Saturday, November 15, 2025

👋 Hi John! Happy Saturday.

In the Watchdog Newsletter, we share what you need to know to hold power accountable from the nonpartisan source you can trust. This watchdog doesn’t give in to pressure from presidents.

This week’s Common Cause newsletter is just a 5 minute read at 700 words.

💪🏽 This Watchdog Bites — How We’re Holding Power Accountable

When it comes to ethics and working in the best interest of the people, Common Cause is always standing guard. Just last week, we lived up to our motto of holding power accountable in Colorado when we filed ethics complaints against 17 lawmakers, alleging they accepted luxury expenses funded by a special interest group in violation of Colorado ethics law.

Our complaints allege the legislators are members of a caucus that was actually created, staffed, and funded by a pro-business dark money group. This transaction appears to be in blatant violation of the state constitution’s “gift ban” which Common Cause advocated for, and Colorado voters overwhelmingly approved, almost two decades ago.

From the White House to state capitols, when elected leaders put wealthy special interests first, the people pay the price. That’s why our work to support ethics and transparency in government is so important. Legislators need to be accountable to the people, not to dark money groups that secretly buy their favor.

Don’t worry — we’re holding power accountable at the federal level, too.

When the White House directed taxpayer-funded agencies to put clear political messaging on their website during the government shutdown, we filed more than 57 complaints about it. And when the White House tried to air political videos at airports, we filed more complaints against Kristi Noem.

This watchdog doesn’t just pay attention… we bite back.

📍Mid-Decade Redistricting: Where Are We Now?

Having trouble keeping up with which states are actually doing mid-cycle redistricting and which states are just thinking about it? Common Cause has you covered.

Since our last newsletter, California voters made their voices heard on mid-decade redistricting by passing Prop 50. In Utah, a judge selected a new congressional map as part of a long legal battle, and Maryland has put a commission in place to consider and decide on mid-decade redistricting. We’re closely watchdogging each and every process to make sure the people come first.

Common Cause remains the nation’s leader when it comes to redistricting and fair maps. We were the first organization in the country to protect fair representation in a principled way: we demanded any proposed mid-decade maps meet our fairness criteria, or they would meet opposition from the People’s Lobby.

We’re not surrendering that just because the White House is ending historical norms on a losing gamble. The fight for fair maps isn’t over — and Common Cause will keep leading it, wherever and whenever it demands.

📱 Our Favorite Post

👀 ICYMI

We're working so hard to protect our democracy, we could write you a novel instead of a newsletter. Instead, here are the top headlines you don't want to miss:

• Indiana 🏎️: After multiple public warnings, Common Cause filed suit with voters and other organizations over an Indiana law that unfairly targets one group of voters — naturalized citizens. The 2024 law had a delayed implementation until this year, so we filed the suit shortly after the law went into effect. Learn more.

• New York 🗽: Voter turnout for mayoral races is on the rise in the Big Apple. Common Cause weighed in on what impacts voter turnout and the local policies that shape the city’s political landscape in the New York Times.

• Wisconsin 🧀: When lies about elections circulate, Common Cause is there to set the record straight. Before polls closed on Election Day, we reassured Wisconsinites that voting and elections in the Badger State are safe, secure, and accurate. Read more here.

• Oregon 🦫: Oregon lawmakers have been quietly hiring their family members with taxpayer money and little oversight. Common Cause is advocating for accountability around how taxpayer dollars are spent, and transparency on the work these family members are paid to do. Learn more.

• New Mexico 👽: Common Cause is advocating for Ranked Choice Voting in Albuquerque, which would increase voter turnout and save taxpayers millions of dollars through eliminating the need for runoff elections. Read it here.

📊 By the Numbers

🗞️ Kicker Quote

👕 Wear Your Values

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