California is considering some of the nation’s strictest campaign-finance rules, aimed at keeping candidates from coordinating with groups able to raise unlimited amounts of money on their behalf. The state’s Fair Political Practices Commission is scheduled to vote on the proposals Thursday. The rules would apply to statewide and local elections. The vote comes as outside groups are playing a central role in national campaigns since the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision in 2010. That ruling led to the growth of super PACs, which can raise and spend unlimited amounts in support of candidates, or their opponents, but cannot legally coordinate with candidate campaigns.
Critics of the ruling say campaigns are finding ways around the ban by hiring the same consultants, publicizing campaign strategies and having candidates, or presumptive candidates, fundraise on behalf of the super PACs.
Separately, over the weekend, Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill that makes California the second state after Oregon to automatically register eligible voters at the state Department of Motor Vehicles. Eligible voters will be registered automatically with the state’s secretary of state when they apply for, or renew, a driver’s license, or when they update their addresses.
Full Article: California Considers Tough Campaign-Finance Rules – WSJ.