OpenSecrets.org Newsletter: It's All About Connections in Net Neutrality Fight and More

Your weekly newsletter on money in politics.

Another Link in Ohio Dark Money Network A mysterious Ohio nonprofit that attacked GOP opponents of Illinois Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner last year has been linked to a network of political operatives with close ties to Rauner’s own campaign. This is not the first time a shadowy outside group targeting Rauner’s opponents has been shown to have ties to the actual campaign, and the pattern is strikingly similar. The Ohio group in question this time, the Mid America Fund, was formed in January 2014 as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit. Run by a former political aide ... read more. Share Tweet Forward to Friend

Net Neutrality Fight Rife With Interests Connected to Commissioners The two Republican members of the Federal Communications Commission who have asked for a delay in the agency’s vote tomorrow (Thursday) on net neutrality rules both have past connections to big money interests opposed to the rules. On the other hand, so does the FCC chairman, whose proposal is on the table. At stake is the classification of broadband Internet. Chairman Tom Wheeler and the two other Democrats ... read more. Gone, But Not Forgotten: Ex-Members Keep on Giving Even when they don’t head straight to K Street, it’s safe to say that former members of Congress don’t forget their colleagues — nor are they consigned by them to history. For one thing, many ex-lawmakers find themselves involuntarily retired with money left in their campaign accounts and leadership PACs — money that can be used to help those who are still in the game. Others simply have deep pockets and an interest in seeing ... read more. DCCC Leads NRCC on Strength of Member Dues House Democrats are still in the minority — even more so after November — but the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee burst out of the gate in the 2016 cycle led by strong early donations from its own caucus. The National Republican Congressional Committee lagged in fundraising, relatively speaking — particularly from GOP House members. Both House party committees rely on large donations from wealthy ... read more.