When a candidate is a candidate – and not

Plus: SCOTUS on abortion, calls for Feinstein to resign and the Pentagon leak latest [View this email online]( [NPR Politics]( April 15, 2023 --------------------------------------------------------------- The Big Picture: What is an exploratory committee? Charlie Neibergall/AP Show me the money. Well, not if you launch an exploratory committee. This week, a [new potential GOP contender]( Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., [took a major step toward running for president by forming an “exploratory committee.”]( So does that mean he’s definitely running? No. The Federal Election Commission allows people thinking about running for president – or any other federal office – to “test the waters,” as they call it, by forming one of these committees. Doing so allows a potential candidate to raise money, travel, hire a pollster -- do all of the things necessary to gauge potential support. People with exploratory committees are held to the same fundraising limits and other FEC rules. The thing is: there are no disclosure requirements. In other words, someone who has an exploratory committee doesn’t have to say who or where their money is coming from until or unless they become an actual presidential candidate. Once they do, they then have to disclose the money they raised while in the exploratory phase. But if they test those waters, and the waters seem a bit too chilly, they’ll never have to show us the money. — [Domenico Montanaro]( NPR’s senior political editor/correspondent --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- ICYMI: Top Stories Katie Riordan /WKNO Expelled lawmakers are back: Two Black Democratic members of the [Tennessee House have been reinstated]( after Republican colleagues expelled them for leading a protest for gun law reform on the House floor earlier this month. Abortion case on hold: The [Supreme Court has placed an administrative stay]( on a lower court ruling limiting the abortion drug mifepristone after the Justice Department filed an emergency appeal. Calls for Feinstein to resign: Medical complications from shingles have kept California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein from have kept her sidelined, and she requested a [temporary replacement for her seat on the Judiciary Committee]( after recent calls for her resignation. Listen to the latest [NPR Politics Podcast:]( Senator Feinstein's Lengthy Absence Imperils Biden's Court Picks Pentagon leak arraignment: [A 21-year-old]( Massachusetts Air National Guardsman is [accused of leaking classified documents]( pertaining to the war in Ukraine. He will remain in custody until his detention hearing Wednesday morning. And the latest saga of revealed U.S. secrets stirs [memories of past legendary leaks](. Manhattan DA lawsuit: Alvin Bragg, the district attorney pursuing criminal charges against former President Donald Trump, is suing Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, the Republican leading the House Judiciary Committee, [alleging Jordan is trying to interfere with his case.]( -- [Dustin Jones]( NPR Politics reporter --------------------------------------------------------------- It all comes down to you Your financial support is the NPR Network's greatest strength. You keep the facts flowing. You bring more stories to more ears. You make a real difference when you contribute to independent, trustworthy media. [Please donate today](. --------------------------------------------------------------- The Shot: Sweeping California superblooms Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP A wetter-than-average California winter brought on a [breathtaking wildflower “superbloom” across the state](. Vast fields of yellow and orange poppies, sand verbena, sunflowers, lilies and others have drawn hundreds of thousands of spectators. These superblooms stem from several dry years, where seeds accumulate on the ground waiting for the right conditions, followed by a wet year to trigger germination. California also saw superblooms in 2017 and 2019. -- [Dustin Jones]( NPR Politics reporter --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. [Listen Live]( [Footer]( [Footer]( What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: [nprpolitics@npr.org](mailto:nprpolitics@npr.org?subject=Newsletter%20Feedback) Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! [They can sign up here.]( Looking for more great content? [Check out all of our newsletter offerings]( — including Daily News, Code Switch, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Politics emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( [NPR logo]