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2 - Analysis / Campaigns / Constitutional Law / Constitutional Rights / Dead Reckoning / elections / Elections / Elections & Democracy / Money and Finance / Politics / Politics / Supreme Court / Supreme Court

The Stool With Three Broken Legs

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The Supreme Court recently ruled that political parties can spend unlimited amounts on campaign activities in coordination with candidates, overruling a 25-year precedent. This decision, driven by a majority opinion from Justice Kavanaugh, emphasized that existing regulations already mitigate corruption risks, effectively altering the electoral landscape just months before midterm elections.

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2 - Analysis / California / Campaigns / Congress / Congress / Government / Misconduct / Money & Influence / Money and Finance / Politics / Swalwell Series / Washington, DC

The Mentor and the Money: What Eric Swalwell’s Campaign Finances Reveal About His Political Network

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress amid serious sexual misconduct allegations, including rape, from five women. Despite portraying former Speaker Nancy Pelosi as a mentor, financial records reveal only minimal support from her. His political ties appear more transactional, with local donors rather than prominent figures financing his campaigns.

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2 - Analysis / California / Campaigns / Congress / Congress / Corruption / Dead Reckoning / Democrats / democrats / Elections / Government / Government Ethics & Accountability / Government Watch / Politics / Politics / Politics & Power / Swalwell Series

After Swalwell: The Confluence

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The Swalwell situation in California exemplifies the intersection of political accountability and electoral strategy. While serious allegations against him prompted a swift Democratic response, the urgency was fueled by the state’s top-two primary system, threatening the party’s viability. Swalwell’s removal may consolidate Democratic support, reshaping the gubernatorial race.

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2026 Election Cycle / 2026 Elections Cycle / Campaigns / Dark Money / Elections / elections / Elections & Democracy / Maryland / Maryland Watch / Money and Finance / Politics / The Annapolis Money Machine

The Annapolis Money Machine in 2026: Who’s Spending, Who’s Benefiting, and What Should Raise Eyebrows

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Maryland’s early 2026 campaign finance data reveals a political landscape dominated by insiders rather than public engagement. With over half of expenditures funneled into political committees and slates, the system prioritizes maintaining power over voter persuasion. This cycle underscores a troubling culture of opacity, where campaign money supports a self-serving machine, not the electorate.

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3 - Investigations / Campaigns / Maryland Watch / Money and Finance / Politics / The Annapolis Money Machine

The Top 100 Donors Who Control Maryland Politics

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Maryland’s political landscape is heavily influenced by a small group of wealthy donors and national advocacy organizations, despite claims of public-driven policy decisions. An analysis of campaign finance reveals that just 100 donors contribute significantly to elections and legislation, particularly in renewable energy and gun control, raising ethical concerns about transparency and the true power dynamics in state governance.

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2026 Election Cycle / 2026 Elections Cycle / Campaigns / Elections / elections / Minnesota / Politics / Republicans

Michele Tafoya Enters Minnesota U.S. Senate Race, Shaking Up the Field

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Former sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya announced her candidacy for Minnesota’s 2026 U.S. Senate race, addressing perceived cultural and political issues in the state. A prominent conservative voice, Tafoya seeks to appeal to suburban voters and independents. Her entry promises a competitive race against incumbent Amy Klobuchar, drawing national interest.

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2026 Election Cycle / 2026 Elections Cycle / Campaigns / Democrats / Elections / Elections & Democracy / Government / Government Ethics & Accountability / Government Watch / Governor / Minnesota / Politics

Tim Walz Likely to Exit 2026 Minnesota Governor’s Race, Reports Say

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has not officially dropped out of the 2026 governor’s race, but multiple credible reports indicate he is expected to announce he will not seek a third term on January 6. If confirmed, his exit would upend the Democratic field and open a rare statewide opportunity for Republicans amid ongoing scrutiny over fraud in state-run programs.

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2026 Election Cycle / 2026 Elections Cycle / Campaigns / Elections / elections / Elections & Democracy / Politics

Capitol Exodus: Why Dozens of Lawmakers Are Walking Away Ahead of 2026

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

In preparation for the 2026 midterm elections, over 50 members of Congress are departing, predominantly Republicans, highlighting discontent with dysfunction and political hostility. Key exits include Marjorie Taylor Greene and Nancy Pelosi. Many lawmakers are pursuing gubernatorial bids, reflecting a shift towards state-level power as dissatisfaction with congressional effectiveness grows.

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2026 Election Cycle / Campaigns / Congress / Dark Money / Elections / Federal Court / Fiscal Spending / Government / Supreme Court

Supreme Court Takes Up Blockbuster Challenge to Federal Campaign-Spending Limits

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The U.S. Supreme Court is now weighing a major challenge to federal limits on coordinated campaign spending — a case that could dramatically expand how much political parties can spend directly with their candidates. GOP committees argue the restrictions violate the First Amendment, and the Court’s ruling could reshape the financial landscape of the 2026 midterms.

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2025 Elections / Campaigns / elections / Elections / New York / Politics / Voting / Voting

The Two (Wildly Different) Paths to Victory in the 2025 NYC Mayoral Race

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The 2025 NYC mayoral race showcases a critical choice for the Democratic Party between progressive and centrist ideologies. Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, favored among younger voters, contrasts with former governor Andrew Cuomo, who emphasizes experience. This contest could influence the party’s national direction, reflecting broader tensions within the Democrats.

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