The FEC released the General Counsel’s proposed changes in the rules on "electioneering communications": communications paid by corporations and unions that, because they refer to a federal candidate, cannot be aired within 30 days of a primary and 60 days of a general election. This is another in a series of adjustments to the Shays v. FEC litigation. The District Court had rejected one aspect of the Commission’s EC rule and complained that another was insufficiently considered and explained. Now the General Counsel has a new rule to offer. Especially concerning nonprofits are:

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), the D.C.-based lobbying outfit for the pharmaceutical industry, has raised more than $72 million to get its message out about two ballot initiatives in California. And that pot of money is raising the ire of the group’s opponents.

The Labor Department released economic data today showing consumer prices rose significantly in July by 0.5 percent. The rise was mostly driven by rising energy and food costs, particularly the record high prices of oil. In a separate release, the Labor Department also reported workers' earnings (adjusted for inflation) declined by 0.2 percent in July. This combination is bad news for average Americans, many of whom are struggling with mounting personal debt, living from paycheck to paycheck, and saving very little money. Not only are Americans paying more for necessities like food, heating and cooling costs, and gasoline, but they have less money with which to do so. NY Times: Fuel Costs Drive Consumer Prices Slightly Higher in July