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The Institute uses its multistate, multiyear databases to research trends in political giving, examine how contributions drive public policy debates in the states and the nation, and see how special interests give across state lines. Following is a list of our recent research reports. Older reports remain accessible; please click on the folders below for reports published prior to 2001.
Recent Reports
- Names in the News: Duke Energy
by Gus Voss, April 21, 2014
A toxic coal ash slurry spill by Duke Energy and ensuing U.S. Dept of Justice investigation into Duke's relationship with NC Gov. Pat McCrory prompted the Institute to take a look at Duke's contributions to gubernatorial campaigns since 2000. The Institute learned that Duke gave McCrory three times more than they gave to five other sitting governors combined.
- Names in the News: Michigan's DeVos Family
by Zach Holden, March 25, 2014
Michigan's DeVos family is generous--to the point that they've donated $45.6 million to state campaigns since 2000, including about $700,000 during a two-day period in late December 2013. A new report by the National Institute on Money in State Politics, Michigan's DeVos Family, takes a look at their donation records. The family includes Richard DeVos Sr., a co-founding member of Amway, the direct sales corporation.
- Courting Donors: Money in Judicial Elections, 2011 and 2012
by Linda Casey, March 18, 2014
In recent years, national special interest groups have further complicated the already complex world of judicial elections.The Institute looks behind the black robes to reveal who contributed the $53.6 million to fund judicial campaigns in 2011 and 2012.
- Ripple Effects: Will McCutcheon Amplify the Role of Big Donors?
by Edwin Bender, March 17, 2014
The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to decide whether a federal limit on aggregate campaign contributions violates the right to free speech. In McCutcheon v. Federal Elections Commission, Shaun McCutcheon challenged the $123,000 federal aggregate limit on how much money individuals can give to federal candidates, political parties, and PACs. The Institute examined states with and without contribution limits for legislative candidates and learned that a broad ruling in McCutcheon's favor could increase the access to lawmakers by major donors.
Subsequent to publication of this report, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 ruling issued April 2, 2014, struck down the aggregate limits on how much money individual donors could give to federal candidates, political parties, and PACs.
- 2011-2012 Ballot Measure Overview
by Institute Staff, March 03, 2014
Labor Rights, Gaming, Same-Sex Marriage, Charter Schools, Taxation Supermajorities, Marijuana, Corporate Campaign Contributions, Abortion--The 2012 elections drew the most money around ballot measures since the Institute began collecting that data in 2004. In 2012, 186 measures attracted $939.4 million, surpassing the 2008 record of $813.7 million. By comparison, 2011 was a much quieter year, with the 34 measures on state ballots attracting $102.4 million.
- Stark Contrasts: The Effect of Public Campaign Funds on North Carolina Supreme Court Races
by Gus Voss, Feb. 06, 2014
This report analyzes the contributions to the state's supreme court candidates before (2000-2002) and during (2004-2012) the existence of the Public Campaign Fund. Key findings: On average, publicly financed supreme court candidates raised nearly twice as much as candidates who did not participate in the public funding program; No privately financed supreme court candidate in North Carolina defeated a publicly financed candidate.
- Lower Court = Local Support
by Linda Casey, Nov. 04, 2013
Candidates for lower court seats in 10 states in the 2011 and 2012 elections received $55.2 million from donors. This report analyzes campaign contributions to lower court candidates in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.
- Minimum Give the Maximum
by Institute Staff, Oct. 10, 2013
States' aggregate limits on contributions from individual donors could be overturned, pending the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in McCutcheon v. FEC. This report finds that, in the nine states with aggregate limits from 2010-2012, few donors to state campaigns reached the limits.
Subsequent to publication of this report, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 ruling issued April 2, 2014, struck down the aggregate limits on how much money individual donors could give to federal candidates, political parties, and PACs.
Additionally, Arizona passed HB2593 into law in 2013, removing aggregate contribution limits on individuals. This report examines 20102012 contributions, when limits were still in place.
- NRA Direct Contributions Decline
by Robin Arnold, Sept. 27, 2013
In 2013, more than 1500 pieces of gun-related legislation were introduced in state legislatures across the country. The National Rifle Association frequently takes high-profile positions opposing gun-control legislation in the states. This report analyzes the contributions the NRA has made to state candidates and committees.
- Names in the News: Monsanto
by Gus Voss, July 24, 2013
The company Monsanto has been making headlines for opposing state efforts to require labeling of genetically modified food. Our data shows Monsanto has also dramatically increased its contributions to state campaigns over the past few years.
- Names in the News: Texas State Senator Wendy Davis
by Zach Holden, July 05, 2013
Texas State Senator Wendy Davis made headlines for her filibuster of a bill that would put substantial limits on the operations of abortion clinics. Our data shows that Sen. Davis has long received significant campaign contributions from abortion-rights and women's groups.
- Scorecard: Essential Disclosure Requirements for Independent Spending, 2013
by Institute Staff, May 16, 2013
Just how much money is spent independently on elections for state office? The answer remains elusive in the majority of states, according to the Institute's latest analysis of disclosure requirements for independent spending. The analysis found that 15 states require full disclosure of both forms of independent spending: express advocacy and electioneering communications. Unfortunately, 26 states continue to fail to ensure meaningful disclosure of this spending.For additional discussion of the Scorecard's grading system, and the role of enforcement in ensuring adequate disclosure, see Independent Spending Scorecard: Grades Based on Laws, Not Enforcement. Update May 22, 2012: New Hampshire's score was reduced from 50 to 25 after the Institute learned that that not all filers are required to file independent expenditure reports.
- Big Tobacco Wins Tax Battles
by Robin Parkinson and Institute Staff, Jan. 16, 2013
Take a deep look at the tobacco industry's campaign contributions during the 2012 election cycle. The industry gave nearly $54 million overall, with 87 percent coming from just four tobacco manufacturers: Philip Morris USA, Reynolds American Inc., U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company, and Altria. Of that $54 million, tobacco interests gave more than $47 million to help defeat ballot measures that would have raised taxes on tobacco products, and contributed $3.5 million to state-level candidates and $3 million to party committees, with 76 percent going to Republican candidates and committees.
- Lower Courts: Selection Methods and Campaign Finance
by Linda Casey, July 31, 2012
This report assesses the campaign finance reporting systems for lower court candidates in the 39 states that elect their lower court judges. The attached table provides a comprehensive, at-a-glance reference for pursuing this money path, adding critical information to selected data provided by the American Judicature Society.
- The Role of Money & Incumbency in 2009-2010 State Elections
by Linda Casey, July 03, 2012
Legislative incumbents enjoyed an 87 percent success rate during the 2009 and 2010 primary and general elections. One-third of them ran unopposed. Incumbents in contested general election races had a success rate of 85 percent; legislative candidates who raised more money than their opponents were successful 76 percent of the time.
- Monetary Competitiveness in 2009-2010 State Legislative Races
by Peter Quist, July 03, 2012
73 percent of the legislative seats up for election in the 2009-2010 general elections were contested, up from 67 percent in 2007-2008. 25 percent of the legislative seats up for election were monetarily competitive, up from just 22 percent in the 2007-2008 contests. As during the 2007-2008 elections, monetary competitiveness rates were higher in states with public funding programs and in states with relatively inexpensive races.
- Independent Spending in Washington, 2006-2010
by Robin Parkinson, June 21, 2012
Prior to the January 2010 Citizens United v. FEC ruling, the state of Washington had allowed corporations and unions to use treasury money to fund independent expenditures in state campaigns. As such, independent money spent in the 2010 election was comparable to the 2006 elections. Institute researchers discovered that although Washington requires detailed reporting of independent expenditures, intermediary PACs often make finding the original contributors more tedious. "Taking the Low Road" diagrams how difficult it can be to follow money from donors through "shell" PACs to the races they targeted.
UPDATE JUNE 21, 2012: After the report's initial publication on September 6, 2011, the Institute discovered that certain data had been duplicated. The Institute has since fixed the data and updated the report accordingly.
- Health Insurance Interests Invest Heavily in California Campaigns
by Linda Casey, April 19, 2012
The health insurance industry has been a major source of campaign funds for state elections in California over the years. Institute researchers dove into the data and discovered that more than 50 health insurance companies, trade associations, HMOs and their affiliated political action committees (PACs), and nearly 730 employees of these entities, gave $14.6 million to state-level candidates and ballot measure campaigns in California from 2000 through 2010.
- 2009-2010 Ballot Measure Overview
by Peter Quist and Nadeanne Haftl, April 12, 2012
Committees supporting and opposing 216 ballot measures across the states in 2009 and 2010 raised $526.5 million. This report looks at the various types of ballot measures, how much was raised in their campaigns, and who the major donors were. Of note, the money raised around measures in 2010 is the lowest amount raised around state measures during even-year elections from 2004 through 2010.
- An Overview of Campaign Finances, 2009-2010 Elections
by Linda Casey, Nadeanne Haftl, Kevin McNellis, Robin Parkinson, Peter Quist, and Denise Roth Barber, April 12, 2012
Financing a political campaign reached a new high when candidates running for state offices in 2009-2010 raised $2.5 billion, surpassing the $2.2 billion record set during the comparable 2005-2006 elections. This report documents these record-breaking amounts and, for the first time, explores all this fundraising in the context of a decade of state campaign finance data.
- Money in Judicial Elections, 2009-2010
by Linda Casey, April 06, 2012
In this report, the Institute analyzes the $45 million raised by state judicial candidates in 2009 and 2010, as well as the participation and success rate of candidates, categorized by gender and ethnicity.
- Dialing Up the Dollars: Telecommunication Interests Donated Heavily to NC Lawmakers
by Denise Roth Barber, March 20, 2012
In the spring of 2011, North Carolina became the 19th state to restrict local governments from building publicly-owned broadband networks. North Carolina's two biggest cable providers, Time Warner Cable and CenturyLink, along with the North Carolina Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCCTA), aggressively lobbied for the bill and were prominent campaign donors. This report analyzes those contributions.
- Best Practices for Independent Spending: Part Two
by Kevin McNellis, March 15, 2012
This report examines the current state of disclosure for independent spending on state elections and summarizes disclosure systems in 20 states where the Institute examined independent spending data. Best practices for disclosure are also analyzed.
Update May 7, 2012: An earlier version of this report incorrectly referred to Iowans for Freedom as a 501(c)(4) organization. We have changed the report to correctly state that Iowa for Freedom is a political committee funded by AFA Action, the 501(c)(4) arm of the American Family Association.
- Independent Spending's Role in State Elections, 2006-2010
by Kevin McNellis and Robin Parkinson, March 15, 2012
This report provides a general overview of state-level independent spending in the 20 states where data is both reported and accessible. Institute researchers combed through records to examine the source of the independent funds, what they purchased, and which candidates were most targeted.
Updated August 13, 2012: Changes to data in several states were made subsequent to the March 2012 release of "Independent Spending's Role in State Elections, 2005-2010," necessitating the updated report now posted here at FollowTheMoney.org. Although some numbers have changed, the basic findings remain the same.
- Scorecard: Essential Disclosure Requirements for Independent Spending
by Kevin McNellis, March 15, 2012
The Institute identified four essential disclosure requirements for independent spending in the states. See the visual representation of how each of the 50 states scored in each of these requirements.
Click here to see the Corporate Reform Coalition's complementary analysis of independent spending disclosure. Both the Institute and CRC reviewed whether independent expenditures and electioneering communications were reported. The Institute examined whether targets and target amounts were reported, while CRC examined whether late independent spending made close to the elections were reported immediately and if there was adequate disclosure requirements on the communications themselves.
- Super PAC Contributors Impact State Campaigns
by Peter Quist, Feb. 10, 2012
Super PACs and their donors are playing an undeniably important role in the 2012 federal elections, but these political players have also been active on the state level. This report looks at those individuals and organizations who gave at least $25,000 to Super PACs in 2011 and how much they also donated to state campaigns 2008-2010. The result is a very impressive $36.8 million.
- Names in the News: Foster Friess and Jon Huntsman, Sr.
by Nadeanne Haftl, Feb. 03, 2012
Businessmen Foster Friess of Wyoming and Jon Huntsman, Sr. of Utah have been making headlines for their generous support of presidential Super PACs supporting Rick Santorum and Jon Huntsman, Jr., respectively. According to our data, both men and their wives are also active donors to campaigns for state-level races, as were their companies.
- Independent Spending in Minnesota, 2006-2010
by Kevin McNellis, Jan. 30, 2012
This report digs into how independent political spending changed in the Minnesota since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Citizens United v. FEC. After the ruling, the state's corporate spending ban was lifted and the legislature enacted some of the most comprehensive independent spending disclosure requirements in the country. Researchers discovered that from 2006 through 2010, a total of $34.8 million was spent on independent expenditures in Minnesota, slightly more than half of the money given directly to candidates over the same period.
- Independent Spending in Oklahoma, 2006-2010
by Kevin McNellis, Jan. 18, 2012
How has independent political spending changed in the Sooner State since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Citizens United v. FEC? Prior to the ruling, Oklahoma had banned corporations and unions from funding independent communications. Although the ban remains on the books to this day, it is not being enforced, making it difficult to discern how the ruling has affected the state's independent spending.
- Names in the News: Sheldon Adelson
by Denise Roth Barber, Jan. 12, 2012
Who is Sheldon Adelson, and why is he making headlines? After Adelson made a $5 million donation to a federal Super PAC, our researchers decided to dig into his generous political giving at the state level. This report documents what we found.
- Independent Spending in Maine, 2006-2010
by Peter Quist, Dec. 23, 2011
While Maine had not previously banned corporations and unions from independent spending prior to Citizens United v. FEC in January 2010, this type of advocacy ballooned in the 2010 elections. Researchers identified top races, targeted candidates, and how much was spent from the 2006 though 2010 elections in order to pinpoint the main causes behind this phenomenon.
- Independent Spending in Missouri, 2005-2010
by Linda Casey, Dec. 21, 2011
This report examines the top independent spenders, which races were targeted, and how much was spent on 2005-2010 elections in Missouri. As in 26 other states, Missouri was not affected by the U.S. Supreme Court's January 2010 Citizens United v. FEC ruling that allowed corporations and unions to spend unlimited amounts of money from their general treasuries on political expenditures, because the state had not previously banned such activity. The study reveals that the amount spent independently between 2005 and 2010 was significantly less than the total raised directly by the candidates.
- Independent Spending in North Carolina, 2006-2010
by Robin Parkinson, Dec. 20, 2011
North Carolina is one of just 17 states that require reporting of both electioneering communications and independent expenditures, allowing for a more complete picture of independent spending in the state. For this report, researchers identified top spenders, targeted races, and how much was spent in the 2006-2010 elections. In response to the U.S. Supreme Court's January 2010 ruling on "Citizens United," North Carolina lifted the state's ban on political expenditures paid for by corporate and union treasuries. Researchers discovered that independent spending more than quadrupled in 2010 from the comparable 2006 election.
- Independent Spending in Idaho, 2006-2010
by Robin Parkinson, Dec. 14, 2011
This report examines the top independent spenders, targeted races, and how much was spent on 2006-2010 elections in Idaho. The study reveals that independent spending over the three elections was relatively low compared to the amount given in direct contributions to candidates. Since Idaho had not banned corporate spending prior to the U.S. Supreme Court Citizens United v. FEC ruling, the state's statutes were not impacted, and a change in spending patterns was neither seen nor expected.
- Independent Spending in Connecticut, 2008-2010
by Peter Quist, Dec. 07, 2011
How did independent political spending change in Connecticut since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Citizens United v. FEC? Prior to the ruling, Connecticut prohibited the use of corporate treasury funds for independent spending but permitted the use of union funds. In response to the ruling, the Connecticut General Assembly lifted the corporate ban during the 2010 elections. For this report, Institute researchers identified top independent spenders and how much was spent on elections in Connecticut in 2008 and 2010. An analysis of 2006 spending was not feasible because independent spenders were not readily identifiable at that time.
- Independent Spending in Ohio, 2006-2010
by Robin Parkinson, Dec. 02, 2011
This report reveals how independent political spending changed in Ohio since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Citizens United v. FEC. Prior to the ruling, Ohio had not allowed corporations or unions to use money from their treasuries for independent expenditures, a ban that fell after the decision. Institute researchers identified top independent spenders, which races were targeted, and how much was spent. They discovered that $33.7 million was spent independently over the study period, compared to $258.4 million raised directly by candidates.
- Independent Spending in Massachusetts, 2006-2010
by Kevin McNellis & Pete Quist, Nov. 29, 2011
Prior to the Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United v. FEC, Massachusetts' law banned corporations from spending money to influence elections; after the ruling this law ultimately fell. Institute researchers identified top spenders, targeted races, and how much was spent in the 2006-2010 elections. The money spent independently over the study period was a fraction of the $201 million contributed directly to candidates. The large increase in reported independent spending in 2010 may be attributable in part to the change in disclosure laws rather than a change in spending patterns.
Update September 21, 2012: After the report's initial publication, the Institute discovered that the independent spending figures used in the report were incorrect. The Institute has since fixed the data and updated the report accordingly. The changes primarily affect independent spending totals in 2010 for the Republican Governors Association and the Massachusetts Nurses Association.
- Independent Spending in Tennessee, 2006-2010
by Peter Quist, Nov. 21, 2011
Prior to the Supreme Court's Citizens United v. FEC ruling, Tennessee prohibited corporations from using their treasury money to fund independent expenditures, while unions were permitted to do so. This prohibition fell after the ruling, and legislators passed a law to require corporations engaging in independent spending to register political action committees and disclose their activity. Institute researchers identified top spenders, targeted races, and how much was spent. Money spent on electioneering communications is unfortunately not included in this analysis because Tennessee does not require such expenditures to be reported.
- Independent Spending in Florida, 2006-2010
by Kevin McNellis, Nov. 16, 2011
This report examines how, or if, independent political spending changed in Florida since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Citizens United v. FEC in January 2010. Institute researchers discovered that the increasing use of independent spending in Florida allows both large donors and candidates to circumvent the state's contribution and public financing limits, but poor disclosure laws inhibit analysis of the impact this spending had on the outcome of elections.
- Independent Spending in Wisconsin, 2010
by Linda Casey, Nov. 09, 2011
This report reveals how independent political spending changed in Wisconsin since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Citizens United v. FEC. Prior to the ruling, corporations and unions in Wisconsin were banned from making independent expenditures, a ban that fell after the ruling. Now Wisconsin only regulates express- or direct-advocacy spending, referred to as independent expenditures. Because data prior to the 2010 election is unavailable or incomplete, this report focuses only on top spenders, targeted races, and how much was spent in the 2010 election.
- Independent Spending in Iowa, 2006-2010
by Kevin McNellis, Oct. 27, 2011
Prior to Citizens United, corporations in Iowa could not engage in independent spending. In response to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision, SF 2354 was signed into law, lifting Iowa's prohibition on corporate express advocacy. This report shows that a once-inconsequential type of political spending in 2006 became a significant factor in several 2010 statewide races, specifically the state supreme court, governor, and attorney general races.
Update May 7th, 2012: An earlier version of this report referred to Iowa for Freedom as a 501(c)(4) organization, which was incorrect. Iowa for Freedom is a political committee funded by AFA Action, the 501(c)(4) arm of the American Family Association.
- Independent Spending in Michigan, 2006-2010
by Peter Quist, Oct. 06, 2011
Prior to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United v FEC, Michigan had prohibited corporations and unions from using their treasury funds to independently target state-level candidates. This ban fell following the ruling. This report examines the state of Michigan's independent spending disclosure rules, practices, and data availability from 2006-2010. It also analyzes the data itself, discussing targeted races and top spenders. Overall, the independent spending total in 2010 (after Citizens United) was up only slightly from that of the comparable 2006 elections.
October 7, 2011 Update: The total for Dick Devos Sr. has been changed to $1.3 million, with $1,135,000 going to the Republican Party.
- Independent Spending in California, 2005-2010
by Linda Casey, Sept. 20, 2011
This report examines how independent political spending remained relatively unaffected in California since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Citizens United v FEC in January 2010. Prior, corporations and labor unions had not been banned from using their treasury funds on independent spending. Researchers identified top spenders in recent elections, which races were targeted, and how much was spent.
UPDATE JULY 11, 2012: After the report's initial publication, the Institute discovered that the independent spending figures used in the report were incorrect. The Institute has since fixed the data and updated the report accordingly.
- Top Recipients of Federal Tax Breaks Donate to State Campaigns
by Linda Casey, Aug. 31, 2011
The top five recipients of $3.7 billion in federal corporate tax breaks paid $0 in 2009 federal taxes and enjoyed a combined profit of $77.16 billion in 2010. This report reveals that these corporations also gave $78.7 million to state political campaigns and $45.3 million to federal campaigns in the last decade. Follow the money in this analysis to see who's giving to whom in state-level campaigns.
- Independent Spending in Texas, 2006-2010
by Anne Bauer, Aug. 22, 2011
Independent spending for express advocacy is just one hammer in the tool belts of political activists in Texas, totaling a mere 1 percent compared to the contributions given directly to state-level candidates and ballot measures. Reporting requirements in Texas have severe flaws and omissions, which means that independent spending is undoubtedly much greater than the amount reported to the state. Using available records, Institute researchers identified top spenders in each of the past three elections, which races were targeted, and how much was spent.
- Independent Spending in Colorado, 2006-2010
by Robin Parkinson, Aug. 17, 2011
How has independent political spending changed in Colorado since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Citizens United v. FEC in January 2010? Prior to the ruling, the state had banned unions and corporations from using their treasury funds on independent political expenditures. Researchers identified top spenders in each of the past three elections, which races were targeted, and how much was spent, and discovered that while independent spending in Colorado has increased drastically since 2006, it does not appear to be a direct result of Citizens United.
UPDATE JANUARY 13, 2012: After the report's initial publication, the Institute discovered that the state's data contained expenditures that were multiplied numerous times. The Institute has since fixed the data and updated the report accordingly.
- Independent Spending in Arizona, 2006-2010
by Institute Staff, Aug. 12, 2011
Although Arizona has strong reporting and disclosure practices, some activities legally cloak the origin of some of the money funding independent spending. This report combs through independent spending reports from the past three elections in Arizona, identifying top spenders in each election, which races were targeted, and how much was spent. New numbers show that independent spending on 2010 elections was more than double the last comparable election in 2006.
- Independent Spending in Alaska, 2006-2010
by Anne Bauer, Aug. 12, 2011
How has independent spending affected political campaigns in Alaska? This report analyzes how independent political spending has changed since the U.S. Supreme Court's January 2010 Citizens United v. FEC ruling permitted corporations and unions to spend unlimited amounts of money from their general treasuries to advocate for or against candidates. Institute researchers identified top spenders in each of the past four elections, which races were targeted, and how much was spent.
- Names in the News: Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission
by Kevin McNellis, July 28, 2011
Lying quietly below most of Pennsylvania, the lucrative energy deposits of the Marcellus Shale formation have left energy companies and environmentalists alike saying "follow the money." Researchers at the National Institute on Money in State Politics did just that, drilling down to the bottom of oil and gas industry contributions in the Keystone State in this report. Coming under our microscope are campaign contributions from current and former oil and gas executives and lobbyists who were appointed to sit on the Governor's Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission.
- Beyond Dinner and a Movie: ALEC Actively Courts State Lawmakers
by Edwin Bender, July 20, 2011
The Institute examined American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) member information recently posted at ALECexposed.org by the Center for Media and Democracy. Researchers cross-checked these names against our unique state-level donor database to see how much ALEC members contributed and received in state-level campaigns. Our compelling findings are listed in the report.
- Best Practices for Independent Spending: Part One
by Anne Bauer, July 14, 2011
What is independent spending? Organizations and individuals spend millions of dollars every election cycle supporting or opposing candidates and ballot measures-without coordinating or consulting with the candidate or measure committee. Most of the time, a state calls these independent expenditures. In Part One of a two-part review of disclosure of this independent spending in the 50 states, researchers at the National Institute on Money in State Politics reviewed each state's law to define best practices for independent spending disclosure.
- 50-State Assessment of Lobbying Expenditure Data
by Linda King, July 05, 2011
Operating behind the scenes, lobbyists and their clients leverage great impact on public policy, often under little or no public scrutiny. In its pursuit of more transparent government, the Institute recently completed a thorough assessment of the widely varying regulations, availability, and quality of state lobbying expenditure data in all 50 states. The results of that assessment, as well as a breakdown of common disclosure issues, are listed by state in the full report.
November 2, 2011 Update: New data for Nebraska has been posted.
- Names in the News: Texas Gov. Rick Perry
by Anne Bauer, June 30, 2011
Texas governor and potential presidential contender, Rick Perry, has raised over $100 million for his gubernatorial races in the last ten years. Researcher Anne Bauer dives into Institute records that show the big bucks from Perry's fans have enabled him to raise more money than any other Texas candidate who ran between 2002 and 2010, with the exception of his Democratic opponent in 2002. Based on his ability to tap wealthy donors in the past, Perry will be a formidable fundraiser if he decides to run for president.
- Louisiana Courts of Appeal: Open Seats Much Sought; Incumbent Seats Rarely Fought
by Linda Casey, June 14, 2011
In the last three judicial elections, incumbent judges on the Louisiana Courts of Appeal were reelected without a challenge nearly every time, while open seats for the court were highly contested. In this report, Institute researcher Linda Casey details the contribution trends for both contested and incumbent races, as well as for the candidates themselves. The result is a unique summary that provides an interesting look into judicial campaign contributions and their results.
- Snapshot: Illinois' 2010 Campaign Finances
by Anne Bauer, June 02, 2011
Party money played a big role in Illinois politics in 2010, the last election before campaign contribution limits took effect. This comparative analysis of the 2010 elections by researcher Anne Bauer examines the eye popping cash poured into candidate and party committee coffers in Illinois.
- Update on 2012 Presidential Contenders: State PACs Rev Up the Race
by Anne Bauer, May 16, 2011
Potential 2012 presidential contenders brought in significant amounts of cash through state-level committees in 2010. While the FEC prohibits contributions over $5,000, several states have no such restriction. Building on a previous report, this updated analysis looks deeper into the amount both raised and given by potential presidential contenders through the use of their state PACs.
- Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller
by Kevin McNellis, April 20, 2011
Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller's campaign war chest got a dramatic boost after he announced his leadership of the 50-state attorneys general investigation into foreclosure irregularities. Out-of-state law firms and donors from the finance, insurance, and real estate sector gave $261,445-which is 88 times more than they had given him over the previous decade.
- High Stakes Justice: 2011 Wisconsin Supreme Court Race
by Anne Bauer, April 18, 2011
Wisconsin politics again has people sitting on the edges of their seats as a contentious Supreme Court race heads for a likely recount. Institute staff combed through campaign contributions to Wisconsin Supreme Court justices from 1989 through 2009, focusing on the individual contributions to the sitting justices as well as overall trends in the contribution data, presented in the report.
- Names in the News: Carl Kruger
by Robin Parkinson, March 22, 2011
New York state senator Carl Kruger was recently charged in a federal corruption case for receiving $1 million in bribes in exchange for favors to lobbyists working on health care and real estate development issues. Records also show that Sen. Kruger received campaign contributions from five donors were also charged in the same case.
- Best Practices for State Campaign-Finance Disclosure, 2010
by Peter Quist, March 14, 2011
Information collected and held by governmental agencies must be similarly accessible to enable and ensure a strong democracy. To assess the current state of campaign-finance disclosure across the country, the Institute surveyed the 2010 disclosure practices in each of the 50 states. Using the information obtained from the surveys, the Institute then identified best practices for state agencies to employ to best provide campaign-finance data to the public.
Click here to see the surveys of the 2010 disclosure practices in each of the 50 states.
- Propped Up by Anonymous Donors: Arizona Proposition 106 Wins at the Polls
by Anne Bauer, Feb. 15, 2011
Arizonans rejected federal mandates on health insurance in November, 2010, when they passed Proposition 106 with 55 percent of the vote. That measure, a legislatively referred constitutional amendment, seeks to block the federal requirement that all citizens buy health insurance. This report analyzes campaign contributions both for and against this proposition.
- 2012 Presidential Contenders: State PACs Rev Up the Race-Revised 1/27/11
by Anne Bauer, Jan. 26, 2011
Potential 2012 presidential contenders brought in significant amounts of cash through state-level committees in 2010. While the FEC prohibits contributions over $5,000, several states have no such restriction. In a limited search, the Institute found that contenders raised at least $2.7 million that was not reported to the FEC. In many cases, individual contributors used one or more state PACs to give far more than the FEC limit. Finding and analyzing any contender's state committees presents a significant challenge.
- Independent Expenditure Campaigns in Iowa Topple Three High Court Justices
by Linda Casey, Jan. 10, 2011
Opponents of same-sex marriage in Iowa first took aim at the state's seven-member Supreme Court during the 2010 retention elections. Throughout the elections, five out-of-state groups spent nearly $1 million in independent expenditures on a successful campaign to unseat three Iowa Supreme Court Justices: Marsha K. Ternus, Michael J. Streit, and David L. Baker.
- Names in the News: Alan Hevesi
by Robin Parkinson, Dec. 21, 2010
Alan Hevesi, New York's State Comptroller from 2002 through 2006, is making headlines for pleading guilty to giving investment firms access to New York's pension fund in return for campaign funding and other personal benefits. The Institute reports that from 2002 through 2006 Hevesi raised more than $13.4 million for his comptroller races, for which security and investment firms were his second highest contributing industry.
- Candidate Self-Financing: More Barrier Than Stepping Stone
by Anne Bauer, Nov. 16, 2010
The Institute reviewed the outcome of races involving the top 10 self-funded candidates across the country and found that the poor return rate on investment still holds.
- Forbes Magazine's 'Richest Americans' Influence State Politics:
by Anne Bauer, Kevin McNellis, Robin Parkinson, and Peter Quist, Nov. 08, 2010
The top 20 richest Americans (identified in Forbes magazine), and their companies, contributed an impressive $22.6 million to state-level candidates and political committees from 2005 through 2008. As a group, they gave nearly half ($11.2 million) of all contributions to Republican candidates and committees, with ballot measure committees gaining an impressive 35 percent of the total.
- Tea Party in the 2010 State Elections: Hot or Tepid?
by Tyler Evilsizer, Oct. 27, 2010
The national conversation has at times been dominated by the Tea Party narrative expounding an anti-incumbency sentiment, "citizen" candidates deciding to run, and an upcoming Republican surge. However, the numbers from state primaries and upcoming general elections tell a different story...
- Names in the News: David and Charles Koch
by Anne Bauer, Sept. 22, 2010
The owners of the largest private company in the United States have a history of giving millions of dollars in political donations. Between 2005 and 2009, brothers David and Charles Koch and Koch Industries gave $2.6 million in direct political contributions, with 81 percent of that going to Republican campaigns.
- New Politics of Judicial Elections, 2000-2009
by Brennan Center for Justice, National Institute on Money in State Politics, Justice at Stake, Aug. 16, 2010
State judicial elections have been transformed during the past decade. The story of America's 2000-2009 high court contests--tens of millions of dollars raised by candidates from parties who may appear before them, millions more poured in by interest groups, nasty and misleading ads, and pressure on judges to signal courtroom rulings on the campaign trail--has become the new normal. For more than a decade, partisans and special interests of all stripes have been growing more organized in their efforts to use elections to tilt the scales of justice their way. Many Americans have come to fear that justice is for sale.
- Gun Rights Advocates Outgun Opposition Contributions
by Anne Bauer, Aug. 11, 2010
Second Amendment advocates won several important victories in the past year, crowned with the Supreme Court's decision in late June that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual's right to keep arms in the home. As well, several states recently passed gun-friendly legislation.
- Names in the News: Gov. Joe Manchin
by Pete Quist, Aug. 04, 2010
Hours after signing legislation that set up a special election to fill the remaining two years of the late U.S. Senator Robert Byrd's term, West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin, III announced on July 20 that he would run in the race. Manchin, a Democrat, has dominated campaign fundraising in the past and handily won elections in 2000, 2004, and 2008. If these trends from his state races continue into his U.S. Senate campaign, he will certainly be a powerful contender.
- The Efficacy of Self-Funding a Political Campaign
by Anne Bauer, June 22, 2010
Whitman and Fiorina take note: while candidates with big war chests hold a significant advantage over their opponents, the advantage is diffused when most of the money comes from a candidate's own pockets. The traditional advantages of being the top fundraiser in a race, or being an incumbent, don't confer the same level of success to self-financiers. That trend holds true for candidates from all parties. In fact, in the last nine years, only 11 percent of self-financed candidates won their races. Early primary results in 2010 show this trend may be continuing.
- Petroleum Contributions Gush Over the Gulf States
by Anne Bauer, June 17, 2010
If political donations and lobbying efforts serve as a gauge of influence and commitment, oil plays a significant role in Gulf state politics. Oil companies advocated strongly for themselves long before the Deepwater tragedy and likely will continue to do so--and to drill.
- ARRA Contracts and State Political Contributions
by Anne Bauer, June 02, 2010
A diverse "Who's Who" of American organizations and corporations received billions of dollars in contracts from the federal government under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The National Institute on Money in State Politics examined possible relationships between these contracts, and campaign contributions to state-level candidates and committees.
- Third-Party Candidates Face Long Odds
by Anne Bauer, May 18, 2010
Voters in the 2010 elections can again expect to see few third-party candidates who seek to provide alternatives to politics as usual. Those few candidates face long odds. Of the 6,181 third-party candidates registered in the last nine years, only 2 percent won their races. Moreover, the traditional advantages of money and incumbency don't confer success onto third-party candidates to the same extent as they do mainstream party candidates.
- Names In The News: Goldman Sachs
by Tyler Evilsizer, May 11, 2010
The Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into securities fraud at Goldman Sachs, one of the nation's largest investment banks. Much of the scrutiny over Goldman Sachs has focused on Washington, D.C., where Goldman Sachs' PAC and its employees gave $24.5 million to federal political campaigns in the period 1999-2009. Most of that money went to Democrats, and a quarter of this year's donations went to members of the committees most responsible for banking regulation.
- The Role of Money & Incumbency in 2007-2008 State Elections
by Peter Quist, May 06, 2010
The dual advantages of incumbency and fundraising dominance produced a success rate of 96 percent in the 2007-2008 state legislative elections. Candidates possessing just the incumbency advantage had a 94 percent success rate, and frequently did not even face a contested general election.
- Competitiveness in 2007-2008 State Legislative Races
by Tyler Evilsizer, May 06, 2010
For all of the hype surrounding elections every other fall, a surprising number of state legislators faced little or no competition for their seats. One-third of legislative races across the nation in 2007-2008 were uncontested--there was only one name to vote for. Where there were two names, only one-third of the races were competitive, i.e., the two candidates raised roughly similar amounts of money.
- Health Insurance Companies Give Healthy Donations to Political Campaigns
by Anne Bauer, April 20, 2010
Executives of health insurance titans WellPoint, UnitedHealth Group, Humana, and Aetna were called before Congress in March to explain stiff rate increases and claims denials. Despite the publicized wrangling at the federal level, state governments actually bear primary responsibility for health insurance regulation--and that has not escaped the notice of health insurers. These four companies were major players in state politics, giving a total of $8.7 million to candidates and committees in 42 states from 2005 through 2008.
- An Overview of State Campaigns, 2007-2008
by Denise Roth Barber, April 06, 2010
More than 15,000 candidates who sought offices ranging from the state legislature to the governor's seat raised nearly $1.5 billion during state elections held in 2007 and 2008. State office-holders who were not up for election raised an additional $172 million.
- State Debates: Freedom of Choice in Health Care
by Anne Bauer, March 24, 2010
Arizona's Proposition 101 may have failed narrowly in 2008, but it succeeded in another way--spurring copycat legislation designed to put measures just like it on ballots all over the country. Supporters of Arizona's Prop 101 raised just under $700,000, while opponents brought in a little over $1 million in the month before the election.
- Names In The News: Lt. Gov. Bill Halter
by Linda Casey, March 17, 2010
Arkansas is hosting a high-profile U.S. Senate race, as Lt. Gov. Bill Halter challenges Sen. Blanche Lincoln in the Democratic primary this spring. Taking on a sitting U.S. senator who has a $7 million war chest is a daunting task. However, Halter has some heavy hitters on his side, and he previously demonstrated his ability to raise money.
- 2008 Ballot Measure Overview
by Anne Bauer, March 09, 2010
Money raised to support or oppose ballot measures climbed to $814 million in 2008--the highest amount since the Institute began collecting data on ballot measures in 2004. Businesses and special interests with a dog in the fight gave $564 million of that, fully 69 percent of the total.
- Abortion Restrictions on 2008 Ballots
by Tyler Evilsizer, Feb. 09, 2010
In 2008, voters in three states rejected measures that would have restricted or banned abortion. The three measures attracted over $20 million in total. California and South Dakota repeated battles that were on the 2006 ballot. Colorado had the nation's first "personhood" amendment on a ballot, offering voters a chance to decide when life begins.
- The Golden State In The Red
by Peter Quist, Feb. 03, 2010
In the 2008-09 fiscal year, California faced the largest state budget shortfall in U.S. history. Part of the deal lawmakers reached to close the gap involved placing six measures on the May 2009 ballot to help address budgeting issues in the future. Sixteen committees raised almost $40 million to fight for and against these measures in a battle that would have multi-billion dollar implications as quickly as the 2009-10 fiscal year.
- Judicial Diversity and Money in Politics: AL, GA, IL, NM, NC, OH, PA, WA, WI
by Linda Casey, Jan. 28, 2010
Women and members of ethnic or racial minorities are underrepresented in a majority of state courts across the nation. To determine if a correlation exists between state-level judicial candidates' electoral success, their ability to raise money, and their ethnicity, race or gender, the National Institute on Money in State Politics examined the money raised by state high court and appellate court candidates in 9 states that held judicial elections in 2007 and 2008.
- Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission
by Denise Roth Barber, Jan. 22, 2010
Revised: March 2, 2010: The "Citizens United v FEC" ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court has no effect on campaign limits in place at the state and federal levels but may effectively overturn laws in 24 states that ban or restrict corporations from funding advocation for or against state candidates. In the 22 states that prohibit corporations from giving to candidates, individuals contributed about half of the money raised by candidates and non-individuals provided less than one-fourth. The reverse is true in the 28 states that allow corporate giving.
- Diversity in State Judicial Campaigns, 2007-2008
by Linda Casey, Jan. 13, 2010
In August 2009, Circuit Judge Sonia Sotomayor became not only the first Hispanic to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, but the third female. The historic significance of her selection and her subsequent confirmation was overshadowed by discussions about gender, race and ethnicity. In a majority of state courts across the nation, women and members of ethnic or racial minorities are underrepresented, and likely face situations similar to the ones that confronted Justice Sotomayor.
- Names in the News: Timothy S. Durham
by Anne Bauer, Dec. 30, 2009
Timothy S. Durham, recent subject of an FBI raid for an alleged Ponzi scheme, gave $447,229 to Indiana state Republican candidates and party committees from 2003 through 2008.
- Names In The News: Swank Enterprises
by Denise Roth Barber, Dec. 16, 2009
Governor Brian Schweitzer recently denied a request by the construction company Swank Enterprises for $600,000 that was inserted in Montana's 2009 budget to help with clean-up costs at a hazardous waste site. In his refusal to pay the company, the governor stated, "Just because they're big political donors or they have big political influence doesn't make them more important than the rest of Montana."
- Take $2 Million...and Call Me in the Session
by Anne Bauer, Dec. 15, 2009
In the last six years, major players in the health care industry gave $394 million to officeholders, party committees and ballot measure committees in the 50 states. At least one proposal being discussed before Congress would allow states to engage in health care co-ops. States also regulate the various health care interests and administer Medicaid, which makes the states a major purchaser of goods and services from health care interests.
- Building Their Immunity
by Anne Bauer, Dec. 15, 2009
The Freedom of Choice in Health Care Act asked Arizona voters to change their state Constitution to forever prohibit certain aspects of health care reform--such as single-payer and individual mandates. The voters declined to pass the resulting Proposition 101 in 2008, but the American Legislative Exchange Council, or ALEC, adopted the Act as a model for legislation in many states.
- Virginia Is For Lovers...Of Millions
by Peter Quist, Dec. 01, 2009
Earlier this month Virginia held races for three statewide offices--governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general--in a high-stakes showdown that almost reached the $50 million mark. The gubernatorial race was widely touted as a contest that could signal the winds for the 2010 elections, and national party committees poured in money accordingly, providing nearly one-fourth of the money raised by the two general election gubernatorial candidates, Democrat R. Creigh Deeds, and Republican William F. "Bill" McDonnell.
- The Money Behind the 2008 Same-Sex Partnership Ballot Measures
by Peter Quist, Nov. 18, 2009
(UPDATED 2/9/2010) The struggle between gay and lesbian rights interests and conservative and religious interests continues: in 2008, voters in Arizona, Arkansas, California and Florida passed measures opposing same-sex marriage or benefits. Underscoring the intensity of the conflict, these two interest groups were among the top contributors overall in each of the four states.
- Names In The News: Jose Cuevas
by Anne Bauer, Nov. 06, 2009
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission head Jose Cuevas found himself in the limelight last week when The Dallas Morning News reported he had solicited political contributions from restaurateurs--part of the community he regulates--for his boss, Gov. Rick Perry.
- The Money Behind The Maine Marriage Measure
by Tyler Evilsizer, Nov. 05, 2009
Maine became the 31st state to block gay marriage through a public referendum. Voters repealed a state law passed earlier in the year by the legislature that allowed same-sex couples to marry. The measure, Question 1, attracted over $9 million, or 72 cents of every dollar raised around Maine's seven ballot measures in 2009.
- Never A Sure Bet
by Anne Bauer, Oct. 28, 2009
As the country's economists debated what to call the economic downturn, in 2008 nine states debated whether to replace declining revenues with money from gamblers. The stakes were high. Opponents foresaw high societal costs and were skeptical about economic benefits, while gambling proponents spread around big dollars and promised more--often earmarked for education--for little effort.
- The Four Tops Party On
by Megan Moore, Oct. 21, 2009
Illinois is one of only six states with no restrictions on campaign contributions to candidates. The state is now inching closer to campaign-finance reform. Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, a Democrat, proposed a bill that limits contributions from individuals, corporations, labor unions and political action committees--but allows unlimited contributions from political parties and legislative caucuses.
- Money Fuels Power Measures
by Denise Roth Barber, Sept. 17, 2009
Energy companies and environmentalists took their battles to the voters in three states last November, with mixed results. In California, Colorado and Missouri, four measures on the ballot would have impacted their respective state's energy policy.
- Lenders Couldn't Buy Laws
by Tyler Evilsizer, Aug. 18, 2009
The $85 billion payday loan industry has traditionally fought in state legislatures for its right to do business. By the 2008 elections, 15 states had made payday lending illegal. In 2008, the payday lending industry tried a new tactic: the ballot box. In Arizona and Ohio, donors from the industry gave more than $35 million to support ballot measures that would allow them to continue operating. Despite the influx of cash, voters rejected the payday lenders' claims, and effectively banned short-term, high-interest lending.
- 10,000 Lakes, 17 Candidates (and Counting)
by Nicole Albertson-Nuanes, Aug. 05, 2009
On June 2, 2009, Minnesota Gov. Timothy Pawlenty announced that he would not seek re-election in 2010. Almost immediately, political pundits began to mention more than 20 people as potential gubernatorial candidates in 2010. This report examines 17 who have recent political campaign records.
- Immigration Measures: Support On Both Sides Of The Fence
by Peter Quist, July 23, 2009
Immigration issues have inspired hot debates in recent years. This was true in 2008, as four states--Florida, Missouri, Oregon and Arizona--had immigrant-related measures on their ballots. Only Oregon and Arizona had committees relating to these ballot measures. Take a look at who supported and who opposed these measures.
- Donors Double Down In Gaming Debate
by Tyler Evilsizer, June 24, 2009
On the final day of the 2009 legislative session, Florida lawmakers passed a law to expand gambling in the state and offer a new gambling compact to the Seminole Tribe, overcoming a legislature which has "resist[ed] gambling expansion for decades." The bill was signed by Gov. Crist on June 15. Under the new agreement, the Seminole Tribe--which has been seeking state approval for Las Vegas-style slot machines for years--would gain the exclusive right to operate slot machines outside of Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
- Climate Change Debate Heats Up In The Tar Heel State
by Nicole Albertson-Nuanes, June 17, 2009
As increasing numbers of constituents demand a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, legislators are responding by introducing an increasing number of bills to combat climate change. In North Carolina, lawmakers have taken a particular interest in legislation that regulates greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired boilers and motor vehicles. Legislators introduced seven bills in 2009 that would regulate these particularly potent emitters of air pollutants.
- The Money Behind Oregon's 2008 Elections
by Tyler Evilsizer, June 15, 2009
Contributions to 2008 state-level political campaigns in Oregon totaled $55 million, down 11 percent from the $62 million raised in 2004, the last comparable election. Measures on the ballot in 2008 attracted $13 million less than those in 2004, accounting for the difference in the totals raised during the two elections. Candidates actually raised 29 percent more, while political parties raised about the same amount of money.
- The Prairie State Heats Up
by Linda Casey, May 29, 2009
Home to the second largest coal reserves in the United States, Illinois is in a position to be the nation's leader in developing coal gasification projects. The Illinois Clean Coal Portfolio Standard Act, signed into law January 2009, sets the stage for Illinois to usher in one of the first state-backed efforts to develop these kinds of coal power facilities. Not surprising, the groups, companies and associations that stand to benefit from the Act are attempting to ensure that they have a say in how it is implemented.
- Evergreen State: Ever More Green?
by Tyler Evilsizer, May 13, 2009
On January 29, 2009, Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire and legislative leaders announced a $500 million package of climate-change legislation that would "create jobs, expand [Washington's] green economy, and make important progress toward energy independence." The legislature adjourned without passing any of it.
- Names In The News: Charlie Crist vs. Marco Rubio
by Tyler Evilsizer, May 12, 2009
On May 12, 2009, Florida Governor Charlie Crist announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican Sen. Mel Martinez. Crist joins several other Republicans seeking this seat; most notable is former Florida Speaker of the House, Marco Rubio.
- Liquid Assets? Industry Raised The Bar to Resist Alcohol Taxes
by Peter Quist, May 06, 2009
States coping with the budget woes often raise taxes to help cover shortfalls. Frequently, "sin taxes" are among the first to face a potential increase. Businesses in the alcohol trade have responded with familiar tactics, contributing millions of dollars to state political campaigns all over the country.
- High Court Contests: Competition, Controversy and Cash in Pennsylvania & Wisconsin
by Linda Casey, April 28, 2009
Fund raising for the 2007 and 2008 judicial elections in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin fell in line with the national trend of increasingly expensive judicial races. Highly competitive and contentious contests in both states resulted in significantly more spending than in previous elections.
- Texas Tug-Of-War
by Peter Quist, April 22, 2009
In 2005, Texas emitted the most carbon dioxide from fossil fuels in the country, 663.87 million metric tons, easily eclipsing the 390.64 million metric tons emitted in California. This year, proposed legislation would institute a carbon emissions cap-and-trade plan and pave the way for Texas to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Another would promote capture of CO2 and development of emissions-reducing technologies.
- Powering the Sunshine State
by Denise Roth Barber, April 22, 2009
The Florida State Legislature is considering several bills to address climate change and clean energy. Electric utility companies, auto dealers and others with a major stake in the outcome of these bills are influencing the debate, having made substantial contributions to Florida lawmakers during their 2008 election campaigns.
- Green State Confronts Climate Controversy
by Tyler Evilsizer, April 22, 2009
In 2007, Forbes rated Oregon the second-greenest state in the nation. The high rating was due in part to Oregon having one of the five lowest carbon footprints per capita, and having more LEED-certified "green buildings" per capita than any other state. But climate change legislation does not come without a heated debate, even in a state that has already passed "the country's most aggressive greenhouse gas reduction goals."
- Buying Broadband A Boost
by Peter Quist, March 31, 2009
The federal government and many state governments are making efforts to increase or improve access to broadband internet services. With this attention in the states, communication companies are spending millions of dollars on state campaigns and hiring thousands of state-level lobbyists.
- Names in the News: Vincent Fumo
by Tyler Evilsizer, March 26, 2009
Vincent Fumo, who served as a state senator in Pennsylvania for 30 years, was found guilty of 137 counts of corruption and fraud. The March 16, 2009 decision rocked state politics. This report documents campaign finance data since 2000, showing that Fumo regularly outraised opponents by at least two to one.
- Give to Get? Financial Institutions That Made Hefty Campaign Contributions Score Big Bucks from the Government
by Nicole Albertson-Nuanes, March 19, 2009
The Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) was intended to stabilize the country's financial sector by distributing hundreds of billions of dollars. 300+ banks have received nearly $200 billion thus far. FollowTheMoney.org studied 75 institutions that received TARP funds. They contributed $20.4 million to state-level politics from 2000 to 2007: 62% went to statewide candidates; 27% to political parties; and 11% to ballot measure committees.
- Industries Storm States Over Climate Change
by Tyler Evilsizer, March 18, 2009
As the climate change debate heats up in the states, those with a keen interest in the issue have turned up the pressure to make sure their voices are heard in the lawmaking process. Between 2003 and 2007, energy-related companies contributed $151 million to state-level politics; chambers of commerce, manufacturers and pro-business organizations gave an additional $31.4 million. In sharp contrast, environmental organizations and alternative energy companies contributed only $26 million.
- An Apple From the Teachers: Teachers' Unions Give Lessons on Contributing at the State Level
by Linda Casey, March 03, 2009
From 2003 through 2007, teachers' unions gave $112.5 million to committees working on 88 ballot measures in 22 states. In addition, international unions NEA and AFT and their affiliates gave almost $53 million to political campaigns for state candidates and political party committees.
- Names in the News: Gov. Kathleen Sebelius
by Linda Casey, Feb. 25, 2009
The Obama administration has nominated Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius for the top spot at Health and Human Services. Here, the Institute looks at her campaign finance records since 1998 and learns that Sebelius was a fundraising powerhouse when running for insurance commissioner as well as for her current office as governor of the state of Kansas.
- Names in the News: David Rubin/CDR Financial Products
by Denise Roth Barber, Jan. 08, 2009
David Rubin's sudden emergence as a household name was prompted by New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson's withdrawal for consideration to serve as Secretary of Commerce under President-elect Obama. Richardson is the subject of a federal "pay-to-play" investigation involving contributions by Rubin, who is president of CDR Financial Products. CDR was awarded two contracts in 2004 in the state of New Mexico worth about $1.4 million. Rubin's donations have spanned the U.S. Since 2000, he has given a total of $146,700 to Democratic state level candidates and party committees in seven states.
- Names in the News: Gov. Bill Richardson
by Peter Quist, Jan. 05, 2009
When President-elect Barack Obama nominated New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson to be Secretary of Commerce on Dec. 3, 2008, he selected a seasoned politician who could raise millions in donations -- even when he faced little opposition -- from the very interests he was to regulate: finance, insurance and real estate. In fact, Richardson has been the focus of an ongoing federal probe into a financial company and the contracts it received from the state, and he withdrew his name from consideration because of that investigation.


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The festival is finally over, the awards given. It was the strongest selection in years, and I saw more of the competition films than usual. Who came out ahead and behind this year?
Biggest Loser: Censured director Lars von Trier, who dive-bombed his best, most beautiful and accessible film in years, Melancholia, and not only alienated and offended the international film world with his comments about being a Nazi, but put himself in the doghouse with his own film community in Denmark, by dissing his own Zentropa colleague Susanne Bier. Drive's Danish director Nic Winding Refn, whose father has edited many of von Trier's films, was also publicly "repulsed" by his behavior.
Von Trier had dinner with Kirsten Dunst Saturday night to try and patch up their relationship, which was understandably damaged. To date Argentina seems to be the only country that has rejected distributing the film, but Magnolia will have to convince people to come and see it this fall. Magnolia's Tom Quinn hopes to take it to some more festivals (New York is in the mix). Will they invite it now? Controversy often fuels more name recognition. We will see if audiences are in a mood to shun Von Trier's movie. Von Trier is also worried that Martin Scorsese will back out of The Five Obstructions, which Magnolia is in talks to support. An indieWIRE poll overwhelmingly supported the filmmaker's right to keep the film in competition. Jury chief Robert DeNiro says that if the jury had voted for it, he would have gone along with it. But they did not, choosing to reward Dunst's brilliant performance as a depressed bride facing the end of the world. Olivier Assayas called Melancholia von Trier's "best film, it's a great film, we all agreed in condemning the press conference. If you ask about the film, it's great acting and an accomplished work of art, one of the best at this festival."
Prize Shut-Outs: The movies that did not win anything include Pedro Almodovar's kinky psychothriller The Skin I Live In (Sony Pictures Classics) and Aki Kaurismaki's critically hailed Le Havre (which won the Fipresci critics prize), and Lynne Ramsay's divisive We Need to Talk About Kevin, which featured a strong performance by Tilda Swinton (UPDATE which was acquired Monday by North American distributor Oscilloscope), Nanni Moretti's Habemus Papam, and Paolo Sorrentino's English-language experiment This Must Be the Place, boasting Sean Penn's audacious portrait of an aging rock star.
Fox Searchlight, Terrence Malick, The Tree of Life, and Brad Pitt. The Palme d'Or gives this head-trip of a movie a much-needed boost in the direction of becoming a must-see for cinephiles and possibly more. Will it have wider impact? And Pitt earned praise for his best performance to date, demonstrating dramatic range and discernment.
Best Actress winner Dunst is taking a serious career direction with recent choices All Good Things and especially Melancholia. The jury chose to reward her and not punish her for von Trier's press room indiscretions. The world is her oyster now--she will have her pick of top female roles, and enhanced foreign visibility.
Nicolas Winding Refn's career as a global director gets a prestige boost from his best director win--but in fact the movie itself will catapult him into contention for bigger budgets and assignments in Hollywood. He could be the next brainy Euro-indie, like Chris Nolan. And if Drive proves a box office hit, it also pushes Ryan Gosling into another category now, as a global action star on the order of a Steve McQueen, which Hollywood has been sadly missing. Gosling has it all: sex appeal, acting chops, and danger. The perfect star cocktail. Here's my video interview with Gosling. Now Refn wants to do Drive 2 as "a real Hollywood movie" with Gosling as one of two drivers after his next film in Thailand with Luke Evans and Kristin Scott Thomas. Film District has another likely winner with Drive.
The Weinsteins smartly scooped up The Artist ahead of the festival, which should play well all over the world. With his win, comedian Jean Dujardin is pushed into a much bigger star than he already was, with dramatic range. And director Michel Hazanavicius gets a push too.
Sundance Selects, which acquired the Grand Prix-winner, the Dardennes' The Kid on a Bike, as well as Maiwenn's jury-prize-winner Poliss. Sony Pictures Classics also picked up Footnote, which won best screenplay and could wind up submitted as best foreign film by Israel.
As jury member Jude Law said at the press conference, the good news from Cannes is that these prizes will bring audiences to worthy films.
brian fantana | May 25, 2011 6:48 AM
yeah, thanks for letting us know that Sony Classics picked up LE HAVRE - I sure that the US distribution company (not Sony Classics) that acquired the film was interested to see that announced as well
Emma | May 24, 2011 6:25 AM
Very few people will see any of these films. These are films critics love and normal people ignore.
MDL | May 24, 2011 4:20 AM
So are you a normal person or a film critic? You are narrowing the field of potential viewers for these films. The bottom line is these films [except maybe Drive] are not mainstream formulaic movies that 'normal' people flock to. They have character and a stamp of originality in ways that mainstream films do not. Seems to me that a reason to see them.
jingmei | May 23, 2011 8:34 AM
good for nicolas winding refn's winning! i like his talking way as being practical, honest, and smart.
L.y. | May 23, 2011 7:58 AM
Ryan Gosling dangerous? Please. He is a good actor but not a "dangerous" type of guy, he is more the marshmallow kind that you take home to mom while hiding your dangerous boyfriend in your room.
mary | May 22, 2011 12:30 PM
Happy to know that Sony Pictures Classics acquire "Le Havre"! Thank you, Anne!
Pedro Almodovar is a big loser. He originally didn't want to show "The Skin I Live In" at Cannes, but he eventually changed his mind. Maybe because some persuade him that "The Skin I Live In" can win a big award at Cannes? But now, the film win nothing. (Will Cannes' relationship with Pedro Almodovar be damaged?)
Lars von Trier is definitely not Susanne Bier's rival filmmaker, because Lars von Trier's Zentropa has financed many of Susanne Bier's movies, including "In a Better World".
Normally, Kirsten Dunst would have shot at Oscar. However, will Lars von Trier's stupid-speech damage Kirsten Dunst's Oscar shot? Kirsten Dunst is clearly more well-liked than Lars von Trier in Hollywood, but some Oscar juries may still not want a Lars von Trier's film to get any Oscar nomination.
Sundance Selects also acquired "Sleeping Beauty", "House of Tolerance" and the market title "Goodbye First Love". Among those films, "Sleeping Beauty" may not get too many good reviews, but the film will very likely be profitable for IFC/Sundance Selects. (IFC always make money on this kind of sexual films, including even "Exterminating Angels" ) "Goodbye First Love" semm like an interesting film, too.

subset: commoncrawl


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Support SF Police Chief Heather Fong
AN OPEN LETTER TO MAYOR NEWSOM AND THE SAN FRANCISCO BOARD OF SUPERVISORS We write today to express our firm and unwavering support for Police Chief Heather Fong. As community leaders and advocates, we believe that the recent attacks on Chief Fong are unfair and without grounds. We are outraged at the criticisms that have recently been leveled at Chief Fong. Under Chief Fong
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Home > Post > Post 8 > Post8 News Release > 2011 News Releases > News Release
News Release
Master Trooper Joe Veeneman
Public Affairs Officer
Kentucky State Police
Post 8, Morehead
(606) 784-4127
Click here to e-mail Master Trooper Joe Veeneman
Injury Collision on KY 205 in Morgan County
Date of News Release: 12/27/2011
(Morehead, Ky.) -- On December 27, 2011, at 2:00 PM, Kentucky State Police Morehead was contacted by Morgan County Dispatch in reference to a single vehicle injury accident on KY 205 in Morgan County, five miles from the US 460 junction. Ariel Shelton was operating a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer southbound on KY 205. Ms. Shelton traveled across pooling water on the roadway causing her to lose control of the vehicle. The Chevrolet exited the right shoulder of the roadway striking a guardrail. The vehicle came to final rest in a ditch line. Ms. Shelton refused treatment at the scene. The accident remains under investigation by Trooper Royce Collett.


text:
Hi all,
I have received a complaint from a client that the 3GP files we send to mobiles do not work on the 6600.
"Services Unable to Complete" type error.
This is weird as the files work on all other video enabled mobiles I have including 3650, 7650 (additional video player added).
Also these files work on Ericsson, Sharp etc. So I would be suprised if it is the file.
Could it be todo with the OMA compliancy of the handset or something much more basic like lack of memory.
Any advice greatfully received.


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|Men's Basketball » News
|» News » Schedule » Roster » Coaches » Stats (PDF) » Stats (HTML) » Big Cypress Basketball Clinic » Records » Archive
Record Crowd Sees Double-Doubles From Comer, Hicks As @FGCU_MBB Wins Again
|Ave Maria
|Stats at a Glance
|FG Percentage
|.368 (21-57)
|.542 (32-59)
|3P FG Percentage
|.421 (8-19)
|.480 (12-25)
|FT Percentage
|.462 (6-13)
|.273 (3-11)
|Offensive Rebounds
|Defensive Rebounds
|Total Rebounds
|Bench Points
|Statistical Leaders
|Jelani Bonner
- 16
- 18
|Jelani Bonner
- 9
- 11
|Ralph Erickson
- 4
- 10
|Ralph Erickson
- 2
Nate Krimsky - 2
- 3
|Jelani Bonner
- 1
- 2
DUNK CITY, Fla. – A record, standing-room only crowd of 4,633 in Alico Arena witnessed double-double performances from guard Brett Comer and center Nate Hicks as the FGCU men's basketball team (4-1) won its fourth straight game Saturday night over local foe Ave Maria, 79-56.
Comer (Winter Park, Fla./Winter Park HS) led FGCU in scoring for the third consecutive outing as the junior poured in a game-high 18 points and issued a season-best 10 assists. Hicks (Panama City Beach, Fla./J.R. Arnold HS/Georgia Tech) tied his career high of 12 points set Monday versus Eckerd and corralled a career-best 11 rebounds – seven of which came in the second half – as the redshirt junior recorded his first career double-double.
The sellout crowd of 4,633 surpassed last year's record of 4,552 in the season opener against Miami. FGCU has now had 4,000 or more spectators in three straight games for the first time in program history, with three of the four largest crowds ever already occurring in the first three home games of the season.
"First of all, I'd like to thank the crowd for another great college basketball atmosphere. We appreciate everyone showing up and supporting us," head coach Joe Dooley said. "I thought in spurts we did some good things, but our spurts of poor play were too long and we need to correct those. But I thought we moved the ball well and had a pretty efficient offense in which some guys stepped up off the bench."
Comer and Hicks led a quintet of Eagles' double-figure scorers for the second straight game. Filip Cvjeticanin (Zagreb, Croatia/American School of Madrid) came off the bench to tally a career-high-tying 17 points – 15 of which came in the second half as the junior knocked down five straight 3-pointers. Cvjeticanin also recorded a career-high nine rebounds to aid in FGCU's 42-30 rebounding edge.
Dajuan Graf (Charlotte, N.C./Phillip O. Berry Academy) earned the first start of his career and finished one basket shy of his career high in points as he netted 10, and dished out a season-best five assists and three steals. Chase Fieler (Parkersburg, W. Va./Parkersburg South HS) also added 10 points while collecting five rebounds, issuing two assists and tying a career high with three steals.
FGCU raced out to a 21-5 start just more than nine minutes in, fueled by three Comer 3-pointers without a miss in the opening six minutes. The trio of trifectas tied the point guard's career high for 3's in a game, with his third of the night giving the Eagles a double-digit lead, 15-4, at the 14:17 mark.
Ave Maria (2-3) gradually chipped away and got its deficit back down to single digits, 25-16, with a little more than four minutes remaining in the half before the Green and Blue responded to take a 36-21 lead into the half.
A 14-2 FGCU run in the early stages of the second half – capped by a Comer to Fieler transition alley-oop – turned a 42-30 game into a 24-point margin, 56-32, at the 11:43 mark. The lead eventually blossomed to as much as 34, 79-45, as junior Kevin Boyle (Rahway, N.J./St. Patrick HS) knocked down a 3 for his first points of the season and the final points of the night for the Eagles.
For the game, FGCU shot 54.2 percent (32-59) from the field, including 48 percent (12-25) from 3-point range. The Eagles limited the NAIA Gyrenes to 36.8 percent (21-57) from the floor and forced them into 16 turnovers. FGCU itself committed 15 giveaways, but only had five in the second half the Eagles had double-digit turnovers for the first time since their season opener at Nebraska. However, with the 15 turnovers came 25 assists, setting the Division-I program record for assists in a game.
Every healthy Eagle logged game action as Dooley used 10 players for the second straight game, with only Cvjeticanin playing more than 30 minutes. Marcus Blake (Miami, Fla./American Heritage HS) set career highs with four points and four rebounds while seeing a career-establishing 19 minutes. Boyle played 17 minutes and also added two assists and a steal.
For the second straight game, the Eagles were without the services of junior Bernard Thompson (Conyers, Ga./Rockdale County HS), who did not dress for precautionary reasons after playing through an ankle injury in the first three games of the year. Thompson, who is averaging 13 points and four rebounds this year, is the nation's leading returning steals leader as he recorded 102 thefts a season ago, and was voted the Atlantic Sun Defensive Preseason Player of the Year after winning the award in 2012-13.
FGCU hopes to have its versatile guard back when it returns to action in ACC country Tuesday night at NC State. The Eagles and Wolfpack are set to tip at 7 p.m. from PNC Arena, and the game will air on ESPN3 and via the WatchESPN app.
For up-to-the-minute information and behind-the-scenes access to the men's basketball program, follow @FGCU_MBB on Twitter and Instagram, and "Like" us on Facebook at /FGCUMBB.
2013-14 men's basketball season tickets are selling quickly, and only a limited amount remain. New this year are mini-plan packages for all games, with the exception of "Breakfast at the Beach," and individual-game tickets are now on sale. Fans can reserve their seat(s) by visiting the Alico Arena Ticket Office, calling 239-590-7145 or logging on to FGCUAthletics.com/Tickets.


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The book, "Views Through A Lens" is a compilation of favorite photographs by my wife and me. Sections of the book cover topics like our favorite birds of the Gulf Coast, Louisiana scenery (especially the swamps in autumn, wine country, Alaska and the bald eagles of Alaska, flowers and butterflies, and some favorite shots from various sites here and there.
We hope you will enjoy our humble attempt to capture the beauty and artistry of nature that surrounds us.


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Another complete game from an Arizona starting pitcher and timely hitting wrapped up the series and the regular season for the Wildcats on Sunday as they swept USC.
Arizona had an explosion of offense, highlighted by an 8-run fourth to beat the Trojans for the second-straight night.
Konner Wade gave up three runs in 9 1/3 innings on Friday for Arizona. Combined with clutch defense and hitting from freshmen Scott Kingery, Kevin Newman and Zach Gibbons, the Wildcats won the...
Arizona has already moved up a couple spots in the RPI the last two days. Here's a look at how the teams in front of them are doing.
The good and not so good from the Wildcats' series win over the Sun Devils.
The Arizona Wildcats lost to UCLA 10-2 on Friday as James Farris made his first career Friday night start.
It was a bad weekend on the diamond for the Wildcats. Here's a quick look back at what went wrong, and the few things that went right.
Tyler Crawford has stepped up in a big way as the Sunday Starter for the Arizona Wildcats this year.
The Arizona Wildcats lost to Stanford 12-8, giving them their first series loss in four weeks.
Mark Appel got stronger as the game went on as Stanford held on to win 4-3 over Arizona.
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One of my biggest moans is the way Thompson's rip you off There is a safe in your cabin but to use it for the week costs 15. The trip was supposed to be fully inclusive, THAT'S A LIE. If you want a bottle of water you hve to pay for it if you want an Ice Cream you have to pay for it, If you want a cake with a tea or coffee you have to pay for it, if you want meal with waiter service you have to pay for it. I thought it was FULLY Inclusive. Mind you it would be possible to drink yourself absolutely paralytic at no cost, but a bottle of water would cost you 1-50 approx wheres the logic?
We had an absolutely Brilliant cabin Boy in William he was marvellous. Over all the staff were really great Yun Yun in the beachcomber at around 11-00pm was really great fun serenading all with his guitar, I wish I could sing in his language as well as he sang in English. Mary on the pool deck also deserves a special mention as she was such a good waitress, she put the waiters to shame
Generally the food was good. we ate breakfast and lunch in the Beachcomber then dressed up a tad to go into the Island Dining Room for the evening meal before going down to watch the evening entertainment. far too short really, But mainly very good.
There were not enough sun beds, and or table and chairs on the pool deck, and then you had the greedy ones who grabbed a sun bed in the morning left the boat went out for the morning then came back to a sun bed that had not been used for 5 hours. I think that the rule should be if you leave the bed for over 1 hour you lose it. I do not sun bathe. There were also others that had 2 sun beds 1 in the sun 1 in the shade and a table and chairs just plain greedy. The other decks that could have had tables and or sun beds had nothing pretty poor really.
We did splash out and go to "Oasis" even though it really went against the grain. I have to say that considering we paid out about 34 for 2 of us on a fully inclusive trip, the food was not that good, I'd have done just as well eating in the Island Restaurant.
We spoke to a few people who have used Thompson's for other cruises and we were told that had we gone on any of the Thompson ships we would have felt differently. But apparently the Island Escape came with their take over of First Choice. My only other real gripe would be that there was not a small chapel on the ship. Am I the only christian ever to have sailed on this ship?


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Canover Watson released on bail
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Canover Watson, former chairman of the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority board and prominent Caymanian businessman, was released on bail Thursday evening.
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Cutting park and ride will add congestion, but we can justify it says council (From Worcester News)
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Cutting park and ride will add congestion, but we can justify it says council
11:30am Friday 20th June 2014 in News Exclusive By Tom Edwards, Political Reporter
A SENIOR transport boss at Worcestershire County Council has admitted scrapping park and ride WILL increase congestion - but insists it is a price worth paying.
Peter Blake, who has been in charge of integrated transport at County Hall, says closing sites at Perdiswell and Sixways will add more cars to the roads but believes it won't be "significant".
He also believes part dualling the A4440 Southern Link Road - which is due to be complete by 2019 - will do far more than either park and ride could to ease traffic.
His comments come amid fresh criticism from the former Labour leadership at Worcester City Council, which has labelled the cutbacks "terrible".
Mr Blake has also refused to rule out park and ride returning to Worcester at some point in the future - but insists the onus will be on commercial providers to show some commitment to it.
"At the Perdiswell service, parking there is declining and has been for some time," he said.
"You could reduce the service and it would cost us less, but those passenger numbers would only continue to decline.
"We certainly don't sit here with a magic bullet (for dealing with congestion), bus usage is falling nationally, outside of London it's dropped remarkably.
"At the moment 200 cars a day use Perdiswell but that Barbourne corridor alone takes 23,000 vehicles daily.
"One in five cars travel through the city centre because they perceive it to be less congested than the Southern Link Road.
"I don't think you can answer the congestion issue by just looking at public transport - you need to look at highways and we're on site at the southern link now, which is used by over 30,000 vehicles a day.
"Cutting public transport will have an impact, but I'd question whether that impact is significant."
His comments come as Councillor Adrian Gregson, the former Labour city council leader, called the move "backwards".
"We need a long-term vision for easing congestion and this goes completely against that," he said.
"We are just lurching from one year to the next, we know this will increase congestion yet it's still going ahead."
As your Worcester News revealed last week, both park and rides are scheduled to close in September as part of a county council plan to cut £1.6 million from public transport.
The loss-making sites cost taxpayers £296,870 last year and have declined in popularity for several years.
The Perdiswell park and ride was used more than 450,000 times in 2008 but last year it reached a record low of 274,935.
Comments (7)
Please log in to enable comment sorting
12:32pm Fri 20 Jun 14
I'm_not_bitter says...
200 per day x 365 days = 73,000. Could our WN please resolve this apparent difference?
12:35pm Fri 20 Jun 14
thesquirrel says...
In short then, the Park & Ride does nothing except cost taxpayers money.
Labour's objections appear facile in the face of the statistics.
12:37pm Fri 20 Jun 14
skychip says...
3:11pm Fri 20 Jun 14
Leeolitina says...
3:51pm Fri 20 Jun 14
liloliluk says...
10:32pm Fri 20 Jun 14
pdenham says...
Leeolitina wrote:It costs £8 a week to park and ride, but £3.60 a day at cheapest cuncil car park (St Nartins Gate) So P&R is cheaper! Unless, of course you annoy locals by parking free on residential streets.
Nobody uses P&R because it's cheaper to park in town
10:20am Sat 21 Jun 14
i-cycle says...
Adding a cycle lane both ways would help both drivers and cyclists.
Comments are closed on this article.


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Golden State began taking aim at their opponents through the media when Warriors coach Mark Jackson said the Nuggets were sending "hit men" at Stephen Curry and purposely targeting his ankles. George Karl is continuing the trend, and he's probably messing around when he says the series between his Denver Nuggets and the Warriors is "one of the softest playoff series."
Adding confusion to Karl's meeting with the media on Thursday were his words about Warriors big man Festus Ezeli.
In the interview posted as a video by CBS Sports' Eye on Basketball blog, Karl said -- tongue in cheek or not -- that he respects the Warriors' young players.
"I'll go to any arbiter right now and show the dirty shots," Karl said. "They're winning. I like some of their guys. They're really good at what they do. Bogut started it. The Green kid is really good at it, and Festus (Ezeli) is pretty good at it too."
But when prompted to speak on Ezeli "blossoming into his role," Karl's words got muddled.
"Yeah," Karl said, "really blossomed into the elbowing asshole guy."
Or was it "into the elbow and asshole guy?"
ESPN's Ric Bucher points out that Karl perhaps was fumbling around and failing to use the expression "assholes and elbows," meaning a havoc-filled, fast-paced work ethic. In that respect, it's perhaps a compliment to the rookie big man who played 14 minutes in Game 5, much of it in crunch time.
Nevertheless, Warriors coach Mark Jackson didn't take the skewed words as such, according to the San Jose Mercury News.
"That statement is disrespectful," said the Warriors coach. "I've got a lot of respect for George Karl, the job that he's done and who he is. But that statement is disrespectful. I wonder what he thinks of his players -- Kenyon Martin, Kenneth Faried, JaVale McGee, (Kosta) Koufos. I wonder what he thinks of those guys."
Oddly enough, Martin is now with the New York Knicks and was most recently calling for his team to "wear black, funeral colors." Meanwhile, the Nuggets and especially Faried have been playing physical ball. Admittedly they've been knocking around Curry and his teammates, but they aren't admitting to doing anything dirty.
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The Gold team took a sloppy first contest before the Green team rallied to take the final two contests to win the series.
"After the first game, we gathered as a team and talked about our intensity level, defense and how we need to build our identity around the way we play the game," Head Coach Terry Alexander said. "I thought they responded well and it showed in the quality of play in the last two games of the series."
"If we can play defense, execute offensively and pitch the way we have this fall, then we will be a very competitive team in the spring," Associate head coach Tim Montez said. "As we emphasize every day, our mental make-up and leadership will be huge factors on how we show up to play every day."
In the first game, junior right-handed pitcher Chris Anderson overcame a tough first inning to lead Gold to a 10-4 win.
Anderson allowed two runs in the first inning, but finished with six scoreless frames on four hits and eight strikeouts.
Junior Zack Houck paced the Green offense in the lead-off position going to 2–for-4 with a couple of stolen bases.
In the final two contests, the Green squad took close wins in game two, 4-2, and game three, 2-1, with the help of solid pitching performances.
Junior Zack Gordon earned the game-two win on the hill allowing two runs, one earned, on three hits and five strikeouts in six innings.
Despite taking the loss, senior Drew Woods was as effective as Gordon by surrendering two runs on six hits, six strikeouts and a walk in five innings.
In the finale, sophomore Jeff Tanner stole the show with a complete-game, seven-inning performance only allowing a run on six hits and fanning five to lock up the series for the Green team.
Gold starter Corben Madden scattered six hits and fanned four batters in 5.1 innings working out of several jams.
Offensively, Houck had four hits and freshman Nathan Koslowski, two-hole hitter, recorded five hits for the Green team in the series. The duo also finished with three stolen bases between them.
Junior catcher Drew Luther also added four hits for the Green squad. Senior shortstop Ethan Loosen recorded third hits of his own for Green, including a big RBI double in the third and decisive game.
Sophomore Garrett Ruckel and senior Jake Huxtable each led the Gold team with four hits. Freshman Chris Molter added a couple of his and played flawless defense at shortstop.
The Dolphins are off until January when they start practice to get ready for the 2013 season opener against Radford Feb. 15 at John Sessions Stadium.