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Governor Cuomo Wants Publicly Funded Campaigns in New York

Fundraising is the backbone of political campaigns. Without the money coming in, candidates are limited to what they can afford and not everyone has pockets like Michael Bloomberg.

Ironically, political parties themselves are private organizations, separate from the candidates they are affiliated with. The money they use for conventions, elections, and their overhead, or housekeeping purposes, are subsidized by the taxpayers. This creates problems with corruption and campaign finance laws, especially during perpetual election cycles.

Legislating Term Limits Throws Away Our Freedom of Choice

With another campaign season rapidly approaching, termed-out legislators are filing for other offices and calls to establish term limits for Congress are once again being heard.

The Great GASB #70: Will it End in Tragedy?

State and local governments can agree to stand behind each other’s debts. These agreements became more common in recent years, amidst the Great Recession and higher government fiscal stress. In accounting lingo, the deals are called “nonexchange financial guarantees.”

In April 2013, the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) issued Statement No.

GOP Will Not Survive without Independent Voters, Strategist Says

Could the Republican Party be spent as a national electoral force? It will be if it doesn’t learn from its mistakes and return to a more central position in American life which includes talking to independent voters, according to seasoned election strategist Ford O’Connell’s new book, Hail Mary: The 10-Step Playbook for Republican Recovery.

93% of Americans Favor Labeling GMO Foods, Latest Poll Says

Genetically-modified food may soon be a thing of the past on Hawaii Island, the largest island in the state of Hawaii. The island's governing council recently passed a bill banning the cultivation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and banning biotech companies such as Monsanto from operating in the area.

Arguing to Persuade

Perhaps the least helpful criticism I have ever received on my writing went like this (caps in the original): "THANKS FOR ANOTHER GREAT LIBTARD RANT. IF YOU ARE SO SMART AND HATE AMERICA SO MUCH, WHY DON'T YOU INVENT A TIME MACHINE AND HELP THE BRITISH WIN." I replied the only way one could possibly respond to such a statement: I said, "You're welcome."

I am not going to go on from here and talk about civility. Clearly, those who use words like "libtard" (or comparable epithets like "Repugnican") do not give any thought to being civil.

Pope Francis Calls Out Media, Politicians, and even Religious Leaders

Most of the media and political commentary surrounding the

Exhortation of Pope Francis (full transcript below) has focused on his direct condemnation of pure "trickle-down" economics and the need for a more inclusive religious institution.

7 Black Friday Facts: Billions Spent and Lawmakers React

The Black Friday phenomenon that unofficially marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season began in the 1930's. Today, it has become a widespread tradition in America to get the best deals on products right after your stuffing of turkey. Here are 7 Black Friday facts that highlight the growth of this consumer holiday:

Senator King to Election Commission: Don't Forget Independent Voters

Last week, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) sent a letter to the Presidential Commission on Election Administration with a simple message: protect the rights of independent voters.

Most states have an electoral system that favors the two mainstream political parties and denies millions of voters a meaningful and equal voice at the voting booth.

GOP Can Still Stall Presidential Nominees Despite The Nuclear Option

On November 21, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D – Nev.) followed through on a threat he had issued more than once this year to use procedural maneuvers to end filibuster on presidential appointees. In doing so, Harry Reid may have shut down what little remains of the legislative process.

Shortly after the 52-48 vote, the Senate Judiciary Committee met to consider the nominations of ten judges, an assistant attorney general, two U.S. marshals, and four pieces of legislation.