election fall out
supporter
Posted by Stone (+1596) 11 years ago
California's state campaign watchdog yesterday accused two national outside-spending groups of laundering $11 million in political donations through an Arizona non-profit. The out-of-state organization in question-Americans for Responsible Leadership-has opposed Gov. Jerry Brown's revenue measure (Proposition 30) and supported the boldest attempt yet to make it illegal for unions like ours to engage in political advocacy and action (Proposition 32). At least part of the money was routed through The Center to Protect Patient Rights, which has connections to oil corporation Koch Industries and its owners, David and Charles Koch.

"Under California law, the failure to disclose this initially was campaign money laundering," wrote California's Fair Political Practices Commission. "At $11 million, this is the largest contribution ever disclosed as campaign money laundering in California history."

Corporations and the mega-rich have become political super-donors in the post-Citizens United world. That an $11 million donation can be laundered through two front groups on its way to be spent on political advertising that will largely mislead the voters is a twisted view of the "freedom of speech" all Americans should enjoy.


That these secret funders were moving those millions through front groups in order to finance the campaign to stifle labor's voice shows how bold and unconcerned with appearances the super-donors can be when they engaged in a far-reaching power grab. The best way we can fight back against this brazen power grab is to exercise our right to vote. Together, we can elect leaders and pass state ballot measures that will move this country forward. Working families won't just win in California-beating back anti-worker attacks like Prop 32-but on state initiatives and pro-worker candidates' elections across the nation.
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Posted by Elizabeth Emilsson (+797) 11 years ago
Thanks, Stone. That's what the big money is all about. Totake what little leverage we have for working men and women to make a decent living and benefit.

I love the billionaires whining about Karl Rove letting them down while he's claiming it would have been worse if he didn't spend all that money. Thank Goodnes we still have people like jerry Brown who still beleve social justice
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Posted by Larry W. Dann (+52) 11 years ago
Yeah to the above and we voters in the Great State of Montana passed a referendum declaring corporations are not people for the purpose of campaign contributions.
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Posted by Amorette Allison (+12830) 11 years ago
Unfortunately, the referendum was a gesture only. It holds no legal weight. I voted for it on principle but it means nothing in actuality.
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Posted by Larry W. Dann (+52) 11 years ago
All it means is that the voters have spoken.
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supporter
Posted by Jeri Dalbec (+3261) 11 years ago
For the most part...not quite 100%...our State did not let big dirty money tell us who to vote for. Kind of makes you proud:-)
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Posted by Matt - Schmitz (+167) 11 years ago
I'm not sure what Karl means by "could've been worse". Either you win, or you lose. Is there now "degrees of lost"? Is it worse if you really get your ass handed to you, or is it worse if you lose by a few hundred votes in a swing state, turning the entire election towards your opponent? I guess if you lose a close race, you can trot out the "no mandate" crap,(already an over used line). But you still lost. Power resides with the winner, regardless of the math. But of course Karl has to try and salvage some dignity (and millions of dollars) after Tuesdays referendum against his pipe dreams. Any port in a storm Karl.
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supporter
Posted by howdy (+4944) 11 years ago
Makes me proud that Montana is NOT FOR SALE vote wise and we vote our Montana values particularly for our Senator Tester and our new Gov. Bullock....Congrats Jon Tester for another 6 yrs...and the Gov for his new job...Glad to have been a small part of it....
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Posted by Tom Cat (+163) 11 years ago
Seeing as I've only been here for two years, can you tell me what are "Montana Values?"
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supporter
Posted by Richard Bonine, Jr. (+15599) 11 years ago
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Posted by Jeri Dalbec (+3261) 11 years ago
I really love number nine!
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Posted by Bridgier (+9547) 11 years ago
Aren't we missing something on there about ursus horribilus and their propensity to eat poop? Generally followed by an exhortation for lynx rufus to proceed?
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Posted by Elizabeth Emilsson (+797) 11 years ago
Just a thought... If the billionaires wanted to buy our votes, why didn't they just send us envelopes stuffed with cash instead of driving us insane with those incessant ads.
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Posted by Amorette Allison (+12830) 11 years ago
You left out "don't squat with your spurs on" and "don't spit into the wind."
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Posted by howdy (+4944) 11 years ago
to me this map really shows the reality of the Blue win on Tuesday as it was redrawn based on the population of each state...

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sponsor
Posted by Hannah Nash (+2537) 11 years ago
+10 howdy

Nice to see some accuracy. Been getting a little irritated with the barrage of "disband the electoral college because it isn't fair" headlines with a graphic of the US showing all that RED in the middle with zero context.
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supporter
Posted by Buck Showalter (+4461) 11 years ago
I think we fornicate the bear, then proceed.
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supporter
Posted by Gunnar Emilsson (+18775) 11 years ago
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