CAMPAIGN FINANCE

May 25 2026POLITICS

Big Money vs Small Gifts: Who Really Controls U. S. Politics?

The way America funds its elections has long been a hot topic. Critics argue the system is stacked against regular people. Senator Bernie Sanders recently took to social media to highlight this imbalance. He pointed out how small personal payments to politicians get treated as crimes. Meanwhile, big

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May 25 2026POLITICS

Why social media stars are changing politics—and why that could be a problem

In 2024, influencers got a front-row seat to American politics. For the first time, hundreds of content creators were given special passes to the Democratic and Republican conventions. They rubbed shoulders with politicians at parties, rallies, and even White House events. Campaigns love this trend

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May 23 2026POLITICS

How a politician spent over $300k fighting sexual misconduct claims

Eric Swalwell’s campaign has spent more than $313, 000 on legal fees to handle sexual misconduct allegations, according to recent financial reports. This money went to a New York law firm handling his defense. Within weeks, two payments—one for $250, 000 and another for $23, 251—were recorded under

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May 18 2026POLITICS

Massachusetts Faces New Campaign‑Finance Debate

Senator Rebecca Rausch has introduced a budget amendment that would remove the clause in state law allowing candidates to spend unlimited amounts on their own campaigns. The proposal, called “Elections Not For Sale, ” targets the practice that let billionaire Mike Minogue pour more than $13 million

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May 17 2026POLITICS

Why a local election in Sonoma County is getting big money attention

A billboard along Highway 101 keeps reminding drivers about Todd Lands, one of three candidates running to fill an open seat on Sonoma County’s Board of Supervisors. The ad pushes his slogan "Less Talk. More Action, " but the real story behind Lands might be who’s paying for it. Campaign records sho

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May 15 2026POLITICS

Political Ads and Hidden Money: A Closer Look at a Washington Group

A watchdog group has filed a 24‑page complaint against the conservative committee Let’s Go Washington, saying it did not report more than 150 instances of political advertising linked to two statewide initiatives. The complaint, brought by Washingtonians for Ethical Government, claims that the group

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May 15 2026POLITICS

Senator’s cash advantage in Texas runoff sparks debate

Texas voters are about to see a flood of campaign ads as Senator John Cornyn tries to hold onto his Senate seat against a surprising challenge from Attorney General Ken Paxton. Cornyn’s team recently reported raising $4. 3 million, giving him a big financial lead going into next week’s runoff vote.

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May 15 2026CRIME

When California politics got messy: a top aide’s fall from power

Dana Williamson, once a powerful figure in California politics, made a dramatic court appearance this week after admitting to serious crimes. A former top advisor to two governors, she pleaded guilty to bank fraud, lying to federal agents, and filing false tax returns. Her actions were part of a wid

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May 14 2026POLITICS

Money Power: Idaho Gov. Little Leads the Fund‑Raising Race

Gov. Brad Little, the sitting governor of Idaho, has pulled in more cash for his 2026 campaign than any other candidate vying for statewide office. By the week before the primary, he had collected roughly $1. 8 million, according to the state’s official finance database. This total surpasses the

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May 14 2026POLITICS

Money Talks: Who’s Funding Kootenai County’s Biggest Races

The race for Kootenai County commissioner is heating up, with big money flowing into local campaigns. John Padula leads the pack, pulling in $61, 800—mostly from everyday residents. But his opponents aren’t far behind. Julie Hensley and Bruce Mattare have each raised over $10, 000, with donations fr

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