Very few Americans believe Congress is doing a good job. Some of them have a simple solution: Throw the bums out and institute term limits. But that creates more problems than it solves.
Oregon Republicans running for secretary of state target mail voting, stoke voter fraud claims
Three Oregon Republicans running to control the state’s elections have all stoked false claims of voter fraud and indicated they want to end Oregon’s decades-long tradition of running elections by mail.
Maxine Dexter reports a massive fundraising haul that appears tied to pro-Israel group
Speculation has swirled for months about what role the influential American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, might play in the race to replace Congressman Earl Blumenauer.
Dark Money Casts a Shadow on Maxine Dexter’s Campaign
As a wave of nearly $3 million in dark money enters Oregon’s 3rd Congressional District race, voters are questioning the donors backing Maxine Dexter’s campaign, and whether the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is among them. A political action committee (PAC) known as 314 Action Fund, has spent $1.67 million to support Dexter's campaign. Dexter is a current state representative now seeking election to Congress. The PAC claims its mission is to elect Democrats...
Oregon campaign finance law limits campaign donations - Vanguard
House Bill 4024—a bill to limit campaign donations—passed through the Oregon State House of Representatives and Senate with bipartisan support and sailed right onto the Governor’s desk, where it was...
Virginia Pro-Democracy Groups Rally for Reforms Amid Record Campaign Cash
With control of the state House and Senate at stake, Virginia's 2023 elections have broken state fundraising records. Several close-fought races have brought in around $10 million each.
Hawaii Lawmakers Consider Comprehensive Public Campaign Finance Program
A major bill to expand the public campaign financing system offered in state elections passed the Hawaii Senate unanimously and awaits action in the House.
Oregon lawmakers pass first campaign finance limits in 50 years
Oregon’s new limits on political campaign contributions will not take effect until 2027. But as Gov. Tina Kotek, legislative leaders and representatives of interest groups said at a recent ceremony, Oregon’s real achievement was legislative approval of such regulations for the first time in half a century — and during a 35-day short session in an even-numbered year. The 1973 Legislature approved spending limits, but the Oregon Supreme Court overturned...
Opinion: The 2024 Oregon legislative short session brought many historic wins for the state, including limits on campaign finance reform and increasing transparency within electoral donations
Connecticut bill aims to get rid of voter confusion; it may take the ‘Independent Party’ with it
HARTFORD, Conn. — Independents in the state are decrying a provision in a proposed election integrity bill they say would “destroy” their caucus by requiring the Independent Party of Connecticut
Spirit of compromise fosters major breaktrhoughs in Salem
What a difference a year makes. Last year, rancor ruled throughout the 160 days set aside for odd-year legislative sessions in Oregon. Senate Republicans staged a walkout ...
The Pros and Cons of Recently Passed Bills in the Legislature
The Oregon state legislative session wrapped up last week, and compared to past years that were mired by walkouts, it’s fair to say that a lot got done
2 Oregon state senators barred from seeking reelection after walkout will seek statewide office
Sen. Brian Boquist, R-Dallas, is one of eight state senators prohibited from running again for state Senate, after participating in extended walkouts last year.
'Huge step forward': Bipartisan bill to put limits on campaign finance speeds through Oregon House
Oregon is one of the last states with no laws limiting the amount of money campaigns can get and who they get it from. That's on the verge of changing with HB 4024.
Editorial: A short session delivers long session results
The short session produced breakthrough legislation on housing, the drug addiction crisis and campaign finance reform, the editorial board writes. It also showed a winning formula for how the Legislature can get things done.