Beyond the Network: April 29, 2011

A look at what’s happening beyond the Midwest this week includes corporate political spending, Iowa Supreme Court impeachment, Virginia redistricting, Nevada campaign disclosure, and round-up style newsletters from Electionline and Gavel to Gavel.

LA Times looks at corporate political spending

The Los Angeles Times reports this week on corporate political spending. The article looks at political spending by some prominent corporations and the US Chamber of Commerce. The LA Times also provides a corporate spending database that shows companies’  disclosure policies.

Los Angeles Times: Much corporate political spending stays hidden

Los Angeles Times: Corporate political transparency ratings

Iowa Supreme Court impeachment is “not appropriate”

Gavel Grab takes a look this week at the Iowa Supreme Court and the push for impeachment of some justices because of their decision on gay marriage in 2009. Three justices were voted out in retention elections last fall, and this impeachment effort targeted the remaining four. Iowa House Speaker Kraig Paulsen disagreed with the impeachment filings, and House Judiciary chairman Rich Anderson said the reasons for impeachment did not meet the standards set in the state constitution.

Gavel Grab: IA Court: “Impeachment…not appropriate”

Virginia approves state level legislative maps after Governor’s veto

After being vetoed by the Governor Robert McDonnell earlier in April, the Virginia state senate passed a new state legislative map that adhered to some of the governor’s concerns. The Washington Post writes that the newly passed map will be more competitive, and will “result in districts that divide somewhat fewer communities.”

Washington Post: Virginia Assembly reaches deal on new legislative districts

Nevada assembly approves campaign finance bills

Nevada’s state assembly has approved new campaign finance disclosure bills. One bill will require candidates to file campaign contributions electronically and have them put into a searchable database online. Another bill restricts the creation of political action committees to funnel money into campaigns. The bills won assembly approval on the last day they could receive consideration.  The bills will now head to the state senate.

Nevada News Bureau: Campaign finance and election reform bills win approval in assembly by deadline

Public Citizen circulates executive order petition

Public Citizen is circulating an individual sign-on petition to support President Obama’s campaign disclosure executive order. Read more at the Public Citizen website.

Public Citizen: Sign the petition to support the President’s executive order

Election Line newsletter: End of legislative sessions, voter ID, state court decisions

The Pew Center on the States’ Election Line newsletter this week focuses on the end of many state legislative sessions and the recent developments on some issues across the country.  This includes state voter registration initiatives, voter ID bills, and state court decisions. You can download their round up on the Pew Center on the States website.

Electionline Weekly: April 28, 2011

Gavel to Gavel newsletter: Arizona merit selection, Iowa justice impachment, court structure changes

This week’s Gavel to Gavel newsletter includes updates on Arizona merit selection, Iowa justice impeachment, and court structure changes in multiple states. Download the newsletter on the Gavel to Gavel website.

Gavel to Gavel: April 22