The Financial Times reports on some nonprofits' plans for the upcoming year in 2008. With a troubling economy and increasing income gap, a demand for service organizations will only increase, leaving behind concerns that the groups will have adequate funds. In response, many organizations will become more involved in the political debate, and hopefully lawmakers will have an understanding of the sector's needs. Accordingly, service organizations must lobby the government in a time of economic instability so that the needs of the poor and middle class are met.

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) has begun 2008 with only two sitting commissioners, Republican David Mason and Democrat Ellen Weintraubunder both serving expired terms themselves. A stalled Senate confirmation of commissioners was caused by the controversial Republican Commissioner Hans von Spakovsky who many opposed because of his work in the Justice Department's civil rights division where he supported efforts to require that voters present a photo ID. Bob Bauer at moresoftmoneyhardlaw.com has a few opinions on the state of the FEC, here and here.

The Hill and the Washington Post report that Democrats on the House Special Task Force on Ethics Enforcement support the creation of an independent panel to review ethics complaints and make recommendations to the House ethics committee. The "Office of Congressional Ethics" would consist of six members jointly appointed by the speaker and minority leader who would serve four-year terms and be served by a nonpartisan professional staff. Current lawmakers and lobbyists would not be able to be on the panel.

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is expected to finalize the new rule for funding "electioneering communications" upon approving the explanatory text known as the explanation and justification (E&J). The E&J gives some examples of the types of ads that corporations may or may not sponsor.