OpenSecrets weekly newsletter
Your weekly newsletter on money in politics.
View this email in your browser ([link removed])
[link removed]
July 2, 2020
This week in money-in-politics
OpenSecrets unveils a new report on racial and gender diversity in the 117th Congress
The field of candidates running for federal office in 2020 is the most diverse in recent history, but OpenSecrets found that the next Congress will be, at most, only marginally more diverse than the current one. A new report, authored by OpenSecrets Research Director Sarah Bryner, delves into the reasons why.
Using research that looks into incumbency reelection rates, the politics of “open seat” races and the struggles faced by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) candidates when it comes to fundraising, Bryner examines some of the hurdles that may prevent the diverse field of candidates from winning a seat in Congress.
Read More ([link removed])
Stay informed in 2020. Support transparency and accountability journalism. ([link removed])
[link removed] Share ([link removed])
[link removed] http%3A%2F%2Feepurl.com%2Fg9ngEn Tweet ([link removed] http%3A%2F%2Feepurl.com%2Fg9ngEn)
[link removed] Forward to Friend ([link removed])
** Bitter NJ primary for Dems hoping to take on Democrat-turned-Republican
------------------------------------------------------------
An ancient proverb argues that the enemy of your enemy is your friend. But in New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District Democratic primary, the race between Brigid Callahan Harrison and Amy Kennedy has opened a political and financial fissure between the state party’s establishment power broker and a political newcomer with a dynastic political legacy. The two frontrunners, along with three other candidates, hope to challenge Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) in the general election.
Read More ([link removed])
** Trump’s polling slump with reliable demographics could mean fundraising trouble
------------------------------------------------------------
President Donald Trump is sinking in polls among some of his key donor demographics, and that could signal trouble for future fundraising efforts, particularly with retired voters and Texans. Since 2012, retirees have given more money than any industry or interest group to all presidential campaigns, including Trump’s 2016 and 2020 campaigns to date. This cycle, their donations have comprised nearly $34 million. Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden has received $17 million from retirees this cycle.
Read More ([link removed])
** These incumbents’ campaigns are paying big wages to family members
------------------------------------------------------------
While winning a congressional race can mean big things for a candidate, sometimes a family member comes along for the ride. Candidates can choose to spend money at family-owned businesses, reimburse expensive travel and meals from their campaign’s committee — or even pay their family members salaries. In the 2020 cycle so far, 81 federal candidates have disclosed giving a combined $1.3 million in wages to people with their same last name, though not all are relatives.
Read More ([link removed])
============================================================
Have a friend you think would like our money-in-politics newsletter?
** Click here to forward this email! ([link removed])
With FEC again defanged, Trump’s latest nominee
likely to face opposition
The Federal Election Commission is once again lacking the four commissioners it needs to enforce campaign finance laws and close loopholes as Election Day nears. And good government groups are concerned the election watchdog is running out of time to get things done.
Republican commissioner Caroline Hunter announced last week she will resign from the FEC to work for Stand Together, a philanthropic network bankrolled by Republican megadonor Charles Koch and other like-minded conservatives. Her departure will leave the FEC with three commissioners out of a possible six. The FEC needs four members to hold meetings to consider issues such as “dark money” and foreign interference.
** Read More ([link removed])
Sign up for another session with
OpenSecrets University!
On Friday, July 10, join CRP expert Anna Massoglia for a presentation about one of the hottest topics in campaign finance: dark money.
** Sign up here. ([link removed])
OpenSecrets in the News
See our media citations from outlets around the nation this week:
* ** AOC, Omar, Tlaib and Pressley launch joint fundraising committee 'Squad Victory Fund' (CNN) ([link removed])
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and her allies are launching a joint fundraising committee called the "Squad Victory Fund," in an effort by the well-known freshmen lawmakers to support one another and their advocacy for progressive priorities.
* ** Flyers from shadowy group hit Maine GOP congressional hopeful for past Trump opposition (Bangor Daily News) ([link removed])
A group able to shield funding sources until after the Republican primary in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District bought a large round of mailers hitting former state Sen. Eric Brakey over past opposition to President Donald Trump while picturing him alongside progressives.
* ** LX Investigates: Congressmembers-Turned-Foreign Agents (NBC LX) ([link removed])
A nine-month NBC investigation using OpenSecrets foreign lobbying data and Foreign Agents Registration Act filings revealed more than 50 former members of Congress who have worked for foreign interests in just the last five years.
** The Atlantic ([link removed])
** NPR ([link removed])
** Bloomberg ([link removed])
** Business Insider ([link removed])
** Salon ([link removed])
** The Washington Free Beacon ([link removed])
** Vox ([link removed])
** WKZO Everything Kalamazoo ([link removed])
** The Great Bend Tribune ([link removed])
** Journalist's Resource ([link removed])
** Adweek ([link removed])
** The Conversation ([link removed])
** Refinery 29 ([link removed])
** See more here ([link removed])
** tryu2.jpg ([link removed])
** count-cah-make-change.png ([link removed])
** Chair-nave.jpg ([link removed])
Copyright © 2020 Center for Responsive Politics, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website, OpenSecrets.org.
Our mailing address is:
Center for Responsive Politics
1300 L Street NW
Suite 200
Washington, District of Columbia xxxxxx
USA
** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
** update subscription preferences ([link removed])
