Record spending on state political campaigns is accompanied by an increased lack of transparency in public reporting, to the detriment of democracy in Michigan
Rich Robinson
Rich Robinson is executive director of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network. The views and assertions of guest columnists do not necessarily reflect those of Bridge or The Center for Michigan.
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
New year, old battles and an upcoming year of more of the same (only worse)
Barack Obama and Rick Snyder are very different politicians, but in similar positions. One has gone on the offensive. It doesn’t seem to be on the other’s agenda. That, and other early portents, suggest an upcoming political year even nastier than the last.
Posted inGuest Commentary
CON We live in the Ground Zero of dark money. Does that bother anyone?
Transparency was supposed to keep unlimited campaign spending honest. But transparency hasn’t happened.
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Political money flourishes in the dark – and the sun set with Citizens United
Four years after Citizens United, it looks like this game-changing court case is here to stay – along with the out-of-state millionaires whose money is shaping Michigan’s policy.
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Elections should be about ideas, but they’re mostly about ads
Big contests increasingly benefit one cohort: Broadcasters, ad agencies and consultants who profit from the seemingly unceasing barrage of campaign ads. Discuss issues? Who wants to do that?
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Who do you trust with your drinking water? The free market, or government?
We are too big, too busy and too consumptive to trust an unfettered marketplace to protect vital resources like water. Ask any Toledoan.
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
An election cycle conjures the ghost of Curly Howard
So-called “dark money” is pouring into Michigan’s elections, effectively nationalizing the state’s most important contests.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Officeholders and nonprofit corporations: A toxic mix
Michigan’s citizens are tired of the divisive political culture in Lansing. Midnight deals, closed doors meetings, lobbyists, and special interest influence have stood in the way of long-term solutions. As Governor, I will ensure that government is open, fair, and accountable to the citizens by making Michigan a national leader in transparency and ethics. – […]