What We’re Reading This Week – 3/21/2014

Gov. Cuomo’s Moment of Truth – Miles Rapoport – Huffington Post

In his first blog post as Common Cause’s president, Miles Rapoport outlined the high stakes — for New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and our democracy — in the battle being waged over public financing of political campaigns in the Empire State.

Koch Group, Spending Freely, Hones Attack On Government – Carl Hulse and Ashley Parker – New York Times

The Koch Brothers have made quite a name for themselves by investing millions of dollars in front groups dedicated to electing some candidates and defeating others. One arm of this “Kochtopus,” Americans for Prosperity, is ready to make a splash in 2014 — but what do the Kochs want in return for their money? More on the Kochs this week here

A feel-good, do-little initiative – Dale Eisman – The Virginian-Pilot

This week, congressional leaders hailed a bill abolishing public funding of political party conventions, and a shift of the money involved to a fund for pediatric disease research, as a rare instance of both parties putting aside partisan differences to do the right thing. Not so fast, says Dale Eisman, Common Cause’s senior writer and researcher.

Let’s ban third-party advertising in our U.S. Senate election – Sen. Jeanne Shaheen – New Hampshire Union Leader

Then-U.S. Sen. Scott Brown helped make history in 2012 when he and his challenger, Elizabeth Warren, took the “People’s Pledge,” a pact that helped keep big spending outside groups out of their Senate contest in Massachusetts. Now, as Brown gears up for a comeback run in New Hampshire, his prospective opponent wants Brown to bolster his legacy.

Two States Win Court Approval on Voter Rules – Fernanda Santos – New York Times

A court decision this week could force the federal government to help states enforce discriminatory voting laws that have only grown more prevalent since a Supreme Court decision last summer gutted a major portion of the Voting Rights Act. Our director for voting and elections, Jenny Flanagan, told the Times what this means for voters.