Your guide to the shady 527s who will be playing a major role in this year's presidential campaign.

[babylonsister]

Let the Attack Ads Roll! by Cara Parks
Your guide to the shady 527s who will be playing a major role in this year's presidential campaign.
Post Date Thursday, June 12, 2008

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Progress for America (Republicans)

Who they are: Originally founded in 2003 by Tony Feather, a political director for Bush-Cheney 2000 and an associate of Karl Rove, the group is closely connected with the consulting firm DCI Group, which was also a participant in the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth Campaign; Chris LaCivita, the media advisor for Swift Boat, also worked for PFA. Tom Synhorst, chairman of DCI, is rumored to be assuming leadership of the group for the 2008 election. While the group has carefully avoided media attention thus far, it is expected to begin rolling out ads once the general election begins in earnest.

What they want: The group supports Republican causes of all stripes, focusing on the general election as well as promoting the party's pro-Iraq war, anti-immigration agenda more broadly.

What they do: The group spent $38 million in 2004 on ads supporting Bush, and has since run ads for his Supreme Court nominees and in support of the war in Iraq. In 2004, one of its most effective ads was "Ashley's Story," which showed Bush with a young girl whose mother was killed on September 11.

Major donors: In 2004, Dawn Arnall (wife of late billionaire Roland Arnall) gave $5 million to PFA. Other past donors rumored to be ponying up in 2008 include Univision owner A Jerrold Perenchio and Texas oilman T. Boone Pickens (no relation to Slim).

Why you'll hear about them: The group has amazing staying power and will almost definitely play a major fundraising role in 2008. Even after paying a $750,000 settlement in 2007 for its role in the 2004 elections, which included blatant advocacy, the group remains politically powerful.


American Future Fund (Republicans)

Who they are: Founded by long-time Republican operatives Alex N. Vogel and his wife, Jill Holtzman Vogel, who together run the consulting agency Holtzman Vogel. The couple is joined by Republican pollster Jan Van Lohuizen, who previously worked for George W. Bush. The president of the group, Nicole Schlinger, is the former executive director of the Iowa Republican Party.

What they want: Their website claims that this 501(c)4 "was formed to provide Americans with a conservative and free market viewpoint to have a mechanism to communicate and advocate on the issues that most interest and concern them."

What they do: This group is geared toward helping Republicans in congressional races, allowing others to focus on the presidential election. So far, their activities have included an extensive campaign ad against the Democratic contender in a Minnesota senatorial election, as well as some suspiciously timed polling in Louisiana that appears to have been coordinated with Freedom's Watch (see below). Additionally, the group's affiliate, Iowa Future Fund, has been operating in Iowa and it is widely speculated that their operations will expand during the general election.

Major donors: Its difficult to track major donors, as their anonymity is a major bonus of 501(c)4 status.

Why you'll hear about them: Minnesota Democrats have already filed an FEC complaint against the group, claiming that its ads for Senator Norm Coleman are blatant advocacy. The group's connection to well-known and powerful Republicans, including pollster Lohuizen and Progress for America co-founder Brian Kennedy, has led to speculation that the group is going to be a major player in the general election.


more...

http://www.tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=fbb03feb-7d2a-4a80-b001-4e8d157f502a

[Mabus]

1. Great information

Thanks for posting.
K&R

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. K&R

when they try something this year, we can cite their records and their contributors then ask people to consider their bias.

[annabanana]

3. the link is not our friend

They have an "added sleaze" section appended to each "Democratic" 527 and a "Why you'll hear about them" section attached to the "Republican" 527s..

[babylonsister]

4. Equal time. I'd argue that there's one big difference.

The liberal groups outlined are not 527s because they are spreading truth, even if dramatically, while the rethug groups are tuning up the lie machine. Of course, I'm a bit biased. :D

[phrigndumass]

5. Great read, babylonsister!

K/R ... I remember seeing "Ashley's Story" somewhere in 2004. I wouldn't be surprised to see something similar with a Katrina victim this year. They'll use anyone to make themselves look better.

[slinkerwink]

6. thanks!

[babylonsister]

7. Kickin' for the night crew. nt

[RB TexLa]

8. Hopefully we will have enough of them to bring forth some sleaze on McCain