To commemorate the close of Sunshine Week 2011, Wired.com's David Kravets, in collaboration with MAPLight.org, has compiled a list of "shadows" in the political process. Click here to read the article.

Lawmakers in Sacramento say they represent the people. But voters have little to do with who really runs our state.

Top Ten Lobbying Firms by Lobbying Client Payments, 2007-2009

Lawmakers give away citizens’ money, water, and air to the corporations and lobbyists who pay for them to get elected.In a democracy laws are to be written by legislators elected into office not interest groups who bankroll their election campaigns.

Fast Company magazine has just released the names of their 100 Most Creative People in Business in their June issue - and we're honored and excited to announce that Dan Newman, MAPLight.org co-founder and executive director, has been named to the list!

After a year of work, we’re thrilled that this week, Sunshine Week, we have launched an all-new version of our website shining a light on money and influence in Congress. All our improvements were the result of listening to what you, our users, wanted. Thank you for your enthusiasm and support!

February 23, 2010 - At a time when President Barack Obama has declared that he is committed to creating "an unprecedented level of openness" in government and political candidates at all levels rush to place themselves on the side of "transparency," what is open government? What are the tools and new perspectives needed to bring it about? Open Government: Collaboration, Transparency and Participation in Practice...