Election 2012- Buying Elections and Dumbing Down of the Electorate

In just a few days our country will either re-elect Barack Obama or choose Mitt Romney as President for the next four years.    More than ever I am discouraged about the political system in the United States and the effect of Citizens United and SuperPAC's on our elections.  

We the People should mean something to every citizen.   The right to vote is precious and many lives have been lost in the fight to gain this priviledge and protect our freedoms.   With that right comes the responsibility to be informed about the candidates and the issues.   Unfortunately too many people rely on sound bites, commercials or TV/Radio commentators to form their opinions and make their choices.

Since the 2000 election there has been growing mistrust between political parties.    Some are convinced the Florida win was rigged Jeb Bush and his political appointee to declare a win for George W. Bush.    Hanging chads and other inconsistencies left many questions and the election ended with the Supreme Court deciding the presidential winner for the first time in history.  

The root of today's problems started before the 2000 election and there are a number of factors that contribute to the continuing divide.   Until 1996 there were limits to how many radio/tv stations, magazines and other sources of media, that could be owned by one entity.  When media is owned by only a few entities, it reduces the diversity of information provided, as well as reduces the accountability of information providers to the public.

Before cable, sattelite and internet sources, broadcast channels were assigned by the FCC to prevent spillover on the frequencies.   These licenses were given for free with regulations in place that the stations offer public service programs, be a point of EMS Broadcast information and serve the public good.    Local stations that can be picked up with only a digital antenna or radio are still assigned and regulated by the FCC.   Cable and satellite stations are not subject to these regulations and allowed additional entry points to broadcasting not controlled by the FCC.   Networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX are not subject to regulations, only individual local stations.     

Deregulation and the proliferation of cable and satellite, allowed the system we have now, where only a handful of corporations own all the media.   
There are 1500 newspapers, 1100 magazines, 9000 radio stations, 1500 TV stations and 2400 publications owned by ONLY THREE corporations.  As of 2010, The Walt Disney Company is the largest media conglomerate in the US, with News Corporation, Time Warner and Viacom ranking second, third and fourth respectively.

FOX News is owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation.   FOX brands itself as the "fair and balanced" news organization, but a closer investigation shows FOX is owned, run and broadcasts only from the conservative viewpoint.    A clip from the documentary "Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism" shows the subtle ways that FOX News manipulates their audience.   "People say", "Sources say"" and "Some say" are often segways to whatever biased politcal view is presented.  Others feel there is a liberal bias on other networks.  With the advent of 24x7 "news" networks much of what is seen is not unbiased journalism but opinion and commentary.   Why would any media conglomorate do this?  The answer is simple.   Influence the voters to vote for candidates that will support their corporate goals, not what is best for the people of the USA, but their bottom line.        

Enter Citizens United.   Citizens United v Federal Election Commission, 2010, was a landmark Supreme Court case in which the Court held that the First Amendment prohibited the government from restricting independent political expenditures by corporations and unions.   This allowed corporations and unions to enter the political fray of the political discourse the same as any individual.

Citizens United was quickly followed two months later by the introduction of Super PACs.  This ruling held that PAC's that did not make contributions to candidates, parties or other PAC's could accept unlimited contributions from individuals, unions and corporations for the purpose of making independent expenditures.   

Forming a Super PAC is incredibly simple and anyone can start one.   Just ask Stephen Colbert of The Colbert Report.   Stephen Colbert is a political satirist who plays a fictional conservative character of the same name that is loosely based on Bill O'Reilly.     Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow, better known as the Colbert Super PAC is a legal PAC approved by the FEC.  Started by Stephen Colbert with legal advice from former Bush advisor Trevor Potter, the original PAC was approved by a 5-1 vote.  The FEC approved Colbert's bid to form a Super PAC on June 30, 2011. Troubled by the fact that large corporations were not donating to his SuperPAC, on September 29, 2011, Trevor Potter explained that corporations prefer to support political causes when the corporations can remain anonymous. Therefore, he helped Colbert set up a 501(c)(4) Delaware Shell corporation in which donations can be given anonymously without limit and used for political purposes, similar to American Crossroads. The name of the shell corporation, "Anonymous Shell Corporation," has Colbert as its sole board member. Donations made to Anonymous Shell Corporation can then be funneled to ColbertPAC without disclosing the ultimate source of the donation. When Colbert asked what the difference is between this and money laundering, Potter answered, "It's hard to say." 

One of Colbert's first expenditures was to get in the GOP Straw Poll race and create ads for Rick Parry with an "a" asking voters to write in Rick Parry with an "a".  One of the ads is here.   Although the GOP has not released official figures of how many votes Rick Parry with an "a" got, 718 votes were write ins.   

Colbert's Super PAC has $776,000 still left in it's coffers as we wind down the last few days before the election.   While some may say these kinds of jokes make a mockery of our systems, they also shed light on how our elections are staged and sold to the American public by huge corporations and spending as packaged ads, just like any other product.   Often misleading or outright lies, since they do not come from the candidates themselves are considered free speech thanks to the Citizens United and Super PAC rulings.  

Super PAC's are also responsible for the rise of the Tea Party.   Although the Tea Party orginally was a grass roots organization, in an August 30, 2010, article in The New Yorker, Jane Mayer said that the billionaire brothers David and Charles Koch and Koch Industries provided financial and organizational support to the Tea Party movemetn through Americans for Prosperity.   Americans for Prosperity (AFP)’s stated mission is “educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing citizens as advocates in the public policy process.” The group played a major role in the Republicans’ 2010 takeover of the House of Representatives, and has been called “one of the most powerful conservative organizations in electoral politics.”

Around the same time Glen Beck was planning a rally in DC called "Restoring Honor".  Beck originally intended the rally as political, and planned to promote his next book, The Plan, in which he would outline a century-long plan to "save the country".   This ultimately became the first large organized Tea Party rally.

Enter the "Rally to Restore Sanity/and or Fear" which drew close to a quarter of a million people and was the largest crowd to ever assemble for a rally on the Mall in DC.   The rally was a combination of what initially were announced as separate events: Stewart's "Rally to Restore Sanity" and Colbert's counterpart, the "March to Keep Fear Alive". Its stated purpose was to provide a venue for attendees to be heard above what Stewart described as the more vocal and extreme 15–20% of Americans who "control the conversation" of American politics, the argument being that these extremes demonize each other and engage in counterproductive actions, with a return to sanity intended to promote reasoned discussion. Despite Stewart's insistence to the contrary, news reports cast the rally as a spoof of Beck's rally.  

Could it be these two comedian/political satirists are on to something?   

Corporations funnel massive amounts of money into Super PAC's to influence voters for one purpose-  Massive profits.    When watching any political commercial that does not say "I'm Candidate A and I approved this message", it is most likely coming from a Super PAC.   For example in Maryland you can have back to back commercials talking about Question 7, both citing the same source of the Washington Post, saying the Post said different things.  One could be citing a journalist or they could be citing an opinion piece.

An entire industry has been created out of the division of voters.  Networks, books, speakers, websites, SuperPAC's.....the list goes on.   Division, controversy always sells (or brings in viewers) and it translate into $$$$ for all of those organizations and individuals who are getting rich by keeping us divided.

I will end with this data as of 120PM today.  This is the amount of money funneled into our elections by SuperPAC's- corporations, unions, special interest groups, all who manipulate data and present misrepresentations to get their candidate or issue passed.  The voice of the people is being drowned out by unlimited spending to promote the interests of big business and big money.   No matter who wins the White House, it's time to realize Citizens United and SuperPAC's are not good for the future of our country if we want it to remain "we, the people" 

Independent Spending Totals

Since the start of the presidential campaign, independent groups have spent at least $507 million on television advertisements and other efforts asking voters to elect or defeat candidates. The most active groups have been "super PACs," which can raise unlimited money from individuals, corporations and labor unions. Although these groups cannot legally be tied to a candidate, several of the most-active ones are run or advised by former associates or campaign staff; those are noted below with the picture of the candidate.

Totals Through Nov. 3, 120PM:

1

RepublicanMitt RomneySuper PACRestore Our Future

Created by former aides to Mitt Romney, this super PAC has turned its attention to criticizing President Obama and promoting Mr. Romney's campaign.

Main activity: Attacking Barack Obama(62%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$141,808,116

90% spent on attack ads34% of all Rep. spending

2

RepublicanSuper PACNo known ties to candidateAmerican Crossroads

This super PAC was active in many Congressional races during the 2010 midterm elections and has Karl Rove as its senior adviser. It has spent money on advertisements opposing President Obama and congressional Democrats.

Main activity: Attacking Barack Obama(93%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$85,992,255

93% spent on attack ads20% of all Rep. spending

3

DemocraticBarack ObamaSuper PACPriorities USA Action

Bill Burton, a former Obama White House aide, heads thisDemocratic super PAC, which has not been as active as its Republican counterparts.

Main activity: Attacking Mitt Romney(100%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$66,482,084

100% spent on attack ads77% of all Dem. spending

4

RepublicanNo known ties to candidateRepublican National Committee

The R.N.C. is the national party organization for the Republican Party and raises and spends money on behalf of its candidates nationwide. Its chairman is Reince Priebus. Its spending total does not include about $21 million in advertising coordinated with Mitt Romney's campaign, or general party spending on other Republican candidates and administrative costs.

Main activity: Attacking Barack Obama(98%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$39,196,929

98% spent on attack ads9% of all Rep. spending

5

RepublicanNo known ties to candidateAmericans for Prosperity

Backed by David H. Koch and Charles G. Koch, Americans for Prosperity is a conservative issue advocacy organization with ties to the Tea Party movement. It recently began running advertisements expressly calling for the defeat of President Obama.

Main activity: Attacking Barack Obama(100%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$33,564,920

100% spent on attack ads8% of all Rep. spending

6

RepublicanNo known ties to candidateCrossroads GPS

A nonprofit social welfare organization, Crossroads GPS is a companion group to American Crossroads, a Republican-backing super PAC active in the presidential and Congressional races. A lawyer for President Obama has asked the Federal Election Commission to force GPS to reveal its donors.

Main activity: Attacking Barack Obama(68%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$20,239,879

68% spent on attack ads5% of all Rep. spending

7

RepublicanNewt GingrichSuper PACWinning Our Future

This super PAC was created by Becky Burkett, the former chief development officer for American Solutions, a PAC that Newt Gingrich founded. Since the reporting period ended, the super PAC has reportedly also received at least $10 million from a wealthy casino owner, Sheldon Adelson, and his wife.

Main activity: Supporting Newt Gingrich(76%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$17,008,038

24% spent on attack ads4% of all Rep. spending

8

RepublicanNo known ties to candidateAmerican Future Fund

A conservative nonprofit organization based in Iowa, American Future Fund has spent money attacking Democratic candidates for Congress and President Obama.

Main activity: Supporting Mitt Romney(61%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$15,425,435

39% spent on attack ads4% of all Rep. spending

9

RepublicanNo known ties to candidateAmericans for Job Security

A nonprofit group with ties to a Republican consulting firm, Americans for Job Security began broadcasting advertisements opposing President Obama in late September.

Main activity: Attacking Barack Obama(100%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$15,223,067

100% spent on attack ads4% of all Rep. spending

10

RepublicanNo known ties to candidateNational Rifle Association of America Political Victory Fund

The national gun lobby organization has used its PAC to finance advertisements, mailings and other outreach efforts opposing President Obama.

Main activity: Attacking Barack Obama(79%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$9,185,484

79% spent on attack ads2% of all Rep. spending

11

RepublicanSuper PACNo known ties to candidateEnding Spending Action Fund

Financed primarily by Joe Ricketts, a billionaire businessman from Nebraska, Ending Spending Action Fund is the super PAC of a group dedicated to reducing the federal debt. Mr. Ricketts had considered bankrolling a $10 million advertising campaign against President Obama earlier in the election cycle.

Main activity: Attacking Barack Obama(56%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$7,830,678

56% spent on attack ads2% of all Rep. spending

12

RepublicanRick SantorumSuper PACRed White and Blue Fund

This committee, founded by a former Iowa adviser to former Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, is one of two super PACs supporting his candidacy.

Main activity: Supporting Rick Santorum(90%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$7,529,620

11% spent on attack ads2% of all Rep. spending

13

DemocraticNo known ties to candidateService Employees International Union

The S.E.I.U., with around two million members, has been a strong supporter of President Obama and has joined with the super PAC Priorities USA Action to pay for advertisements opposing Mitt Romney.

Main activity: Attacking Mitt Romney(73%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$5,056,976

73% spent on attack ads6% of all Dem. spending

14

RepublicanNo known ties to candidateRepublican Jewish Coalition

Backed by contributions from casino mogul Sheldon Adelson and other donors, the non-profit Republican Jewish Coalition is airing broadcast advertisements "to win over Jewish voters who could be persuaded to turn away from President Obama and support Mitt Romney."

Main activity: Attacking Barack Obama(100%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$4,571,446

100% spent on attack ads1% of all Rep. spending

15

DemocraticSuper PACNo known ties to candidatePlanned Parenthood Votes

The super PAC of the women’s health care organization has been broadcasting advertisements seeking to undermine Mitt Romney's support among women.

Main activity: Attacking Mitt Romney(84%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$4,096,863

84% spent on attack ads5% of all Dem. spending

16

RepublicanRick PerrySuper PACMake Us Great Again

A super PAC that supported Gov. Rick Perry of Texas, who left the race in January. It is headed by Mike Toomey, Mr. Perry's former chief of staff.

Main activity: Supporting Rick Perry(100%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$3,959,824

0% spent on attack ads1% of all Rep. spending

17

RepublicanSuper PACNo known ties to candidateEndorse Liberty

Endorse Liberty supports Representative Ron Paul of Texas and has spent money on advertisements that appear on Google, Facebook and other popular Internet services.

Main activity: Supporting Ron Paul(100%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$3,417,467

1% spent on attack ads1% of all Rep. spending

18

DemocraticSuper PACNo known ties to candidateFlorida Freedom PAC

Financed primarily by the Service Employees International Union, this super PAC has spent money on voter registration and turnout efforts in Florida on behalf of President Obama and Democratic Senator Bill Nelson.

Main activity: Supporting Barack Obama(100%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$2,830,887

0% spent on attack ads3% of all Dem. spending

19

RepublicanJon M. Huntsman Jr.Super PACOur Destiny

This super PAC supported Jon M. Huntsman Jr. before he left the race. A former Huntsman campaign aide, Fred Davis, helps run the committee.

Main activity: Supporting Jon M. Huntsman Jr.(100%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$2,804,234

0% spent on attack ads1% of all Rep. spending

20

RepublicanNo known ties to candidateConservative Majority Fund

This PAC, formed by the political consultant Scott Mackenzie, has been running television advertisements repeating unsubstantiated claims raised by the "birther" movement that President Obama was not born in the United States. On its web site, the PAC "demands Congress investigate Barack Obama’s forged birth certificate."

Main activity: Attacking Barack Obama(100%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$2,792,830

100% spent on attack ads1% of all Rep. spending

21

DemocraticSuper PACNo known ties to candidateWorkers' Voice

A labor-union-backed super PAC, Workers' Voice is primarily engaged in "ground game" efforts to increase voter registration and turnout. It has also run online advertisements opposing Mitt Romney.

Main activity: Attacking Mitt Romney(51%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$2,678,029

51% spent on attack ads3% of all Dem. spending

22

DemocraticNo known ties to candidateAmerican Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees

The largest public employee labor union, Afscme has run ads against Mitt Romney in swing states such as Florida and Ohio.

Main activity: Attacking Mitt Romney(96%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$2,602,478

96% spent on attack ads3% of all Dem. spending

23

RepublicanSuper PACNo known ties to candidateThe Next Generation

This conservative super PAC raises nearly all of its money from small-dollar donors and lists among its officers former employees of InfoCision, an Ohio marketing and fund-raising company with clients that include many Republican and conservative organizations. It has spent money opposing President Obama via direct mail, telephone calls and other media.

Main activity: Attacking Barack Obama(100%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$1,730,458

100% spent on attack adsLess than 1% of all Rep. spending

24

RepublicanNo known ties to candidateSusan B. Anthony List

This organization helps to elect anti-abortion candidates and has run ads opposing President Obama.

Main activity: Supporting Rick Santorum(63%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$1,636,093

36% spent on attack adsLess than 1% of all Rep. spending

25

DemocraticSuper PACNo known ties to candidateLeague of Conservation Voters Victory Fund

This is the super PAC of the League of Conservation Voters, an environmental group. It has joined with Priorities USA Action to finance advertisements opposing Mitt Romney.

Main activity: Attacking Mitt Romney(84%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$1,311,072

84% spent on attack ads2% of all Dem. spending

26

DemocraticNo known ties to candidateMoveOn.Org Political Action

First formed in 1998 to oppose the impeachment of President Bill Clinton, MoveOn is a liberal political action group. It has spent money on online and broadcast advertisements and other forms of outreach, including airplane banners, to oppose Mitt Romney.

Main activity: Attacking Mitt Romney(79%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$1,108,858

84% spent on attack ads1% of all Dem. spending

27

RepublicanSuper PACNo known ties to candidateCitizens for a Working America PAC

First organized for the 2010 midterm elections, this super PAC was reported to be raising money to help Michele Bachmann's campaign, but in late December it shifted its support to Mitt Romney.

Main activity: Supporting Mitt Romney(83%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$1,090,734

17% spent on attack adsLess than 1% of all Rep. spending

28

RepublicanNo known ties to candidateLife and Liberty PAC

An anti-abortion organization with ties to the former presidential candidate Alan Keyes, Life and Liberty PAC produces direct mail and telephone messages in addition to canvassing voters.

Main activity: Attacking Barack Obama(100%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$850,000

100% spent on attack adsLess than 1% of all Rep. spending

29

RepublicanSuper PACNo known ties to candidateWomen Speak Out PAC

A project of the Susan B. Anthony List, an anti-abortion organization, this super PAC began airing ads criticizing President Obama on the issue in early October.

Main activity: Attacking Barack Obama(100%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$732,136

100% spent on attack adsLess than 1% of all Rep. spending

30

RepublicanSuper PACNo known ties to candidateFreedomWorks for America

This committee is a wing of FreedomWorks, a nonprofit organization led by Dick Armey, a Republican and former House majority leader.

Main activity: Attacking Barack Obama(100%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$610,440

100% spent on attack adsLess than 1% of all Rep. spending

31

RepublicanSuper PACNo known ties to candidateCampaign for American Values PAC

Primarily backed by real estate firms and executives, this super PAC is airing advertisements critical of President Obama's stances on religious freedom and what it calls "values" issues.

Main activity: Supporting Mitt Romney(98%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$575,763

2% spent on attack adsLess than 1% of all Rep. spending

32

RepublicanNo known ties to candidateFaith and Freedom Coalition

A non-profit organization led by Ralph Reed, the former head of the Christian Coalition, this group is focused on turning out conservative religious voters through telephone calls, direct mail and voter guides.

Main activity: Attacking Barack Obama(100%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$542,650

100% spent on attack adsLess than 1% of all Rep. spending

33

RepublicanSuper PACNo known ties to candidateSanta Rita SuperPAC

A Texas committee that supports Ron Paul's candidacy, this super PAC aims to buy television advertising time in crucial primary states.

Main activity: Supporting Ron Paul(100%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$427,379

0% spent on attack adsLess than 1% of all Rep. spending

34

RepublicanHerman CainSuper PAC9-9-9 Fund

This super PAC supported the candidacy of Herman Cain, the former chief executive of Godfather's Pizza, before he suspended his campaign in December.

Main activity: Supporting Herman Cain(100%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$411,055

0% spent on attack adsLess than 1% of all Rep. spending

35

RepublicanNo known ties to candidateOur Country Deserves Better

The political action committee of the Tea Party Express, this group has sent e-mails critical of President Obama.

Main activity: Supporting Mitt Romney(50%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$306,733

50% spent on attack adsLess than 1% of all Rep. spending

36

RepublicanNo known ties to candidateNational Organization for Marriage

A nonprofit organization, it created a Web site and advertisementopposing Representative Ron Paul of Texas during the early Republican primary season.

Main activity: Attacking Ron Paul(78%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$304,379

78% spent on attack adsLess than 1% of all Rep. spending

37

DemocraticSuper PACNo known ties to candidateUFCW Working Families Advocacy Project

The super PAC of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents more than 1.3 million people working mainly in grocery and retail stores and the food processing and meat packaging industries.

Main activity: Attacking Mitt Romney(100%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$263,245

100% spent on attack adsLess than 1% of all Dem. spending

38

RepublicanSuper PACNo known ties to candidateStrong America Now Super PAC

Strong America Now, which supports Mr. Gingrich, proposes that federal agencies adopt the business strategy known as Lean Six Sigma to reduce waste.

Main activity: Supporting Newt Gingrich(100%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$225,347

0% spent on attack adsLess than 1% of all Rep. spending

39

RepublicanSuper PACNo known ties to candidateWinning Freedom

Created by Texas resident Brandon Todd, this super PAC began backing Newt Gingrich through online advertisements in late February.

Main activity: Supporting Newt Gingrich(100%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$153,083

0% spent on attack adsLess than 1% of all Rep. spending

40

RepublicanSuper PACNo known ties to candidateAmericans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow

This super PAC was created by the comedian Stephen Colbert, and it ran advertisements in his home state, South Carolina, before the primary there in support of Herman Cain, who was on that state's ballot despite having left the race weeks before the primary.

Main activity: Supporting Herman Cain(40%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$79,527

60% spent on attack adsLess than 1% of all Rep. spending

41

DemocraticSuper PACNo known ties to candidateD.G.A. Action Fund

An offshoot of the Democratic Governors Association, this super PAC has spent smaller amounts of money in the presidential race, mostly on advertisements on Facebook.

Main activity: Attacking Mitt Romney(59%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$63,730

92% spent on attack adsLess than 1% of all Dem. spending

42

RepublicanNo known ties to candidateBeat Obama Political Action Committee

Started as the Draft Herman Cain committee, this group changed its name after Mr. Cain suspended his campaign in early December and is focused solely on defeating President Obama.

Main activity: Supporting Herman Cain(87%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$57,291

13% spent on attack adsLess than 1% of all Rep. spending

43

RepublicanNo known ties to candidateCampaign for Working Families

Founded by the former Republican presidential candidate Gary Bauer in 1996; in late 2011 it spent money on online advertisements opposing President Obama.

Main activity: Attacking Barack Obama(42%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$24,117

42% spent on attack adsLess than 1% of all Rep. spending

44

RepublicanSuper PACNo known ties to candidateLeaders for Families Super PAC

The second of two super PACs formed to support Rick Santorum. Its founders have ties to an organization opposed to Iowa's same-sex marriage law.

Main activity: Supporting Rick Santorum(100%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$12,701

0% spent on attack adsLess than 1% of all Rep. spending

45

RepublicanNo known ties to candidateFreedom's Defense Fund

An established PAC, Freedom's Defense Fund has spent small amounts of money opposing President Obama.

Main activity: Attacking Barack Obama(100%)Aug.Sep.Oct.

$7,925

100% spent on attack adsLess than 1% of all Rep. spendingBy KEVIN QUEALY and DEREK WILLIS