Michael Beckel
@mjbeckel.bsky.social
Research Director: @issueonereform.bsky.social. Following money in politics and dark money since 2009. Alum: @opensecrets.org
.@issueonereform.bsky.social poll: 75% of Americans — including 84% of D's, 65% of R's, and 73% of independents — say unlimited spending in elections makes our democracy weaker because it gives wealthy special interests too much influence over elected officials issueone.org/press/new-po...
New polling illuminates how the Supreme Court got Citizens United wrong and shows bipartisan momentum for money-in-politics reforms, including proposed Montana ballot measure - Issue One
New polling commissioned by Issue One and conducted this month by YouGov reveals that overwhelming majorities of Americans — and Montanans — broadly believe that large-scale political spending by corp...
issueone.org
November 7, 2025 at 5:26 PM
.@issueonereform.bsky.social poll: 75% of Americans — including 84% of D's, 65% of R's, and 73% of independents — say unlimited spending in elections makes our democracy weaker because it gives wealthy special interests too much influence over elected officials issueone.org/press/new-po...
One factor that contributed to Zohran Mamdani’s rise: New York City’s public financing system.
Learn more from @davidsirota.com @levernews.com
www.levernews.com/how-zohran-m...
Learn more from @davidsirota.com @levernews.com
www.levernews.com/how-zohran-m...
How Zohran Mamdani Fought The Master Plan
The key factor isn’t his ads or charisma — it is a public campaign finance system that can be replicated across the country.
www.levernews.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:45 PM
One factor that contributed to Zohran Mamdani’s rise: New York City’s public financing system.
Learn more from @davidsirota.com @levernews.com
www.levernews.com/how-zohran-m...
Learn more from @davidsirota.com @levernews.com
www.levernews.com/how-zohran-m...
"The heroism of election officials in the face of growing public pressure and adversity cannot be understated" writes @issueonereform.bsky.social intern Caroline Pirrone on ahead of Election Hero Day thereformcompass.substack.com/p/election-h...
Democracy in Action: Honoring Election Heroes
In honor of Election Hero Day, we're recognizing the important work that election administrators do everyday to protect our democracy.
thereformcompass.substack.com
November 3, 2025 at 3:13 PM
"The heroism of election officials in the face of growing public pressure and adversity cannot be understated" writes @issueonereform.bsky.social intern Caroline Pirrone on ahead of Election Hero Day thereformcompass.substack.com/p/election-h...
Reposted by Michael Beckel
“Money in politics is no longer a partisan issue.... speaking in particular of Montana’s attempt to amend the constitution by Transparent Election Initiative. “One of the most important things we can provide is transferring apathy into action.” disruptdarkmoney.feather.blog/national-po...
Daily Montanan | National poll shows support for Montana-based solution to Citizens United
Mangan stressed that although the issues and even solutions have varied, limiting the influence of money in politics is part of the state’s historical tradition, stretching back to 1912 when Montana voters demanded the “Corrupt Practices Act” which gave citizens more political power even at a time of Copper Kings and a notoriously weak first state constitution.
“There’s a consistency there because it treats everyone the same,” Mangan said. “No gimmicks, no loopholes.”
disruptdarkmoney.feather.blog
October 31, 2025 at 9:17 PM
“Money in politics is no longer a partisan issue.... speaking in particular of Montana’s attempt to amend the constitution by Transparent Election Initiative. “One of the most important things we can provide is transferring apathy into action.” disruptdarkmoney.feather.blog/national-po...
"Bipartisan former officials, billionaires defend restrictions on money in politics in Maine lawsuit" reports @mainemorningstar.com citing new legal brief by bipartisan group of 24 members of @issueonereform.bsky.social's ReFormers Caucus mainemorningstar.com/2025/10/30/b...
Bipartisan former officials, billionaires defend restrictions on money in politics in Maine lawsuit • Maine Morning Star
Republican and Democratic former governors and members of Congress, billionaires and democracy reform organizations are coming to the defense of Maine’s law in a case over the legality of campaign fin...
mainemorningstar.com
October 31, 2025 at 4:35 PM
"Bipartisan former officials, billionaires defend restrictions on money in politics in Maine lawsuit" reports @mainemorningstar.com citing new legal brief by bipartisan group of 24 members of @issueonereform.bsky.social's ReFormers Caucus mainemorningstar.com/2025/10/30/b...
In Montana, there's a proposed ballot measure to eliminate corporate & dark money spending in elections.
@davidsirota.com of @levernews.com examines this proposal, citing @issueonereform.bsky.social's new poll that shows Montanans overwhelming support this idea
www.levernews.com/the-montana-...
@davidsirota.com of @levernews.com examines this proposal, citing @issueonereform.bsky.social's new poll that shows Montanans overwhelming support this idea
www.levernews.com/the-montana-...
The Montana Plan To Kill Citizens United
A new state ballot measure could deal a winning hand against dark money in elections.
www.levernews.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:45 PM
In Montana, there's a proposed ballot measure to eliminate corporate & dark money spending in elections.
@davidsirota.com of @levernews.com examines this proposal, citing @issueonereform.bsky.social's new poll that shows Montanans overwhelming support this idea
www.levernews.com/the-montana-...
@davidsirota.com of @levernews.com examines this proposal, citing @issueonereform.bsky.social's new poll that shows Montanans overwhelming support this idea
www.levernews.com/the-montana-...
New poll: 63% of Americans — including 73% of Democrats, 61% of independents, and 53% of Republicans — disagree with the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision that corporations and labor unions have a right to spend unlimited money to influence elections issueone.org/press/new-po...
New polling illuminates how the Supreme Court got Citizens United wrong and shows bipartisan momentum for money-in-politics reforms, including proposed Montana ballot measure - Issue One
New polling commissioned by Issue One and conducted this month by YouGov reveals that overwhelming majorities of Americans — and Montanans — broadly believe that large-scale political spending by corp...
issueone.org
October 31, 2025 at 2:25 PM
New poll: 63% of Americans — including 73% of Democrats, 61% of independents, and 53% of Republicans — disagree with the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision that corporations and labor unions have a right to spend unlimited money to influence elections issueone.org/press/new-po...
In Montana, there's a proposed ballot measure to eliminate corporate & dark money spending in elections.
@davidsirota.com @thelever.bsky.social examine this proposal, citing @issueonereform.bsky.social's new poll that shows Montanans overwhelming support this idea
www.levernews.com/the-montana-...
@davidsirota.com @thelever.bsky.social examine this proposal, citing @issueonereform.bsky.social's new poll that shows Montanans overwhelming support this idea
www.levernews.com/the-montana-...
The Montana Plan To Kill Citizens United
A new state ballot measure could deal a winning hand against dark money in elections.
www.levernews.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:00 PM
In Montana, there's a proposed ballot measure to eliminate corporate & dark money spending in elections.
@davidsirota.com @thelever.bsky.social examine this proposal, citing @issueonereform.bsky.social's new poll that shows Montanans overwhelming support this idea
www.levernews.com/the-montana-...
@davidsirota.com @thelever.bsky.social examine this proposal, citing @issueonereform.bsky.social's new poll that shows Montanans overwhelming support this idea
www.levernews.com/the-montana-...
“Large super PAC contributions are one of the biggest threats to the integrity of American democracy,” warn a bipartisan group of former elected officials in an amicus brief filed yesterday with the First Circuit Court of Appeals issueone.org/press/reform...
Bipartisan group of former elected officials urges court to take seriously corruption concerns associated with large super PAC contributions - Issue One
“Large super PAC contributions are one of the biggest threats to the integrity of American democracy,” warn a bipartisan group of former elected officials in an amicus brief filed yesterday…
issueone.org
October 30, 2025 at 5:04 PM
“Large super PAC contributions are one of the biggest threats to the integrity of American democracy,” warn a bipartisan group of former elected officials in an amicus brief filed yesterday with the First Circuit Court of Appeals issueone.org/press/reform...
NEW: Bipartisan group of former elected officials who are members of @issueonereform.bsky.social ReFormers Caucus urge federal appeals court to side with Maine voters who want caps on contributions to super PACs issueone.org/press/reform...
Bipartisan group of former elected officials urges court to take seriously corruption concerns associated with large super PAC contributions - Issue One
“Large super PAC contributions are one of the biggest threats to the integrity of American democracy,” warn a bipartisan group of former elected officials in an amicus brief filed yesterday…
issueone.org
October 30, 2025 at 1:16 PM
NEW: Bipartisan group of former elected officials who are members of @issueonereform.bsky.social ReFormers Caucus urge federal appeals court to side with Maine voters who want caps on contributions to super PACs issueone.org/press/reform...
"National poll shows support for Montana-based solution to Citizens United" writes @dailymontanan.com about new @issueonereform.bsky.social poll dailymontanan.com/2025/10/28/n...
National poll shows support for Montana-based solution to Citizens United • Daily Montanan
A national poll shows support for an idea in Montana which would limit corporations ability to spend on elections, campaign and candidates.
dailymontanan.com
October 29, 2025 at 12:53 AM
"National poll shows support for Montana-based solution to Citizens United" writes @dailymontanan.com about new @issueonereform.bsky.social poll dailymontanan.com/2025/10/28/n...
New @issueonereform.bsky.social poll: 75% of Americans — including 84% of Democrats, 65% of Republicans and 73% of independents — say unlimited spending in elections makes our democracy weaker because it gives wealthy special interests too much influence issueone.org/press/new-po...
New polling illuminates how the Supreme Court got Citizens United wrong and shows bipartisan momentum for money-in-politics reforms, including proposed Montana ballot measure - Issue One
New polling commissioned by Issue One and conducted this month by YouGov reveals that overwhelming majorities of Americans — and Montanans — broadly believe that large-scale political spending by corp...
issueone.org
October 28, 2025 at 11:21 PM
New @issueonereform.bsky.social poll: 75% of Americans — including 84% of Democrats, 65% of Republicans and 73% of independents — say unlimited spending in elections makes our democracy weaker because it gives wealthy special interests too much influence issueone.org/press/new-po...
Reposted by Michael Beckel
If you are in Kalispell tonight, Oct 27, head down to the NW Montana History Museum and learn about The Montana Plan at 6pm. @transpelectinit.bsky.social
October 27, 2025 at 11:27 PM
If you are in Kalispell tonight, Oct 27, head down to the NW Montana History Museum and learn about The Montana Plan at 6pm. @transpelectinit.bsky.social
Reposted by Michael Beckel
1. Last week, there were 3 Trump corruption scandals in 4 days that would define any other presidency.
Most people are probably not even AWARE of all three scandals.
🧵
Most people are probably not even AWARE of all three scandals.
🧵
3 Scandals in 4 Days That Would Define Any Other Presidency
During the second Trump administration, corruption scandals that would typically define a presidency receive a day or two of coverage.
popular.info
October 27, 2025 at 12:36 PM
1. Last week, there were 3 Trump corruption scandals in 4 days that would define any other presidency.
Most people are probably not even AWARE of all three scandals.
🧵
Most people are probably not even AWARE of all three scandals.
🧵
Fact: Super PACs spent $4.1 BILLION on ads in federal races during the 2024 election cycle.
That's up more than 50% since 2020, when super PACs spent $2.7 BILLION.
And up more than 500% since 2012, when super PACs spent $623 MILLION
h/t @opensecrets.org @issueonereform.bsky.social
That's up more than 50% since 2020, when super PACs spent $2.7 BILLION.
And up more than 500% since 2012, when super PACs spent $623 MILLION
h/t @opensecrets.org @issueonereform.bsky.social
October 25, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Fact: Super PACs spent $4.1 BILLION on ads in federal races during the 2024 election cycle.
That's up more than 50% since 2020, when super PACs spent $2.7 BILLION.
And up more than 500% since 2012, when super PACs spent $623 MILLION
h/t @opensecrets.org @issueonereform.bsky.social
That's up more than 50% since 2020, when super PACs spent $2.7 BILLION.
And up more than 500% since 2012, when super PACs spent $623 MILLION
h/t @opensecrets.org @issueonereform.bsky.social
Fact: Super PAC spending in congressional elections continues to skyrocket.
During the 2022 midterms, super PACs combined to spend $1.9 BILLION on independent expenditures (aka ads).
That's more than DOUBLE the $894 million super PACs collectively spent in the 2018 midterms h/t @opensecrets.org
During the 2022 midterms, super PACs combined to spend $1.9 BILLION on independent expenditures (aka ads).
That's more than DOUBLE the $894 million super PACs collectively spent in the 2018 midterms h/t @opensecrets.org
October 25, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Fact: Super PAC spending in congressional elections continues to skyrocket.
During the 2022 midterms, super PACs combined to spend $1.9 BILLION on independent expenditures (aka ads).
That's more than DOUBLE the $894 million super PACs collectively spent in the 2018 midterms h/t @opensecrets.org
During the 2022 midterms, super PACs combined to spend $1.9 BILLION on independent expenditures (aka ads).
That's more than DOUBLE the $894 million super PACs collectively spent in the 2018 midterms h/t @opensecrets.org
In the 15 years since Citizens United and SpeechNow court cases ushered in the super PAC era, these big-money groups have reshaped campaigns.
Super PACs accounted for 28% of all spending in federal elections during the 2024 election cycle — up from just 2% of spending in 2010 h/t @opensecrets.org
Super PACs accounted for 28% of all spending in federal elections during the 2024 election cycle — up from just 2% of spending in 2010 h/t @opensecrets.org
October 25, 2025 at 4:25 PM
In the 15 years since Citizens United and SpeechNow court cases ushered in the super PAC era, these big-money groups have reshaped campaigns.
Super PACs accounted for 28% of all spending in federal elections during the 2024 election cycle — up from just 2% of spending in 2010 h/t @opensecrets.org
Super PACs accounted for 28% of all spending in federal elections during the 2024 election cycle — up from just 2% of spending in 2010 h/t @opensecrets.org
President Trump’s demand that the Justice Department pay him more than $200 million “is a clear attempt to take money from American taxpayers” says Alix Fraser of @issueonereform.bsky.social issueone.org/press/trumps...
October 22, 2025 at 7:40 PM
President Trump’s demand that the Justice Department pay him more than $200 million “is a clear attempt to take money from American taxpayers” says Alix Fraser of @issueonereform.bsky.social issueone.org/press/trumps...
Regulatory intervention in DC to require citizens to provide proof of citizenship each time they register to vote would be an unfunded mandate on state & local jurisdictions.
@levernews.com cites new @issueonereform.bsky.social comments to the EAC www.regulations.gov/comment/EAC-...
@levernews.com cites new @issueonereform.bsky.social comments to the EAC www.regulations.gov/comment/EAC-...
October 22, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Regulatory intervention in DC to require citizens to provide proof of citizenship each time they register to vote would be an unfunded mandate on state & local jurisdictions.
@levernews.com cites new @issueonereform.bsky.social comments to the EAC www.regulations.gov/comment/EAC-...
@levernews.com cites new @issueonereform.bsky.social comments to the EAC www.regulations.gov/comment/EAC-...
Reposted by Michael Beckel
“.. the architects of First Lady meme coin $MELANIA were accused of fraud, allegedly organizing the launch knowing the coin would plummet, court filings released Tuesday show, according to AFP.”
@barrons.com
www.barrons.com/articles/bit...
@barrons.com
www.barrons.com/articles/bit...
October 22, 2025 at 12:00 PM
“.. the architects of First Lady meme coin $MELANIA were accused of fraud, allegedly organizing the launch knowing the coin would plummet, court filings released Tuesday show, according to AFP.”
@barrons.com
www.barrons.com/articles/bit...
@barrons.com
www.barrons.com/articles/bit...
Meta spent a record $19.7 million on federal lobbying during the first three quarters of 2025.
To date, Meta has hired 87 lobbyists — roughly one for every six members of Congress.
issueone.org/articles/big...
To date, Meta has hired 87 lobbyists — roughly one for every six members of Congress.
issueone.org/articles/big...
October 21, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Meta spent a record $19.7 million on federal lobbying during the first three quarters of 2025.
To date, Meta has hired 87 lobbyists — roughly one for every six members of Congress.
issueone.org/articles/big...
To date, Meta has hired 87 lobbyists — roughly one for every six members of Congress.
issueone.org/articles/big...
7 of the largest tech, AI & social media companies spent a combined $50M on federal lobbying during the first 9 months of 2025, new docs reviewed by @issueonereform.bsky.social show
That's an average of nearly $400,000 for every day that Congress has been in session!
issueone.org/articles/big...
That's an average of nearly $400,000 for every day that Congress has been in session!
issueone.org/articles/big...
October 21, 2025 at 4:05 PM
7 of the largest tech, AI & social media companies spent a combined $50M on federal lobbying during the first 9 months of 2025, new docs reviewed by @issueonereform.bsky.social show
That's an average of nearly $400,000 for every day that Congress has been in session!
issueone.org/articles/big...
That's an average of nearly $400,000 for every day that Congress has been in session!
issueone.org/articles/big...
Reposted by Michael Beckel
FLASH: Pardoned Capitol rioter charged with threatening to murder Hakeem Jeffries at NYC event this week
www.cbsnews.com/news/pardone...
www.cbsnews.com/news/pardone...
Pardoned Capitol rioter charged with threatening to murder Hakeem Jeffries at NYC event this week
A pardoned Capitol rioter was arrested last weekend for allegedly threatening to kill the top House Democrat.
www.cbsnews.com
October 21, 2025 at 10:07 AM
FLASH: Pardoned Capitol rioter charged with threatening to murder Hakeem Jeffries at NYC event this week
www.cbsnews.com/news/pardone...
www.cbsnews.com/news/pardone...
Reposted by Michael Beckel
What does “free speech” mean in the digital age?
We'll join Tim Love, author of "The Medium is the Mirror" for a discussion on speech, responsibility, and online harms.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/1117604532746/WN_YOMgGjzqRIeXnDzVzgGKiQ
We'll join Tim Love, author of "The Medium is the Mirror" for a discussion on speech, responsibility, and online harms.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/1117604532746/WN_YOMgGjzqRIeXnDzVzgGKiQ
October 20, 2025 at 12:04 PM
What does “free speech” mean in the digital age?
We'll join Tim Love, author of "The Medium is the Mirror" for a discussion on speech, responsibility, and online harms.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/1117604532746/WN_YOMgGjzqRIeXnDzVzgGKiQ
We'll join Tim Love, author of "The Medium is the Mirror" for a discussion on speech, responsibility, and online harms.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/1117604532746/WN_YOMgGjzqRIeXnDzVzgGKiQ
"Hands Off Our Elections: States and Congress, Not Presidents, Set the Rules," writes @issueonereform.bsky.social Policy Director Michael McNulty thefulcrum.us/governance-l...
Hands Off Our Elections: States and Congress, Not Presidents, Set the Rules
Trust in elections is fragile – and once lost, it is extraordinarily difficult to rebuild. While Democrats and Republicans disagree on many election policies, there is broad bipartisan agreement on on...
thefulcrum.us
October 16, 2025 at 5:32 PM
"Hands Off Our Elections: States and Congress, Not Presidents, Set the Rules," writes @issueonereform.bsky.social Policy Director Michael McNulty thefulcrum.us/governance-l...