Fundraising materials show that both parties are hoping to lure $1m donations from corporations and wealthy individuals in exchange for access and advertising opportunities.
Marty Wulfe
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Revealed: RNC and DNC awash with corporate cash from donors seeking access
Friday, December 20, 2019
Congress showers Christmas gifts on health care corps
"...pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, insurance companies and medical device manufacturers practically ran the table in Congress, winning hundreds of billions of dollars in tax breaks and other gifts through old-fashioned lobbying, re-exerting their political prowess. 'It's the 'no special interest left behind bill' of 2019,' [said one observer]."
Charlie Cooper
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Wisconsin court ruling may suppress vote in 2020
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/dec/18/wisconsin-rightwing-group-will-voter-purge
Right-wing group wins lawsuit.
Charlie Cooper
Sunday, December 15, 2019
Maryland Online Transparency Act struck down
https://thefulcrum.us/maryland-political-advertising-law
“… a three-judge panel of the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals says the law unconstitutionally singles out political expression for special scrutiny and promises a "chilling effect" on free speech. The unanimous ruling on Friday, upholding a federal trial judge's position, is the latest in a series of federal judicial decisions against efforts to regulate campaign financing.”
We supported this law to require disclosure of online political advertising. We need more details to see how broadly it was overturned by the courts.
Charlie Cooper
Get Money Out – Maryland (GMOM) 
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Maryland legislative candidates raised much more money in 2018
Charlie Cooper
Get Money Out – Maryland (GMOM) 
“We may have democracy, or we may have wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can’t have both.” – Louis Brandeis
Saturday, November 30, 2019
election tally snafu in PA sparks debate, fears about ESS voting machines
Some fear tampering; ESS says it was unintentional software bug.
Charlie Cooper
Friday, November 29, 2019
RE: PayPal
I believe in our new status we will not have to reveal the names of our donors, but we should have some policy about that considering what our cause is. I suggest we will reveal donors over a certain amount, say $100.
Marty
From: Charlie Cooper <charlie.coop47@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, November 29, 2019 1:11 PM
To: angad.gmom.hipops@blogger.com
Cc: 'Marty Wulfe' <mwulfe@yahoo.com>
Subject: PayPal
Angad, Not sure exactly when you’re getting to India, but wanted to let you know that I’ve established a PayPal account under the email getmoneyoutmaryland@gmail.com.
I’ll let you know how to login separately.
We are going to need to have the SECU bank account number to take the next step.
They can send us a swipe device so we can get credit cards in the field. I’m not 100% sure about the credit cards, though. For sure, we’ll be able to accept PayPal transfers into our account and pay bills by PayPal.
Charlie Cooper
H: 410-578-8291
M: 410-624-6095
Get Money Out – Maryland (GMOM) 
“We may have democracy, or we may have wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can’t have both.” – Louis Brandeis
PayPal
Angad, Not sure exactly when you’re getting to India, but wanted to let you know that I’ve established a PayPal account under the email getmoneyoutmaryland@gmail.com.
I’ll let you know how to login separately.
We are going to need to have the SECU bank account number to take the next step.
They can send us a swipe device so we can get credit cards in the field. I’m not 100% sure about the credit cards, though. For sure, we’ll be able to accept PayPal transfers into our account and pay bills by PayPal.
Charlie Cooper
H: 410-578-8291
M: 410-624-6095
Get Money Out – Maryland (GMOM) 
“We may have democracy, or we may have wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can’t have both.” – Louis Brandeis
Oct 2018 poll on money in politics
Poll outlines strong support to reform money in politics.
Charlie Cooper
Over 100 groups issue report on strengthening democracy in US
http://civilrightsdocs.info/pdf/voting/Vision-For-Democracy.pdf
Leadership Conference on Civil Rights and other groups recommend:
- Prevent barriers to voting;
- End felony disenfranchisement;
- Expand voter registration;
- Increase voter participation;
- Bolster election security;
- End gerrymandering and other structural reforms.
Charlie Cooper
H: 410-578-8291
M: 410-624-6095
Get Money Out – Maryland (GMOM) 
“We may have democracy, or we may have wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can’t have both.” – Louis Brandeis
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
The Fulcrum is a great source for democracy reformers
In this post, The Fulcrum lists 5 important areas where democracy reformers are meeting success.
Charlie Cooper
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Kamala Harris' "bundlers" have started giving to her rivals
If they’re not buying influence, why are they giving to multiple candidates?
Charlie Cooper
Big PHARMA funnels millions to conservative group
Some of the money went to groups that also take dark money.
Charlie Cooper
FedEx paid no federal income tax
FedEx lobbied for corporate tax cuts and promised bigger investments. In the wake of Trump tax cut, NY Times finds: “If anything, the companies that received the biggest tax cuts increased their capital investment by less, on average, than companies that got smaller cuts.”
Charlie Cooper
H: 410-578-8291
M: 410-624-6095
Get Money Out – Maryland (GMOM) 
“We may have democracy, or we may have wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can’t have both.” – Louis Brandeis
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Saturday, November 9, 2019
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Prof .Lessig hopes Alaska case can lead to overturning Citizen United in Supreme Court
Thanks to Herb Ettel for finding his one.
Charlie Cooper
Friday, November 1, 2019
GOP Presidential challenger Weld signs promise for 28th Amendment
https://thefulcrum.us/campaign-finance/bill-weld-28th-amendment
American Promise Association has one Republican and several Democratic presidential candidates signed on to a Pledge to Amend.
Charlie Cooper
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Cases show foreign money in US politics
https://apnews.com/389f03e40e874bbe9d1687925e517d05
Foreign money funneled into Obama inaugural. The same man gave to Trump, Hilary Clinton, Lindsay Graham, Eliot Engel, and more.
Charlie Cooper
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Court to hear arguments on Maryland political ads law
The law requires online platforms to publish data about who is buying political ads.
Charlie Cooper
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
NYC considering ranked choice voting
“Eighteen cities — including Minneapolis; Santa Fe, N.M.; and San Francisco — already use the system….”
Charlie Cooper
Monday, October 28, 2019
Thursday, October 24, 2019
political spending at Trump properties tops $20 million
99% of this money has been spent since Trump announced his 2016 candidacy for the Presidency.
Charlie Cooper
H: 410-578-8291
M: 410-624-6095
Get Money Out – Maryland (GMOM) 
“We may have democracy, or we may have wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can’t have both.” – Louis Brandeis
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Former Dem. Senator Heitkamp now shilling for fossil fuel industry
Using a 501(c)(4) “social welfare” organization to spread the message of the fossil fuel industry.
Charlie Cooper
“We may have democracy, or we may have wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can’t have both.” – Louis Brandeis
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Congress mulls election security bills and aid to states
“But it will be extremely tough to replace those machines without a significant infusion of cash from Congress — and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has been wary of spending more money on election security after Congress committed $380 million in 2018. McConnell recently relented and endorsed sending another $250 million to states but that's far short of the $600 million in a House-passed bill. And it's way less than the $2.2 billion over five years the Brennan Center says is needed to address the problem nationwide. “
Charlie Cooper
H: 410-578-8291
M: 410-624-6095
Get Money Out – Maryland (GMOM) 
“We may have democracy, or we may have wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can’t have both.” – Louis Brandeis
Sunday, October 13, 2019
Pacific Gas and Electric spent on politics & dividends rather than infrastructure
Lines that cause fires go unrepaired.
Dem-leaning dark money group in Maine Senate race may be investigated
A 501(c)(4) group raising money to defeat Sen. Susan Collins is being called out by Republicans in Maine for violating IRS laws and regulations.
Charlie Cooper
Get Money Out – Maryland (GMOM) 
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
50 top legal minds press for 28th Amendment
“As attorneys, law professors and former judges with a wide variety of political beliefs and affiliations, we are convinced that our nation’s current election spending framework is a root cause of dysfunction in our political system and requires fundamental reform.”
Charlie Cooper
H: 410-578-8291
M: 410-624-6095
Get Money Out – Maryland (GMOM) 
“We may have democracy, or we may have wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can’t have both.” – Louis Brandeis
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Baltimore Sun endorses public campaign finance bill
Charlie Cooper
H: 410-578-8291
M: 410-624-6095
Get Money Out – Maryland (GMOM) 
“We may have democracy, or we may have wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can’t have both.” – Louis Brandeis
Sunday, September 8, 2019
Friday, September 6, 2019
Friday, August 30, 2019
Monday, August 19, 2019
Quick Favor?
Hey,
I just signed the petition "49 States and the District of Columbia: Repeal At-Will Employment Doctrine" and wanted to see if you could help by adding your name.
Our goal is to reach 1,000,000 signatures and we need more support. You can read more and sign the petition here:
http://chng.it/MbKb9rDVXq
Thanks!
Renaud
I just signed the petition "49 States and the District of Columbia: Repeal At-Will Employment Doctrine" and wanted to see if you could help by adding your name.
Our goal is to reach 1,000,000 signatures and we need more support. You can read more and sign the petition here:
http://chng.it/MbKb9rDVXq
Thanks!
Renaud
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Thursday, August 8, 2019
Saturday, August 3, 2019
2018 saw a spike in small-donor financing for Democrats
https://www.followthemoney.org/research/institute-reports/are-small-donors-surfing-the-waves
Study of how small-donor funding impacted wave elections in Congress and the states.
Charlie Cooper
Thursday, August 1, 2019
MIchigan Republicans file suit to block voter-approved non-partisan redistricting commission
The provisions regarding non-partisan make-up of the commission bear similarities to the provisions Gov. Hogan has championed – and that Get Money Out has supported – for Maryland.
Charlie Cooper
H: 410-578-8291
M: 410-624-6095
Get Money Out – Maryland (GMOM) 
“We may have democracy, or we may have wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can’t have both.” – Louis Brandeis
Saturday, July 27, 2019
Scam-PACs - when fundraisers just keep it for themselves
Annapolis-based Kelley Rogers evidently kept the money donors contributed to oppose Barack Obama.
Charlie Cooper
Friday, July 19, 2019
Tuesday, July 16, 2019
Re: Panel Survey from Jamie Raskin
Add Jamie explained it to me years, it does incorporate RCV.
Charlie
On Tue, Jul 16, 2019, 4:44 PM 'K Stevens' via GMOM-volunteers <GMOM-volunteers@googlegroups.com> wrote:
--Jamie Raskin included something like this notion as part of a bill that he introduced as a State Senator in 2016:
I consider this a horrible idea and don't see how it would better represent the residents of any state. Unless proportional representation is somehow allowed, each multi-member district would very likely elect all Republicans or all Democrats. It seems obvious to me that single-member congressional districts are more likely to be representative of state's residents by political party than multi-member ones. Of course, gerrymandering by whatever party has the power is going to exist, but it would be pretty difficult for Maryland Democrats to totally eliminate Republican representation in the Congress if the single-member district system is retained. If there are multi-member districts, it could be done. But where Republicans have the power (and they do in most states), they could wipe out a lot of Democrats.
Ken
-----Original Message-----
From: 'Marty Wulfe' via GMOM-volunteers <GMOM-volunteers@googlegroups.com>
To: GMOM-volunteers <GMOM-volunteers@googlegroups.com>; angad.gmom.hipops <angad.gmom.hipops@blogger.com>
Sent: Tue, Jul 16, 2019 3:15 pm
Subject: Panel Survey from Jamie Raskin
--I was just sent a survey from Rep. Raskin asking me about my attitudes about all the right issues: public campaign financing, a constitutional amendment including campaign finance reform and corporate personhood, and gerrymandering.But then there was this one that I was totally unprepared for, related to Government Reform:The idea of this proposal is one that is allowed by the Constitution. This proposal would make larger US House districts that would be represented by more than one Member of Congress. This would increase the likelihood Members of Congress would more accurately mirror the partisan mix of the population. Here is how it would work:
- In a state with five or fewer Congressional districts, the state would still have the same number of House Members, but they would be elected by all of the state's voters and represent the whole state.
For example, for a state with five Congressional districts, on the ballot there would be at least five Republicans and five Democrats, as well as possible independent and third-party candidates. Five U.S. House Members would be elected by all voters in the state.
Research has been done on what the likely effect would be: election results would more closely mirror the partisan balance of the state. For example, Connecticut is a state in which all five House seats are currently held by Democrats and Oklahoma is one in which all five House seats are currently held by Republicans. The proposed system would likely result in 1-2 Republicans being elected in Connecticut and 1-2 Democrats in Oklahoma.
- For states with more than five districts, the state would keep the same number of House Members, but the districts would be redesigned to be larger and have 3-5 Members each. The 3-5 House Members would be elected by all of the voters in these larger districts.
Have any of you heard of this before? Any responses? This is completely new to me.Marty
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Re: Panel Survey from Jamie Raskin
Jamie Raskin included something like this notion as part of a bill that he introduced as a State Senator in 2016:
http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2016RS/bills/sb/sb0762F.pdf
I consider this a horrible idea and don't see how it would better represent the residents of any state. Unless proportional representation is somehow allowed, each multi-member district would very likely elect all Republicans or all Democrats. It seems obvious to me that single-member congressional districts are more likely to be representative of state's residents by political party than multi-member ones. Of course, gerrymandering by whatever party has the power is going to exist, but it would be pretty difficult for Maryland Democrats to totally eliminate Republican representation in the Congress if the single-member district system is retained. If there are multi-member districts, it could be done. But where Republicans have the power (and they do in most states), they could wipe out a lot of Democrats.
Ken
K Stevens
ksteve8@verizon.net
ksteve8@verizon.net
-----Original Message-----
From: 'Marty Wulfe' via GMOM-volunteers <GMOM-volunteers@googlegroups.com>
To: GMOM-volunteers <GMOM-volunteers@googlegroups.com>; angad.gmom.hipops <angad.gmom.hipops@blogger.com>
Sent: Tue, Jul 16, 2019 3:15 pm
Subject: Panel Survey from Jamie Raskin
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "GMOM-volunteers" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to GMOM-volunteers+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/GMOM-volunteers/0a4201d53c0a%24cbbdc9d0%2463395d70%24%40yahoo.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
From: 'Marty Wulfe' via GMOM-volunteers <GMOM-volunteers@googlegroups.com>
To: GMOM-volunteers <GMOM-volunteers@googlegroups.com>; angad.gmom.hipops <angad.gmom.hipops@blogger.com>
Sent: Tue, Jul 16, 2019 3:15 pm
Subject: Panel Survey from Jamie Raskin
I was just sent a survey from Rep. Raskin asking me about my attitudes about all the right issues: public campaign financing, a constitutional amendment including campaign finance reform and corporate personhood, and gerrymandering.
But then there was this one that I was totally unprepared for, related to Government Reform:
The idea of this proposal is one that is allowed by the Constitution. This proposal would make larger US House districts that would be represented by more than one Member of Congress. This would increase the likelihood Members of Congress would more accurately mirror the partisan mix of the population. Here is how it would work:
- In a state with five or fewer Congressional districts, the state would still have the same number of House Members, but they would be elected by all of the state's voters and represent the whole state.
For example, for a state with five Congressional districts, on the ballot there would be at least five Republicans and five Democrats, as well as possible independent and third-party candidates. Five U.S. House Members would be elected by all voters in the state.
Research has been done on what the likely effect would be: election results would more closely mirror the partisan balance of the state. For example, Connecticut is a state in which all five House seats are currently held by Democrats and Oklahoma is one in which all five House seats are currently held by Republicans. The proposed system would likely result in 1-2 Republicans being elected in Connecticut and 1-2 Democrats in Oklahoma.
Research has been done on what the likely effect would be: election results would more closely mirror the partisan balance of the state. For example, Connecticut is a state in which all five House seats are currently held by Democrats and Oklahoma is one in which all five House seats are currently held by Republicans. The proposed system would likely result in 1-2 Republicans being elected in Connecticut and 1-2 Democrats in Oklahoma.
- For states with more than five districts, the state would keep the same number of House Members, but the districts would be redesigned to be larger and have 3-5 Members each. The 3-5 House Members would be elected by all of the voters in these larger districts.
Have any of you heard of this before? Any responses? This is completely new to me.
Marty
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "GMOM-volunteers" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to GMOM-volunteers+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/GMOM-volunteers/0a4201d53c0a%24cbbdc9d0%2463395d70%24%40yahoo.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Panel Survey from Jamie Raskin
I was just sent a survey from Rep. Raskin asking me about my attitudes about all the right issues: public campaign financing, a constitutional amendment including campaign finance reform and corporate personhood, and gerrymandering.
But then there was this one that I was totally unprepared for, related to Government Reform:
The idea of this proposal is one that is allowed by the Constitution. This proposal would make larger US House districts that would be represented by more than one Member of Congress. This would increase the likelihood Members of Congress would more accurately mirror the partisan mix of the population. Here is how it would work:
- In a state with five or fewer Congressional districts, the state would still have the same number of House Members, but they would be elected by all of the state's voters and represent the whole state.
For example, for a state with five Congressional districts, on the ballot there would be at least five Republicans and five Democrats, as well as possible independent and third-party candidates. Five U.S. House Members would be elected by all voters in the state.
Research has been done on what the likely effect would be: election results would more closely mirror the partisan balance of the state. For example, Connecticut is a state in which all five House seats are currently held by Democrats and Oklahoma is one in which all five House seats are currently held by Republicans. The proposed system would likely result in 1-2 Republicans being elected in Connecticut and 1-2 Democrats in Oklahoma.
- For states with more than five districts, the state would keep the same number of House Members, but the districts would be redesigned to be larger and have 3-5 Members each. The 3-5 House Members would be elected by all of the voters in these larger districts.
Have any of you heard of this before? Any responses? This is completely new to me.
Marty
Monday, July 15, 2019
If the Supreme Court Won't Prevent Gerrymandering, Who Will?
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/13/opinion/sunday/partisan-gerrymandering.html
Charlie Cooper
Get Money Out – Maryland (GMOM) 
“We may have democracy, or we may have wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can’t have both.” – Louis Brandeis
Sunday, July 14, 2019
US election equipment and software is vulnerable
https://www.fredericknewspost.com/public/ap/feds-don-t-regulate-election-equipment-so-states-are-on/article_49c447de-28a0-58f8-849a-be0e09778877.html
Critics decry lack of federal standards.
Charlie Cooper
Tuesday, July 9, 2019
Census citizenship question still under debate
Many conservatives want the citizenship question so they can increase Republican power in the House of Representatives and the state legislatures and so they can direct less money to states with Democratic majorities. After the Supreme Court struck the question from the census, some conservatives think they have found a new way to add the citizenship question to the census. This author says the Constitution gives control of the census to Congress in Article I – not to the President.
Charlie Cooper
“We may have democracy, or we may have wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can’t have both.” – Louis Brandeis
Monday, July 8, 2019
Friday, July 5, 2019
Facebook dark money ads are favored by the right
Although Facebook publishes a database of who pays for political ads, the true source of the money does not have to be revealed.
Charlie Cooper. Credit to Sheila Ruth for find this one.
Tuesday, July 2, 2019
Monday, July 1, 2019
This website has research articles on open primaries
Thanks to Renaud Brown for finding this resource.
Charlie Cooper
Sunday, June 30, 2019
Friday, June 28, 2019
Thursday, June 27, 2019
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
City Councilperson Burnett reveals Fair Election Fundingbill
Small donor matching bill has 11 co-sponsors after voters approved creation of fund via charter amendment. (GMOM Pres. Charlie Cooper is quoted in this article.)
Charlie Cooper
Saturday, June 22, 2019
Sen. leader McConnell get campaign cash from lobbyists for voting
As He Blocks Election Security Bills, McConnell Takes Checks from Voting Machine Lobbyists. These are the same voting machines that lack adequate protection against hacking.
Charlie Cooper
Biden fundraiser is lobbying to reduce restrictions on foreign influence in elections
Ken Jarin co-hosted Biden’s first big fundraiser. He is a paid lobbyist leading efforts to oppose regulation of foreign influence in U. S. elections.
Charlie Cooper
“We may have democracy, or we may have wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can’t have both.” – Louis Brandeis
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