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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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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 / Dark Money / Elections / elections / Politics / Politics / Politics & Power

Secret Money, Loud Consequences: How Dark Cash Is Warping Democratic Primaries

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Dark money groups are significantly influencing Democratic primaries with untraceable funds, often overshadowing candidates and undermining voter transparency. This starkly contrasts the party’s stance against corporate influence and campaign corruption. The reliance on anonymous contributions diminishes public trust and engagement in elections, revealing a troubling hypocrisy within the party’s own practices.

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Business / Politics / Politics / Politics & Power / Power / Technology / Technology

Silicon Valley Goes Political: AI Super PAC Signals a New Power Player in Washington

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The artificial intelligence industry has entered the political sphere with a newly established super PAC raising funds for pro-AI candidates ahead of the 2026 elections. This shift indicates a significant political engagement by AI firms, prompting concerns over corporate influence on policy and the balance between innovation and regulatory power.

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2026 Election Cycle / 2026 Elections Cycle / Corruption / elections / Elections / Elections & Democracy / Fraud / Government Corruption / Politics / The Corruption Series

ActBlue and the Small-Dollar Illusion: Serious Questions Democrats Keep Dodging

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

ActBlue, a nonprofit donation platform for Democrats, faces scrutiny over potential election integrity violations. Critics allege it facilitates illegal donations through inadequate checks, raising concerns about foreign influence and systemic weaknesses. Investigations are ongoing, but no charges have been filed yet. Calls for transparency and independent audits remain unaddressed.

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

Allegations of “Smurfing” in Federal Campaign Finance Demand Scrutiny—Not Silence

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

A viral thread alleges a campaign-finance scheme involving Elizabeth Warren and ActBlue, highlighting suspicious micro-transactions from purported donors. Critics suggest these patterns resemble “smurfing” aimed at obscuring true funding sources. Calls for independent scrutiny emphasize the need for accountability and transparency in electoral financing, regardless of political affiliation.

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Economy / Politics / Power

Chipotle Picks a Side: When Your Burrito Comes With a PAC

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Chipotle built its brand on burritos, not Beltway influence. Now the fast-casual giant has launched a federal PAC, pulling itself into Washington politics and raising a bigger question for consumers: when brands pick sides, who are they really serving?

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Accountability / Fraud / Government / Government Accountability / Government Ethics & Accountability / Minnesota / Politics

Minneapolis’ $250M Fraud Scandal Raises Uncomfortable Questions for City Hall

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Federal scrutiny of the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme has cast a shadow over Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, linking him to convicted individuals through proximity rather than direct wrongdoing. His wife’s abrupt departure from a lobbying firm raises public concerns, highlighting issues of oversight and accountability surrounding political appointments and campaign donations tied to the scandal.

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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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