The Secret Money Project: Latest News
Money Woes Muzzle Independent Political Groups()
October 30, 2008 In a presidential race that seems to include every possible political strategy, one element has barely been visible. There have been no high-impact independent groups like the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, the outfit that nearly derailed John Kerry's campaign four years ago.
ACORN Has Long Been In Republicans' Cross Hairs()
October 15, 2008 Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign, the Republican National Committee and others have accused ACORN of widespread voter registration fraud. It's the latest, and most bitter, battle in a long conflict between conservatives and the grassroots group.
Charity Floods Swing States With Anti-Islam DVD()
September 26, 2008 An obscure charity has distributed an inflammatory anti-Islam DVD to millions of people in swing states. The financing for this project is secret. But critics say it's a backdoor endorsement of Republican presidential hopeful John McCain and an attack on his Democratic opponent, Barack Obama.
Liberal 527 Groups Target McCain With Ads()
September 15, 2008 Although the Obama campaign's $66 million in August may not be enough to maintain his advantage over the combined funds of the McCain campaign and the Republican National Committee, liberal 527 groups may steal the spotlight with their anti-McCain ads.
Independent Political Groups Return With 527 Ads()
September 19, 2008 As the November presidential election draws nearer, ads by independent political groups are already on the air. John McCain and Barack Obama have said that these groups should stay out of the election process. But there seems to be no way to stop them.
Strange Bedfellows Behind Anti-Obama 'Turban' Ad()
August 28, 2008 Who was behind the inflammatory ad that showed Obama wearing a turban? The answer could be the start of a joke: a hypnotherapist, an apolitical wedding videographer, and a felon now on the run. And they still haven't paid for the ad.
The Republican Convention
Convention Host Committees Flush With Funds()
August 21, 2008 More money than ever is flowing into the "host committees" that supposedly support the conventions with funding from proud local businesses. And more than ever, the host committee money is being raised nationally by the presidential campaigns.
Union Operative Advocates And Gains Power()
August 6, 2008 Every presidential election has legions of behind-the-scenes operatives who toil for the candidates and for the major parties. One such operative is union activist Anna Burger of the Service Employees International Union, who helps to lead one of the fastest-growing unions in America.
Independent Groups Step Up On-Air Ads()
July 18, 2008 Independent groups have yet to unveil an ad as damaging as the Swift Boat Veterans spot that hurt Sen. John Kerry's presidential bid in 2004. But as the summer goes on, more groups are producing radio and TV spots targeting the presidential race and key Senate battles.
Nonprofits Look For New Ways To Shape Campaign()
June 25, 2008 No outside organization has thrown a roundhouse punch this election season like the one Swift Boat Veterans for Truth delivered four years ago. But they're quietly mobilizing, using small staffs and new technologies to stoke the public's attention.
