We are an alliance of political reformers and policy researchers committed to improving democratic institutions in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. We advocate for a political system that will create a healthy economy, good jobs, access to health care and quality schools.
The explosive flood of special interest money into our political system has lead to a growing mistrust of government. Reforms in our campaign finance system aim to diminish the power of money in politics and government by promoting honesty, accountability and transparency.
A Democratic group is asking the Federal Election Committee if they can side-step a 2002 law that restricts members from raising soft money for their campaigns.According to the Hartford Courant, the National Democratic Redistricting Trust is…
According to Gavel Grab, While the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision upheld requirements for disclosure of corporate political spending, it also left corporations a significant loophole for escaping disclosure. That analysis is presented in a New York…
Lobbyist spending in Michigan took a steep dive in 2009, falling $2.3 million. The 6.8 percent drop in spending totaled $31,849,916 in 2009, according to a release by the Michigan Campaign Finance Network.The state’s top lobbyists, however, haven’t seen…
Candidates for governor, attorney general and secretary of state in Michigan have more than doubled their campaign spending since 2002.According to the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, this year’s field of gubernatorial candidates has raised 42 percent more than their counterparts…
Census and Redistricting - 2009-2010
Midwest a hotspot for census, redistricting efforts Participation crucial to full and…
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Public Financing for Federal Campaigns - 2009
Midwest reform groups urge President Obama to support federal public financing legislation
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Midwest Open Government Project - 2009
New study finds five Midwestern states have dim sunshine laws Clouded…
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A Citizen’s Guide to Redistricting - 2008
New guide brings redistricting out into the open
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Taking the state out of state colleges
Why state debates don't last forever
Brennan Center Democracy Program
Citizen Advocacy Center Government Monitoring
George Mason University United States Elections Project