Rich Robinson is executive director of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, a non-profit, non-partisan campaign finance watchdog group in Lansing. Here are his thoughts about judges who contribute big bucks to political campaigns and the role big money plays in judicial elections. Q. What do you think about Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Henry Saad […]
Michigan Campaign Finance Network
Posted inPhil's Column
Center for Michigan arms voters with info for Election 2012
This election is unlike any in my memory – that goes back a long way, since I’m 74. In addition to candidates for the state House of Representatives, justices of the state Supreme Court and various other local issues, there are six proposals on the ballot, five to amend the constitution and one a referendum […]
Posted inLand O Links
Land O Links
“Our treasure lies in the beehive of our knowledge. We are perpetually on the way thither, being by nature winged insects and honey gatherers of the mind” — Friedrich Nietzsche, 19th century German philosopher. * “Stray dogs and beloved pets alike leave behind approximately 30 tons of excrement on (Buenos Aires’) sidewalks each day, according to […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Guest column: IRS lets 'social welfare' nonprofits pour big bucks into politics
By Rich Robinson/Michigan Campaign Finance Network ProPublica (“How nonprofits spend millions on elections and call it public welfare“) recently detailed how the federal tax code is exploited to conceal the identities of the biggest spenders in Campaign 2012. Today’s political social welfare organizations exist mostly to drive election outcomes. That is an uneasy fit with […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Mysterious outside group earns foul in Genesee Co. primary from Truth Squad
Who: Michigan Liberty Project, 48th House District Democratic primary What: Mailings of “How Much Cash Is Too Much?” and “What Do You Call Politicians That Promote Public Schools for Your Children But Private Schools for Theirs?” Truth Squad call: Foul The ads take aim at Pam Faris, a candidate for the 48th House District seat […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Special-interest money floods ballot-measure efforts
Voters could see as many as seven proposals to amend the Michigan Constitution or state law on this November’s ballot – or none at all. Bureaucratic and legal reviews continue of the various proposals. Regardless of how they play out, though, Michigan has seen an unprecedented surge of spending to collect signatures and advance ideas […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Show (yourself) the money!
The good news: It’s an election year. Michigan voters get to pass judgment on filling 110 seats in the Michigan House of Representatives, plus some seats on the state Supreme Court, the Michigan Court of Appeals, the State Board of Education, Michigan State University Board of Trustees, University of Michigan Board of Regents, and Wayne […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan campaign finance rules weak; reform prospects unclear
There are limits to the amount of money you can donate to the candidate of your choice in Michigan. But, as with other elements of Michigan’s lobbying and ethics rules, the state’s campaign finance limits are somewhat loose. Under current law, an individual can donate $500 to a candidate for the state House, $1,000 for […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Five decisions for a more ethical state government
By Phil Power and Derek Melot/Bridge Magazine Time and again – not least in the recent Republican presidential primary election – we hear of the countless ways money has infested and debased our political system. And in countless community conversations held by the Center for Michigan, we heard from citizens who want reform, of the […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Dollars many; delegates few
CFM Chairman Phil Power was riffing today in his weekly column about the growing role of big-bucks contributors on the campaign process. The boss is not going to like the latest news out of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network: “First quarter television advertising in Michigan related to the 2012 presidential election stands at $7.6 million. […]