A year after the Supreme Court’s landmark Citizens United ruling allowed unfettered election spending by corporations and unions, a new phenomenon is taking shape: interest groups that are trying to claim the imprimatur of the Republican and Democratic parties. The groups are officially independent but are run by former party operatives. The Republican Super PAC, for instance, is run by three members of the Republican National Committee. Now, some of these quasi-official independent groups want to have Republican and Democratic lawmakers help them raise money. Read full article > >

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The Influence Industry: ‘Super PACs’ could test campaign finance law

Normally, the first debate of the presidential primary season serves as a starting gun. The one that will take place on Thursday night could sound more like a distress call. Consider the contrast with this very week four years ago, when a field of 10 Republican contenders lined up for the first time, onstage at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif. It included four former governors, two sitting senators, three members of the House and a former New York City mayor who had become something of a national hero for his leadership in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks. Read full article > >

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A near-empty debate stage and an unsettled presidential field for Republicans

The Netherlands is negotiating for the release of three members of a Dutch naval helicopter crew who have been held since Sunday while rescuing European citizens.

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Qaddafi Forces Capture 3 Dutch Airmen