Clash of Outside Groups, Party Committees in Battle for Giffords' Seat

Jun 11 - In the first congressional general election contest of 2012, outside groups and political parties alike have sought to build momentum heading by pouring a combined $2.5 million into the battle to replace Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. The National Republican Congressional Committee has funneled over $878,000 into the race while the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has spent only about half as much, $460,000. Karl Rove's American Crossroads super PAC has spent just under $200,000 on the race -- half of which was used to support Kelly, the other half going towards Barber attacks. Additionally, the now infamous Citizens United PAC has contributed $100,000 in independent expenditures while Dick Armey's Freedomworks for America super PAC has chipped in $30,000, all in support of Kelly.

Two New Industries Profiled on OpenSecrets.org: For-profit Education and Payday Lending

Jun 11 - OpenSecrets.org is rolling out two brand new profiles of industries that are also relatively new to the Washington power structure: for-profit education and payday lending. For-profit colleges ramped up their lobbying efforts in 2010, after the Obama administration indicated it would crack down on abuses by some institutions. And the payday lending industry has been increasingly politically active.

Outside Spending: The Big Picture (So Far)

Jun 11 - Mitt Romney wrapped up the Republican presidential nomination with a good bit of help from Restore Our Future, the super PAC supporting him. But just how big a role has outside spending overall played in the election so far? In fact, the amount of spending by outside groups has grown dramatically since previous elections, and independent expenditures in particular -- messages that explicitly call for the election or defeat of a candidate -- are increasingly the preferred vehicle.

Romney Spending Big at Top Benefactors' Hotel Chain

Jun 7 - Like all presidential candidates, Mitt Romney is perpetually on the road. It's exhausting. So where does he lay his head when it's time for a precious few hours' sleep? Campaign expenditure reports show more money going to Marriott International than any other hotel chain, by far.

FCC Disclosure Rule Knocked Down by House Panel

Jun 6 - Voting along party lines, a House panel on Wednesday rejected a new Federal Communications Commission rule that would shed some light on political advertisements by candidates and others -- including secretive outside groups.

Outside Groups Flood California 26th to Aid Democrat

Jun 4 - Outside groups have funneled more than $1 million into California's highly contested 26th congressional district, where a vote is set to take place Tuesday -- making it one of the costliest House races in the country thus far. National Democrats have had their eye on this newly drawn district, where no incumbent is running. Four Democrats are on the ballot, but Assemblywoman Julia Brownley has risen above the fray, due in no small part to House Majority PAC.