The lobby tracker was created for researchers, journalists, and citizen activists to shed light on the special interests behind the anti-protest bills being introduced in the states that would increase the threat of criminal prosecution for protests and chill free speech.
Maine Ethics Commission Votes to Subpoena ALEC Over Its Campaign Software Scheme
The Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices voted 3-2 today to subpoena the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) for information about its provision of sophisticated campaign software to its legislative members.
Watchdogs Filing Complaints in 15 States Against ALEC for Illegal Campaign Scheme
Complaints by CMD, Common Cause, and Alliance for a Better Utah allege that ALEC illegally gave sophisticated voter management campaign software linked to the RNC worth $6 million in the 2020 elections to its legislative members.
CMD Files IRS Whistleblower Complaint Against ALEC for Illegal In-Kind Campaign Contributions Worth More Than $6 Million
CMD and Common Cause will also file campaign finance complaints against ALEC in 15 states for providing sophisticated voter management and campaign software linked to the RNC to its 2,000-plus legislative members.
Journalism Should Reflect What the Science Says: The Climate Emergency Is Here
It’s time for journalism to recognize that the climate emergency is here.
CMD Joins 300+ Groups in Call for Companies to Quit ALEC Over Voter Suppression Bills
American Legislative Exchange Council faces new backlash over its leading role in pushing new voting restrictions in battleground states.
Wisconsin Loophole Lets Legislators Destroy Embarrassing Emails
At the heart of this exemption from the retention rules for state lawmakers are arrogance and cowardice. Arrogance that legislators don’t think they should be subject to the same scrutiny as other public officials. Cowardice that they’re afraid of the scrutiny.
New Report: The Big Oil and ALEC Ploy for Getting Unions to Help Chill Climate Protests
The Center for Media and Democracy released a new report today, “Using Unions to Carry Big Oil’s Water,” detailing how the fossil fuel industry and the American Legislative Exchange Council cynically use unions to win Democratic support for legislation that criminalizes and chills environmental protests under the guise of “worker safety.”
CMD President’s Senate Testimony on Dark Money Influence Over Federal Courts
CMD President Lisa Graves testified at a March Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing on “The Big-Money Assault on Our Judiciary.” Video from the hearing and written testimony now available here.
Leaking Oil and Gas Wells: A Ticking Time Bomb
Wells left unplugged by oil and gas companies can emit methane, cause explosions, and leak chemicals that find their way into drinking water.