Investigating Power
Americans for Prosperity, the right-wing astroturf operation backed by billionaire Charles Koch, suffered a defeat in South Dakota on Tuesday when 56% of voters approved a constitutional amendment to expand the state’s Medicaid program.
Recent documents acquired by the Center for Media and Democracy reveal a new initiative targeting local politicians–especially school board candidates–with right-wing messaging, policies, and financial resources.
Republican treasurers, auditors, and staff from 23 states will arrive in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 13 to meet with corporate lobbyists and an array of right-wing groups during the Fall National Meeting of the State Financial Officers Foundation. Over the course of three days, they will discuss “the rising threat from China,” inflation, “true diversity,” and anti-ESG investing efforts.
The pay-to-play group Republican Attorneys General Association brought in $3.7 million in revenue between July and September, according to an Internal Revenue Service filing submitted this week.
GOP megadonor Richard Uihlein has pumped a previously unreported $1.7 million into a PAC supporting Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson’s reelection bid, according to the latest Federal Election Commission filings reviewed by the Center for Media and Democracy.
Republican megadonor and ULINE CEO Richard Uihlein injected his Restoration PAC with another $7.1 million between July and September to help elect right-wing Republicans, bringing his total funding for the super PAC this cycle to $20.8 million, 97% of its total revenues.
The American Legislative Exchange Council held its third known voter suppression summit for state lawmakers on July 25 and 26 preceding its annual meeting in Atlanta.
The GOP megadonor Diane Hendricks is hosting a fundraiser for Tim Michels, Republican candidate for Wisconsin governor in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, on October 5.
As outside groups spend millions of dollars on TV ads in the Wisconsin U.S. Senate race of incumbent Ron Johnson (R) against challenger Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes (D), a super PAC backed by Charles Koch and Koch Industries is relying instead on direct voter contact.
The $152 million represents a 27% increase over the $120 million CMD calculated the network brought in almost three years ago.