Posts by Julie Archer
96 posts found, showing 20 per page
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer May 21, 2018
Clean water v. dirty money
If you once had good well water, but it is now smelly and discolored and you feel it is making you sick, you probably will investigate matters. If you suspect a nearby company is the source of the contamination, you’ll probably try to remedy the situation. If the company and its supposed regulators don’t help you and appear to be in cahoots, you may see the courts as the place to seek justice. But, if you live in West Virginia, and you believe the source of your troubles is a coal company, you may well wonder if justice can be served in courts where judges receive campaign contributions from the likes of coal barons and coal corporations. More
Issues: Fair Courts, Health, WV Supreme Court
Clean water v. dirty money
If you once had good well water, but it is now smelly and discolored and you feel it is making you sick, you probably will investigate matters. If you suspect a nearby company is the source of the contamination, you’ll probably try to remedy the situation. If the company and its supposed regulators don’t help you and appear to be in cahoots, you may see the courts as the place to seek justice. But, if you live in West Virginia, and you believe the source of your troubles is a coal company, you may well wonder if justice can be served in courts where judges receive campaign contributions from the likes of coal barons and coal corporations. More
Issues: Fair Courts, Health, WV Supreme Court
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer March 19, 2018
2018 WVCCE Legislative Update
First of all we would like to sincerely thank all of you that contributed to raise $5,000 at the end of 2017 for a matching grant that we received in January 2018! Read our summary of what bills WVCCE worked on during the 2018 legislative session and highlights on a constitutional amendment that will be on the November 6, 2018 ballot. On the final night of the session, the House and Senate agreed to a compromise version of SJR 3, the Judicial Budget Oversight Amendment, which would amend the state constitution to give the legislature oversight of the judiciary’s budget. The amendment was proposed in response to a recent spending scandal involving extravagant renovations to the private chambers of the State Supreme Court justices. More
2018 WVCCE Legislative Update
First of all we would like to sincerely thank all of you that contributed to raise $5,000 at the end of 2017 for a matching grant that we received in January 2018! Read our summary of what bills WVCCE worked on during the 2018 legislative session and highlights on a constitutional amendment that will be on the November 6, 2018 ballot. On the final night of the session, the House and Senate agreed to a compromise version of SJR 3, the Judicial Budget Oversight Amendment, which would amend the state constitution to give the legislature oversight of the judiciary’s budget. The amendment was proposed in response to a recent spending scandal involving extravagant renovations to the private chambers of the State Supreme Court justices. More
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer January 3, 2018
Be Registered & Be Ready to Vote: WV Voter ID Law Now in Effect
West Virginia's voter ID law went into effect on January 1, 2018. With many important races on the ballot this year, it's important to make sure you're registered to vote and ready to vote. This means making sure you have your ID, informing yourself about the issues and candidates, and last but not least, getting yourself to the polls. Learn more about the new law, and the various forms of photo and non-photo ID that will be accepted at the polls. More
Issues: Voting Rights
Be Registered & Be Ready to Vote: WV Voter ID Law Now in Effect
West Virginia's voter ID law went into effect on January 1, 2018. With many important races on the ballot this year, it's important to make sure you're registered to vote and ready to vote. This means making sure you have your ID, informing yourself about the issues and candidates, and last but not least, getting yourself to the polls. Learn more about the new law, and the various forms of photo and non-photo ID that will be accepted at the polls. More
Issues: Voting Rights
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer December 20, 2017
Brennan Center Weighs in on Constitutionality of WV Transparency Rules
The Brennan Center for Justice has weighed in to defend the constitutionality of a West Virginia law requiring those who make electoral communications to identify themselves when doing so. Read their letter in response to Attorney General Patrick Morrisey's misguided opinion on disclosure, urging Secretary of State Mac Warner to make clear to the public that he will continue to fully enforce all state disclosure and disclaimer rules with respect to candidates, political parties, and other groups that engage in electoral spending. More
Issues: Disclosure, Secret Money, Transparency
Brennan Center Weighs in on Constitutionality of WV Transparency Rules
The Brennan Center for Justice has weighed in to defend the constitutionality of a West Virginia law requiring those who make electoral communications to identify themselves when doing so. Read their letter in response to Attorney General Patrick Morrisey's misguided opinion on disclosure, urging Secretary of State Mac Warner to make clear to the public that he will continue to fully enforce all state disclosure and disclaimer rules with respect to candidates, political parties, and other groups that engage in electoral spending. More
Issues: Disclosure, Secret Money, Transparency
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer December 18, 2017
New Report Details Who Pays for Judicial Races
A new report from the Brennan Center for Justice and the National Institute on Money in State Politics finds that judicial integrity is increasingly under threat. A torrent of special interest money, often from secretive sources, is flooding state supreme court elections. and West Virginia is no exception. The report is the only comprehensive look at all state supreme court elections in the latest cycle, 2015-16. More
Issues: Dark Money, Fair Courts, Secret Money, WV Supreme Court
New Report Details Who Pays for Judicial Races
A new report from the Brennan Center for Justice and the National Institute on Money in State Politics finds that judicial integrity is increasingly under threat. A torrent of special interest money, often from secretive sources, is flooding state supreme court elections. and West Virginia is no exception. The report is the only comprehensive look at all state supreme court elections in the latest cycle, 2015-16. More
Issues: Dark Money, Fair Courts, Secret Money, WV Supreme Court
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer October 11, 2017
Without disclosure, we don’t know what conflicts of interest our judges may have
Millions of dollars are being spent to elect our judges in total secrecy from the people of West Virginia. The faith of West Virginians’ in their courts is rightfully tarnished by such secrecy, but the solution is simple. As dark money tries to find new and hidden ways into influencing our elections, it is critical that our state legislators protect the fairness, impartiality, and public trust in the judiciary through strong, up-to-date disclosure laws. West Virginia voters deserve to know who is trying to influence their votes and their judges. More
Issues: Dark Money, Disclosure, Fair Courts, Secret Money, WV Supreme Court
Without disclosure, we don’t know what conflicts of interest our judges may have
Millions of dollars are being spent to elect our judges in total secrecy from the people of West Virginia. The faith of West Virginians’ in their courts is rightfully tarnished by such secrecy, but the solution is simple. As dark money tries to find new and hidden ways into influencing our elections, it is critical that our state legislators protect the fairness, impartiality, and public trust in the judiciary through strong, up-to-date disclosure laws. West Virginia voters deserve to know who is trying to influence their votes and their judges. More
Issues: Dark Money, Disclosure, Fair Courts, Secret Money, WV Supreme Court
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer August 17, 2017
U.S. Supreme Court case may redefine, restrict how district lines are drawn
On Oct. 3, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Gill versus Whitford. The decision in this case has the potential to have a drastic effect on the country’s political landscape. The Supreme Court will decide whether it will accept a standard to determine whether partisan gerrymandering exists. Gerrymandering is manipulation of district lines to achieve political gain for a particular party. More
Issues: Democracy, Fair Courts
U.S. Supreme Court case may redefine, restrict how district lines are drawn
On Oct. 3, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Gill versus Whitford. The decision in this case has the potential to have a drastic effect on the country’s political landscape. The Supreme Court will decide whether it will accept a standard to determine whether partisan gerrymandering exists. Gerrymandering is manipulation of district lines to achieve political gain for a particular party. More
Issues: Democracy, Fair Courts
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer July 18, 2017
Attacks on Democracy Halted
During the 2017 session, legislators introduced a number of bills that would have negatively affected our electoral process. With your help we were able to halt these attacks on democracy. In a nutshell: a bill to repeal public financing for Supreme Court candidates was defeated, strict voter ID was rejected, and automatic voter registration was saved, while a bill to a that raised contribution limits and created new loopholes to allow more secret money into our elections languished in the final days. More
Issues: Dark Money, Disclosure, Public Financing, Voting Rights, WV Supreme Court
Attacks on Democracy Halted
During the 2017 session, legislators introduced a number of bills that would have negatively affected our electoral process. With your help we were able to halt these attacks on democracy. In a nutshell: a bill to repeal public financing for Supreme Court candidates was defeated, strict voter ID was rejected, and automatic voter registration was saved, while a bill to a that raised contribution limits and created new loopholes to allow more secret money into our elections languished in the final days. More
Issues: Dark Money, Disclosure, Public Financing, Voting Rights, WV Supreme Court
Alerts and Updates, WVCCE Blog Julie Archer March 29, 2017
WV Senate Passes Bill to Weaken Disclosure, Increase Money in Politics
Although SB 539 increases disclosure in some small ways, the overall effect of the bill is a weakening of disclosure while allowing more money into a broken system that favors the wealthy and special interests. More
Issues: Dark Money, Disclosure, Secret Money
WV Senate Passes Bill to Weaken Disclosure, Increase Money in Politics
Although SB 539 increases disclosure in some small ways, the overall effect of the bill is a weakening of disclosure while allowing more money into a broken system that favors the wealthy and special interests. More
Issues: Dark Money, Disclosure, Secret Money
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer March 22, 2017
Campaign Finance Bill Would Decrease Disclosure, Increase Money in Politics
The bill not only fails to address the flood of secret money in our elections, it also significantly increases campaign contribution limits, allowing more money into an already broken system. If we want to discourage negative attack ads, give candidates the ability to respond, and inform voters about who's trying to influence their votes the best thing we can do is require those who are spending money on our elections to disclose to the source of the money. More
Issues: Dark Money, Disclosure, Secret Money
Campaign Finance Bill Would Decrease Disclosure, Increase Money in Politics
The bill not only fails to address the flood of secret money in our elections, it also significantly increases campaign contribution limits, allowing more money into an already broken system. If we want to discourage negative attack ads, give candidates the ability to respond, and inform voters about who's trying to influence their votes the best thing we can do is require those who are spending money on our elections to disclose to the source of the money. More
Issues: Dark Money, Disclosure, Secret Money
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer March 7, 2017
Public Financing Repeal Defeated
Some good news: Yesterday, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted down SB 463, saving public financing for West Virginia Supreme Court candidates. This is an important victory for fair courts. More
Issues: Disclosure, Public Financing, WV Supreme Court
Public Financing Repeal Defeated
Some good news: Yesterday, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted down SB 463, saving public financing for West Virginia Supreme Court candidates. This is an important victory for fair courts. More
Issues: Disclosure, Public Financing, WV Supreme Court
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer March 4, 2017
Public Financing, Voting Rights Under Attack
Bills to repeal the WV Supreme Court of Appeals Public Campaign Financing Program and impose strict identification requirements in order to vote have been introduced in the West Virginia Legislature. The voter ID bill would also eliminate automatic voter registration (AVR) at the Division of Motor Vehicles. We need your help to stop these terrible proposals. More
Issues: Disclosure, Fair Courts, Public Financing, Secret Money, Voting Rights
Public Financing, Voting Rights Under Attack
Bills to repeal the WV Supreme Court of Appeals Public Campaign Financing Program and impose strict identification requirements in order to vote have been introduced in the West Virginia Legislature. The voter ID bill would also eliminate automatic voter registration (AVR) at the Division of Motor Vehicles. We need your help to stop these terrible proposals. More
Issues: Disclosure, Fair Courts, Public Financing, Secret Money, Voting Rights
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer November 15, 2016
Outside spending in W.Va. elections nears $20 million
Outside groups reported spending $4.7 million dollars in the two weeks prior to the election, with total spending reaching $19.8 million so far this election cycle. This year’s outside spending by race breaks down as follows: Attorney General - $7,056,716, Governor - $5,534,089, Supreme Court - $3,644,315. Third party organizations also spent $3.3 million in various state Senate races. More
Issues: Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure, Secret Money, WV Supreme Court
Outside spending in W.Va. elections nears $20 million
Outside groups reported spending $4.7 million dollars in the two weeks prior to the election, with total spending reaching $19.8 million so far this election cycle. This year’s outside spending by race breaks down as follows: Attorney General - $7,056,716, Governor - $5,534,089, Supreme Court - $3,644,315. Third party organizations also spent $3.3 million in various state Senate races. More
Issues: Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure, Secret Money, WV Supreme Court
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer November 3, 2016
W.Va. outside spending reaches $19.2 million
Five days from the election, outside spending in West Virginia elections has reached $19.2 million this election cycle. Outside groups have reported spending an additional $4.1 million dollars over the past week. More
Issues: Citizens United, Clean Elections, Democracy, Disclosure, Secret Money
W.Va. outside spending reaches $19.2 million
Five days from the election, outside spending in West Virginia elections has reached $19.2 million this election cycle. Outside groups have reported spending an additional $4.1 million dollars over the past week. More
Issues: Citizens United, Clean Elections, Democracy, Disclosure, Secret Money
Press Release Julie Archer October 28, 2016
Outside groups spend more than $15 million on W.Va. elections
After spending $5.6 million during the last presidential election year, outside groups have reported spending more than $15 million on West Virginia elections so far in 2016 — closely rivaling the $16.3 million in reported spending by candidates for executive, legislative, and judicial offices. This year’s outside spending by race breaks down as follows: Attorney General - $5.3, Governor - $3.7, Supreme Court - $3.6 million. Third party organizations have also spent $2.4 million in various state Senate races. More
Issues: Citizens United, Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure, Secret Money
Outside groups spend more than $15 million on W.Va. elections
After spending $5.6 million during the last presidential election year, outside groups have reported spending more than $15 million on West Virginia elections so far in 2016 — closely rivaling the $16.3 million in reported spending by candidates for executive, legislative, and judicial offices. This year’s outside spending by race breaks down as follows: Attorney General - $5.3, Governor - $3.7, Supreme Court - $3.6 million. Third party organizations have also spent $2.4 million in various state Senate races. More
Issues: Citizens United, Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure, Secret Money
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer September 26, 2016
The EPA’s Clean Power Plan: Did you know?
As the arguments over the legality of the EPA's Clean Power Plan get underway, here are some important things to remember. When polluters spend millions to influence our elected officials and judges to strike down clean air standards, we pay the price with chronic asthma. More
Issues: Citizens United, Dark Money, Disclosure, Health, Secret Money
The EPA’s Clean Power Plan: Did you know?
As the arguments over the legality of the EPA's Clean Power Plan get underway, here are some important things to remember. When polluters spend millions to influence our elected officials and judges to strike down clean air standards, we pay the price with chronic asthma. More
Issues: Citizens United, Dark Money, Disclosure, Health, Secret Money
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer September 20, 2016
Brennan Center Analysis: Secret Outside Spending, Attack Ads Dominate Judicial Elections
Thirty-nine states hold elections to choose all or some of their judges. This November, 27 states will hold elections for seats on their highest courts. Early indicators suggest that several of these races will be dominated by secret outside spending and attack ads funded by groups that do not disclose their donors, according to an analysis by the Brennan Center for Justice of seven supreme court elections and primaries that were completed earlier in 2016. More
Issues: Dark Money, Disclosure, Fair Courts, Secret Money, WV Supreme Court
Brennan Center Analysis: Secret Outside Spending, Attack Ads Dominate Judicial Elections
Thirty-nine states hold elections to choose all or some of their judges. This November, 27 states will hold elections for seats on their highest courts. Early indicators suggest that several of these races will be dominated by secret outside spending and attack ads funded by groups that do not disclose their donors, according to an analysis by the Brennan Center for Justice of seven supreme court elections and primaries that were completed earlier in 2016. More
Issues: Dark Money, Disclosure, Fair Courts, Secret Money, WV Supreme Court
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer September 1, 2016
Vigilant companies can avert Watergate scandal replay
The Watergate Hotel reopened recently after a sparkling $125 million facelift, complete with guest key cards saying, “No need to break in.” For well-heeled business leaders visiting there, a pithier epigram might be, “Influence buying has a price.” Decades later, it is too easily forgotten that 12 corporations and 17 corporate executives ultimately were indicted […] More
Issues: Citizens United, Dark Money, Democracy, Secret Money
Vigilant companies can avert Watergate scandal replay
The Watergate Hotel reopened recently after a sparkling $125 million facelift, complete with guest key cards saying, “No need to break in.” For well-heeled business leaders visiting there, a pithier epigram might be, “Influence buying has a price.” Decades later, it is too easily forgotten that 12 corporations and 17 corporate executives ultimately were indicted […] More
Issues: Citizens United, Dark Money, Democracy, Secret Money
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer August 3, 2016
Speak Up! We Need Senator Manchin to Support Democracy Reforms
In Congress, some lawmakers have proposed solutions to put regular voters back in control of our elections: The We the People package and the Fair Elections Now Act. This is our chance to be heard. Tell Senator Manchin to put everyday Americans first and cosponsor the We the People package and the Fair Elections Now Act. More
Issues: Citizens United, Clean Elections, Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure, Public Financing, Secret Money
Speak Up! We Need Senator Manchin to Support Democracy Reforms
In Congress, some lawmakers have proposed solutions to put regular voters back in control of our elections: The We the People package and the Fair Elections Now Act. This is our chance to be heard. Tell Senator Manchin to put everyday Americans first and cosponsor the We the People package and the Fair Elections Now Act. More
Issues: Citizens United, Clean Elections, Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure, Public Financing, Secret Money
Press Release Julie Archer May 12, 2016
Special Interests Win in Supreme Court Takeover
Wealthy special interests win in West Virginia Supreme Court race, but without full knowledge of who was behind outside efforts to elevate Beth Walker. Our judges should be selected on their merits not on attack ads or money spent by special interests. More
Issues: Citizens United, Clean Elections, Disclosure, Fair Courts, Public Financing, Secret Money, WV Supreme Court
Special Interests Win in Supreme Court Takeover
Wealthy special interests win in West Virginia Supreme Court race, but without full knowledge of who was behind outside efforts to elevate Beth Walker. Our judges should be selected on their merits not on attack ads or money spent by special interests. More
Issues: Citizens United, Clean Elections, Disclosure, Fair Courts, Public Financing, Secret Money, WV Supreme Court