Sunlight Foundation Reporting Group

1. A look at online ads in the 2012 election

   By Becca Heller Dec 7, 2012 3:12 p.m.

   Super PACs, trade associations and other nonprofit groups that made campaign expenditures spent roughly $46.1 million on web ads. Though the Obama campaign considerably outspent Romney's campaign on web advertising, outside Republican outside spenders ponied up nearly five times more on online advertising than liberal outside groups, according to independent expenditure filings with the FEC.

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2. So long Twinkie; so long political sugar

   By Becca Heller Nov 16, 2012 3:39 p.m.
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3. A revealing glance at the freshmen of the 113th Congress

   By Becca Heller Nov 15, 2012 5:07 p.m.

   In stark contrast to the current crop of House freshmen, which we reported on extensively earlier this year, the soon-to-be newly sworn in members of the 113th Congress is considerably more balanced politically; however, analysts warn that it will likely be the most divided class yet.

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4. Senate scorecard: Who won, and whom they owe

   By Becca Heller Nov 8, 2012 6:25 p.m.
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5. Halloween special: Scary super PACs and America's zombie apocalypse

   By Becca Heller Oct 31, 2012 10:50 a.m.

   While browsing our super PAC database in the days leading up to Halloween, Sunlight reporters couldn't help but notice the number of committee names that were creepy--even scary. On the other hand, perhaps it's not so surprising given how many operate in shadowy fashion.

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6. Davis deletes 13 consecutive tweets following debate

   By Becca Heller Oct 18, 2012 5:15 p.m.

   Republican Rodney Davis, in a tight race with Democrat David Gill for Illinois' 13th Congressional District, deleted 13 consecutive posts from his Twitter account Thursday, hours after they were posted to his account during the congressional candidates' only debate of the campaign.

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7. Say what? Obama and others mistweet during VP debate

   By Becca Heller Oct 12, 2012 3:18 p.m.

   As Joe Biden and Paul Ryan spat fire at one another during the Thursday night's vice presidential debate, the online community buzzed with commentary, tweeting quotes, praise, and criticism of the candidates' performances. President Barack Obama's Twitter feed was particularly busy, feverishly posting Democratic debate points under the label #TeamJoe. 

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8. A half-billion in outside influence: What else could the money buy?

   By Becca Heller Sep 27, 2012 8:26 p.m.

   A little less than six weeks shy of Election Day, we've crossed another campaign spending Rubicon: Sunlight's Follow the Unlimited Money tracker has now recorded more than $500 million in a spending on the 2012 campaign by outside interest groups.

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9. Do business groups' pre-election forecasts follow their campaign money?

   By Becca Heller Sep 27, 2012 4:56 p.m.

   Housing prices and consumer confidence are up but several business groups that have been in town this week have been delivering a distinctly gloomy view of the economy. While the groups have blue-chip reputations in the business world, what's less apparent is their track record of political giving -- one that raises some questions about the forecasts they are presenting six weeks before Election Day.

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10. Resolution of Chicago teacher strike would be relief for Obama

    By Becca Heller Sep 12, 2012 1:26 p.m.

    If striking Chicago teachers agree to the new contract framework hammered out with school board officials, perhaps no one will be happier than President Barack Obama, who calls the windy city home.

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11. Back to school: Privatizers turn to big screen to push charters, trigger laws

    By Becca Heller Aug 27, 2012 10:39 a.m.

    As school starts up, it seems a good time to take a look at the a well-financed political tussle for control of the blackboards and soon-to-be bustling halls. It's a battle that pits upstart entrepreneurs and big-name philanthropists against the well-oiled political machines of the nation's leading teacher's unions, the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers.

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12. The phone booth caucus: House Democratic freshmen

    By Becca Heller Aug 23, 2012 6:20 p.m.

    Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala., the first black woman elected to Congress from Alabama, is the president of this year's small Democratic freshmen class. Those nine freshmen, dubbed the "noble nine" by supporters, elected the Harvard-educated lawyer as the leader of a small, but diverse class that includes four women, four African Americans and one openly gay member and one who identifies as Buddhist.

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13. House freshmen: Military industrial complex finds an ally in tea party idol Allen West

    By Becca Heller Aug 21, 2012 11:48 a.m.

    In the past, conservative firebrand Allen West has spearheaded efforts to cut wasteful military spending. But in the current budget battle, the Florida congressman is taking a strong stand against the so-called "sequestration" that would trigger automatic defense cuts.

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14. Super PAC Profile: Workers' Voices the super PAC of the average citizen?

    By Becca Heller Jul 31, 2012 11:15 a.m.

    Just four months after the AFL-CIO announced the formation of its super PAC, Workers' Voice, the group has emerged as a major force, ranking No. 10 among super PACs in terms of money collected as of the end of July, with more than $7 million already spent, and the backing of the House of Labor's treasury.

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Investigations by Sunlight Foundation reporter Becca Heller