Issue: Disclosure
41 posts found, showing 20 per page
Press Release WVCCE September 10, 2018
Petition demands fair, transparent judicial elections
With impeachment trials for current and former members of the WV Supreme Court of Appeals set begin in the State Senate tomorrow, WV Citizens for Clean Elections is worried that the legislative response to the recent spending scandal could enable a single party, through a pre-planned partisan impeachment process, to seize control of the third branch of Government for the next two years. We are urging West Virginians to sign the Our Court, Our Vote petition, which is addressed to Governor Jim Justice and members of the WV Legislature, and which demands a prompt and transparent special election for any open seats on the Supreme Court. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Disclosure, Fair Courts, Transparency, WV Supreme Court
Petition demands fair, transparent judicial elections
With impeachment trials for current and former members of the WV Supreme Court of Appeals set begin in the State Senate tomorrow, WV Citizens for Clean Elections is worried that the legislative response to the recent spending scandal could enable a single party, through a pre-planned partisan impeachment process, to seize control of the third branch of Government for the next two years. We are urging West Virginians to sign the Our Court, Our Vote petition, which is addressed to Governor Jim Justice and members of the WV Legislature, and which demands a prompt and transparent special election for any open seats on the Supreme Court. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Disclosure, Fair Courts, Transparency, WV Supreme Court
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer August 1, 2018
The Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform: Empowering People, Fighting Big Money
The Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform is a set of common sense solutions that can help put our government on a path to solve problems that affect us. This is not about Democrat vs. Republican; this is about fixing a broken system, and moving toward a government that’s more transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of ALL West Virginians. The Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform would increase accountability and transparency in West Virginia elections, make voting more accessible to all citizens, limit the influence of big-money in our politics, ensure fairness and impartiality in our courts, and increase citizen participation in the electoral process. More
Issues: Democracy, Disclosure, Fair Courts, Transparency, Voting Rights
The Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform: Empowering People, Fighting Big Money
The Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform is a set of common sense solutions that can help put our government on a path to solve problems that affect us. This is not about Democrat vs. Republican; this is about fixing a broken system, and moving toward a government that’s more transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of ALL West Virginians. The Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform would increase accountability and transparency in West Virginia elections, make voting more accessible to all citizens, limit the influence of big-money in our politics, ensure fairness and impartiality in our courts, and increase citizen participation in the electoral process. More
Issues: Democracy, Disclosure, Fair Courts, Transparency, Voting Rights
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer July 13, 2018
Political spending in judicial races need transparency
West Virginians are rightly furious over Justice Loughry’s behavior, but we know they are also worried about another threat to public trust in the judiciary: the secret special-interest money in judicial elections. To rebuild trust in the West Virginia judiciary and the electoral process, we must shed light on the money that is being spent behind voters’ backs. Bringing transparency to the judicial budgeting process is clearly a part of this, but legislators should seize this opportunity to bring disclosure to the secret money being spent to influence our votes and skew justice in favor of corporate and special interests. More
Issues: Disclosure, Fair Courts, Secret Money, Transparency, WV Supreme Court
Political spending in judicial races need transparency
West Virginians are rightly furious over Justice Loughry’s behavior, but we know they are also worried about another threat to public trust in the judiciary: the secret special-interest money in judicial elections. To rebuild trust in the West Virginia judiciary and the electoral process, we must shed light on the money that is being spent behind voters’ backs. Bringing transparency to the judicial budgeting process is clearly a part of this, but legislators should seize this opportunity to bring disclosure to the secret money being spent to influence our votes and skew justice in favor of corporate and special interests. More
Issues: Disclosure, Fair Courts, Secret Money, Transparency, WV Supreme Court
Press Release WVCCE June 13, 2018
Supreme Court scandal highlights need to improve trust in the judiciary
The recent Supreme Court spending scandal and charges against Supreme Court Justice Allen Loughry are an opportunity to implement reforms to improve confidence in both the judicial system and the electoral process. West Virginians are rightly furious over Justice Loughry’s behavior, but we know they are also worried about another threat to public trust in the judiciary — the secret special-interest money in judicial elections. In both cases, transparency has to be a part of the solution. The court must bring transparency to the judicial budgeting process and legislators must seize this opportunity to bring disclosure to the secret money being used to influence our votes. More
Issues: Disclosure, Fair Courts, Secret Money, Transparency, WV Supreme Court
Supreme Court scandal highlights need to improve trust in the judiciary
The recent Supreme Court spending scandal and charges against Supreme Court Justice Allen Loughry are an opportunity to implement reforms to improve confidence in both the judicial system and the electoral process. West Virginians are rightly furious over Justice Loughry’s behavior, but we know they are also worried about another threat to public trust in the judiciary — the secret special-interest money in judicial elections. In both cases, transparency has to be a part of the solution. The court must bring transparency to the judicial budgeting process and legislators must seize this opportunity to bring disclosure to the secret money being used to influence our votes. More
Issues: Disclosure, Fair Courts, Secret Money, Transparency, WV Supreme Court
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 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 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 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
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer April 6, 2016
Join us in DC April 16-18 for Democracy Awakening!
Later this month, thousands of people will be coming together in our nation's capital to demand a democracy that works for all of us – where our votes are not denied and money doesn’t buy access and power. More
Issues: Citizens United, Clean Elections, Democracy, Disclosure, Public financing, Voting Rights
Join us in DC April 16-18 for Democracy Awakening!
Later this month, thousands of people will be coming together in our nation's capital to demand a democracy that works for all of us – where our votes are not denied and money doesn’t buy access and power. More
Issues: Citizens United, Clean Elections, Democracy, Disclosure, Public financing, Voting Rights
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer February 15, 2016
WV Senate GOP Stalls Campaign Finance Bill
SB 408, a campaign finance bill that would increase contribution limits, stalled in committee after Senators amended the bill to increase disclosure of third-party political spending. It remains to be seen if the bill will reconsidered. In the meantime, six Democrats in the House introduced HB 4527, which would require any group that spends more than $1,000 to influence our elections to say where the money came from. The bill would also close the “covered transfers” loophole that allows so-called “social welfare” groups to serve as money conduits to Super PACs. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Dark Money, Disclosure, Secret Money
WV Senate GOP Stalls Campaign Finance Bill
SB 408, a campaign finance bill that would increase contribution limits, stalled in committee after Senators amended the bill to increase disclosure of third-party political spending. It remains to be seen if the bill will reconsidered. In the meantime, six Democrats in the House introduced HB 4527, which would require any group that spends more than $1,000 to influence our elections to say where the money came from. The bill would also close the “covered transfers” loophole that allows so-called “social welfare” groups to serve as money conduits to Super PACs. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Dark Money, Disclosure, Secret Money