the spread of coronavirus upended the lives of Americans across the country, as well as the routines of the campaign trail.
Issue One applauds federal court ruling that upholds voter-approved independent redistricting commission in Michigan
Issue One Founder and CEO Nick Penniman applauded today’s federal appeals court ruling that upheld the constitutionality of the independent redistricting commission overwhelmingly approved by 61% of Michigan voters in 2018, “This federal court decision is a victory for the people of Michigan who worked tirelessly to ensure that politicians cannot pick their voters,” said Issue One Founder and CEO Nick Penniman.
CPAC activists urged to fight IRS – Center for Public Integrity
Introduction NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. – The only antagonist Conservative Political Action Conference headliners are battering more than President Barack Obama and his signature health care law is the Internal Revenue Service. High-profile politicians from Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, to Mike Huckabee, the former GOP governor of Arkansas, suggested the agency should be outright abolished.
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