The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "campaign finance reform" ...
-
Getting Change
Murphy take a comprehensive review of 20 years of campaign finance reform in New York City and its impact on elections in the city. While aiding in avoiding campaign finance scandals, its done little to level the playing field for those running.
Tags: campaign finance reform; New York City; Campaign Finance Board; incumbent; candidates
-
Campaign Cash
"Though Oregon legislators had promised to limit the use of their campaign donations to actual campaigning during the 2007 sessions, they balked and passed no such reform during. Thanks to new reporting requirements, legislators had to begin itemizing how they spent their campaign money at all times."
Tags: legislators; campaign finances; donations; reforms
-
Bundle of Trouble
These articles examine the shady fundraising practice of "bundling" campaign donations. The articles spotlight fundraiser Norman Hsu, who has used bundling to raise money for Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign. The investigation looks at the impact of this practice on modern campaigns, and also delves into Hsu's shady past.
Tags: campaign finance reform; fundraising; Federal Election Commission; politics; data analysis; fraud
-
The McConnell Machine
The Herald-Leader investigates U.S. Senate Majority Whip Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, whose campaign fundraising has reached impressive levels to the tune of $220 million, largely on behalf of fellow Republican senators. As the 2006 mid-term elections approached, McConnell was seen as a likely contender for Senate Majority leader, should the Republicans retain control (they did not, and he is now Senate Minority Leader). Anticipating this news, the Herald-Leader "examined McConnell's 22-year record of aggressive fundraising, cozy ties with top donors and related actions in the Senate." The newspaper found that McConnell benefited from his "influence over a little-known foreign aid committee; his marriage to Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, who regulates his corporate donors; and a former McConnell chief of staff turned Washington "gatekeeper lobbyist," whose clients tend to receive appropriations earmarks and helpful legislation from McConnell." McConnell has gained a reputation as an opponent of campaign-finance reform.
Tags: Campaign finance; Mitch McConnell; Elaine Chao; Senate Minority Leader
-
Reform beyond the beltway
Dreyfuss offers an overview of campaign finance reform in several states. He argues that the public is more than ready for a complete overhaul of campaign finance and the role donors play in government proceedings.
-
Haunted By Spirits
The New Times reports on the liquor industry ties behind John McCain's rise to power. McCain's wife, Cindy Hensley McCain, is the daughter of James Henley, bootlegger turned Anheuser-Busch magnate. Though McCain has pushed for campaign finance reform, the beer industry has always been good to him. And it's his wife's fortune that allows him to be in politics at all. Though McCain has recused himself many times on bills dealing directly with alcohol, experts say that the fact that he doesn't address alcohol-related bills that come before his committees may actually benefit the industry.
Tags: John McCain; liquor industry; PAC money
-
An Endowed Chair
A Phoenix News Times investigation of US Senator and presidential candidate John McCain's campaign fund raising revealed that he has raised "hard money" from people with business before the three Senate committees he chairs.
-
Sauerbrey and D'Amato swap checks in campaign
A Sun investigation revealed that supporters of Maryland gubernatorial candidate Ellen R. Sauerbrey sent checks totaling $50,000 to the campaign of New York congressional candidate Alfonse M. D'Amato. In return, D'Amato supporters generated $118,000 for the Sauerbrey campaign. The behind-the-scenes "check swapping" between Republican candidates did not violate state or federal election laws, however advocates of campaign finance reform said "the practice serves to circumvent limits on campaign contributions and weakens the law that requires all contributions to be made public." In a related story, the Sun reveals that Peter G. Angelos, the owner of the Baltimore Orioles and a loyal Democrat, contributed $25,000 to D'Amato's campaign.
Tags: Maryland; New York; campaign finance; Ellen Sauerbrey; Alfonse D'Amato
-
Engler well supported by CMU appointees
The Morning Sun of Mt. Pleasant, MI, reports that "...big contributions have made (Central Michigan University) trustees the largest campaign contributors to (Gov. Dick) Engler in total dollars given out of nine of the universities the governor has the ability to make appointments to: $28,100 during the years 1993-98, according to state records..."
Tags: campaign contributions; appointments; campaign finance reform
-
Washington's Other Scandal
The Bill Clinton/Bob Dole presidential campaign of 1996, which cost $2.2 billion dollars, was the most expensive in history, and one of the most corrupted. PBS Frontline shows how both parties contrived to bend and break the law, while Janet Reno reluctantly investigates White House fundraising and Senate Republicans bury campaign finance reform, Frontline pieces together the outlines of Washington's other scandal.
Tags: Elections; TAPE; (No script available)