Here is Thursday's look at transparency-related news items, congressional committee hearings, transparency-related bills introduced in Congress, and transparency-related events.

News Roundup:

  • 'Nonpolitical' groups are spending record amounts of money on political advertising. (NPR)
  • The Treasury Department has relied heavily on outside contractors for the financial bailout, but discloses little about their work. (Washington Post)
  • Hundreds of VFW members are objecting to the organization's PAC's donations to certain candidates. (Washington Times)
  • The FEC will not penalize candidates for unpaid debts to campaign vendors. (Roll Call)($)
  • With significant third-party spending on Republican candidates, Democrats are losing their spending advantage. (Roll Call)($)
  • The Crossroads groups have increased their fundraising goal by $15 million. (National Journal)($)
  • Former Representative Charlie Bass failed to properly disclose his work on behalf of a company he owned stock in. (The Hill)
Relevant committee hearings scheduled for 10/14:
  • None
Relevant bills introduced:
  • None
Transparency events scheduled for 10/14: