Corporations Hide Election Spending From the Public Eye

[one...two...tree 2,762]

by Bill de Blasio

To avoid angering the public and their investors, some corporate interests are going to great lengths to hide their political spending. These companies have dumped money into nonprofits and trade associations that often have innocuous names like Americans for Job Security or Revere America, but in reality serve to shield donors from accountability for their spending in our elections. This activity was greatly enhanced by the Supreme Court's now infamous Citizens United decision, which opened the floodgates for unlimited and anonymous corporate spending in our elections.

Corporations are facing a choice that will have defining consequences for our democracy and will determine their relationships with shareholders, consumers and the public at large. If they believe in accountability to their investors and transparency for their consumers they have a responsibility to be more transparent and accountable about their political spending. From the beginning, the public has been outraged by Citizens United and companies that sought to take advantage of the new rules. When the decision first came down, 80 percent of Americans disapproved of it, according to an ABC/Washington Post poll. The distaste for the ruling cut across partisan lines; 76 percent of Republicans, 85 percent of Democrats and 81 percent of independents disapproved.

Unsurprisingly, when Target became one of the first companies to openly spend its corporate treasury dollars to support a specific candidate they faced a sustained public outcry, calls for change from their shareholders and even consumer boycotts. As a result other companies, recognizing the backlash they would face if caught putting money into 2010 races, have taken their spending underground by funneling contributions through nonprofit organizations (501[c]4s) and trade associations (501[c]6s) that are not required to disclose their donors. In a period of just six weeks, from September 1 to mid October, sixteen groups poured a combined total of over $22 million into federal races. To date, in the election cycle overall outside groups have spent $80 million—five times what they spent in the last midterm elections.

Several of the highest spending groups have already come under scrutiny for their activities. In one of the few examples publicly exposed to date, the New York Times revealed that Bruce Rastetter, CEO of one of the country's leading ethanol companies, Hawkeye Energy Holdings, is a major funder behind the American Future Fund. The American Future Fund is spending heavily in races where candidates have seats on legislative committees with a direct say on policy affecting the ethanol industry. Another group, Americans for Job Security, may be violating the law to shield their donors from the public. Americans for Job Security was formed as a nonprofit trade association that allows it to keep its donors secret but media and public reports strongly suggest that its aggressive political activities are inconsistent with its tax-exempt status.

Companies do not have to go down this low road. Major financial firms, tech firms and other big-name corporations have embraced or maintained policies against spending in elections, including Morgan Stanley, Microsoft and General Electric. Together, as elected officials and fiduciaries for our two cities, we have joined leaders in Illinois, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and New York State to form the Coalition for Accountability in Political Spending to persuade more corporations to follow their lead. We are committed to working with companies that are willing to do the right thing and holding accountable those that seek to conceal their political activities from investors and the public.

At the end of the day the decision comes down to a few basic questions. When self-proclaimed "issue groups" are spending millions on politics, why won't they reveal where their money comes from? Why are companies that depend on shareholders and consumers for their viability afraid to disclose whether they are spending corporate treasury dollars in our elections? In the remaining weeks until November 2 this struggle will only intensify. All companies have an opportunity to meet the expectations of their investors and the American people. They should seize the moment before it's too late.

http://www.thenation...ding-public-eye

[Obama 2012 1,714]

yeah, so do a lot of Unions

[Heracles 417]

yeah, so do a lot of Unions

Unions represent a group of workers. Last time I checked, the word corporation, conglomerate etc does not appear in the US Constitution. Or does that not matter with this argument?

I've learned you guys turn on/off things if importance based on the issue at hand. For example, loathe / hate spending, unless it comes to the hundreds of billions spent on defense. Not even interested where the money is going, as long as some says it being spent on defense.

Edited October 19, 2010 by Heracles

[Obama 2012 1,714]

Unions represent a group of workers. Last time I checked, the word corporation, conglomerate etc does not appear in the US Constitution. Or does that not matter with this argument?

I've learned you guys turn on/off things if importance based on the issue at hand. For example, loathe / hate spending, but don't care how much is wasted on defense.

The "powerful" unions hardly represent the people that are a part of them. As long as the unions heads make money (just like corporate board members) that's all that matters. You're fooling yourself if you think otherwise.

[Heracles 417]

The "powerful" unions hardly represent the people that are a part of them. As long as the unions heads make money (just like corporate board members) that's all that matters. You're fooling yourself if you think otherwise.

Which unions? Unions in the South have almost zero strength, yet you make it out as if they all are some NYC equivalent union. Nevertheless, I can count on one hand the number of union commercials I have seen in five years. To the contrary, in order to county on one hand the number of private commercials I have seen, I have to limit this to the last month.

My two favorite commercials that are currently screening are:

1. HFCS is as good [no different] to sugar

2. Some BS showing a lady buying soda, claiming the government should stay out of her decisions.

Sorry Paul but I never saw such rubbish in 30 years on AUS TV. No private group would dare insult our intelligence with such rubbish, plus is borders being illegal.

Edited October 19, 2010 by Heracles

[Obama 2012 1,714]

Which unions? Unions in the South have almost zero strength, yet you make it out as if they all are some NYC equivalent union. Nevertheless, I can count on one hand the number of union commercials I have seen in five years. To the contrary, in order to county on one hand the number of private commercials I have seen, I have to limit this to the last month.

My two favorite commercials that are currently screening are:

1. HFCS is as good [no different] to sugar

2. Some BS showing a lady buying soda, claiming the government should stay out of her decisions.

Sorry Paul but I never saw such rubbish in 30 years on AUS TV. No private group would dare insult our intelligence with such rubbish, plus is borders being illegal.

So Aussies don't believe the government should stay out of their decision? Interesting..... The commercial is right, but I can understand how people are followers who need their hand held all the time.

We do sell pure sugarcane soda here in the United States. Despite the rhetoric, people do ultimately have a choice. Just as I CHOOSE on my own not to drink HFCS for the most part. Wow, look at me, I can think for myself unlike most twits out there. Zero sympathy for those who cannot.

As far as unions go, live in Minnesota for a few years, then we'll talk.

[Heracles 417]

So Aussies don't believe the government should stay out of their decision? Interesting..... The commercial is right, but I can understand how people are followers who need their hand held all the time.

We do sell pure sugarcane soda here in the United States. Despite the rhetoric, people do ultimately have a choice. Just as I CHOOSE on my own not to drink HFCS for the most part. Wow, look at me, I can think for myself unlike most twits out there. Zero sympathy for those who cannot.

As far as unions go, live in Minnesota for a few years, then we'll talk.

No we do not accept faux organization like Aussies for Meat pie, basically organizations creating a propaganda campaign to allow fake meat to be used in food. To the contrary, the government elected into office, is permitted to have commercials explaining their decisions.

Choose? The only products I can buy that do not have HFCS sugar are sold at Whole Foods, Trader Joes and World Market - foreign food. World Market allows me to even purchase candy and stuff that have real sugar. Good luck trying finding the same here. The closest thing is PEPSI rollback or actual sugar. Even the freakin Ketchup has HFCS.

Here I found the commercial:

Americans Against Food Taxes is a coalition of concerned citizens – responsible individuals, financially strapped families, small and large businesses in communities across the country – opposed to the government tax hikes on food and beverages, including soda, juice drinks, and flavored milks

Right right, "concerned citizens" look at who is utilizing the above to propagate their BS:

Coalition Members include over 83,000 individual petition signers and the following:

7-Eleven, Inc.

Advantage Vending Equipment

Airgas, Inc.

Alabama Beverage Association

Alabama Grocers Association

Alabama Restaurant Association

Alcan Packaging

ALCOA, Inc.

Alivio Medical Center

Allen Beverages, Inc.

American Advertising Federation

American Airlines

American Bakers Association

American Beverage Association

American Council on Science and Health

American Fuji Seal, Inc.

American G.I. Forum Midwest

American Hotel & Lodging Association

American Wholesale Marketers Association

Americans for Prosperity

Americans for Tax Reform

Archer Daniels Midland Company

Arizona Automatic Merchandising Association

Arizona Beverage Association

Arizona Food Marketing Alliance

Arizona Free Enterprise Club

Arizona Retailers Association

Arkansas Beverage Association

Arkansas Grocers and Retail Merchants Association

Associated Food and Petroleum Dealers

Associated Oregon Industries

Association of Commerce and Industry

Atlantic Bottling Company

Austin Chamber of Commerce

Automated Petroleum

Ball Corporation

Bella Salon & Spa

Bernick’s Beverages and Vending

Beverage Association of Mississippi

Beverage Association of Tennessee

Beverage Association of Vermont

Beverage Truck & Trailer, LLC

BFG Communications

Bowling Centers Association of Wisconsin

Brand Trust, Inc.

Brinker International

Brook & Whittle, LTD

Brooklyn (Kings County) Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Burger King Corporation

California Grocers Association

California-Nevada Soft Drink Association

Can Manufacturers Institute

Canada Dry Bottling Co. of New York

Capital Corporate Gifts

Cargill, Inc.

Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.

Carol H. Williams Advertising

Carolinas Food Industry Council

Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc.

Chemical Industry Council of Illinois

Chemical Systems

Chesterman Company

Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

Chick-fil-A, Inc.

Chris Woodburn Interiors

Clardy Oil Company

Clark Beverage Group

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. High Country

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. United, Inc.

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Fort Wayne, IN

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Minden, Inc.

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Northern New England

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Pottsville, PA

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Winona, MN

Coca-Cola Bottling Works, Inc.

Coca-Cola Company, The

Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.

Coca-Cola of West Greenwich, RI

Coin Acceptors, Inc.

Colour 101

Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry

Colorado Beverage Association

Colorado Restaurant Association

Colorado Retail Council

Colorado/Wyoming Petroleum Marketers Association

Connecticut Food Association

Constar, Inc.

Constar International

Corinth Coca-Cola Bottling Works, Inc.

Corn Products International

Corn Refiners Association

Cornelius

Corwin Beverage Company

Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill

Council for Citizens Against Government Waste

Cowan Systems, LLC

Coyote Bait & Tackle

CPF, Inc.

Crown Cork & Seal

Cuban American National Council

Danny and Clyde’s Food Store, Inc.

DAK Americas LLC

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

Data Development Worldwide, LLC

Dawn Food Products, Inc.

Delaware Food Industry Council

Delaware Restaurant Association

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

Dobert Dairy, Inc.

Domino’s Pizza

D.R.A Elks Theatre

Dr Pepper Bottling Company of Dublin

Dr Pepper-Royal Crown Bottling Co.

Dr Pepper Snapple Group

Enterprise Leasing Company of Georgia

Entravision Communications

Erie Neighborhood House (Chicago)

ES Consultants, Inc.

Firehouse Restaurant Group, Inc.

First Choice Vending

Florida Beverage Association

Florida Chamber of Commerce

Florida Dairy Products Association

Florida Maritime Leadership Coalition

Florida Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association

Food Industry Alliance of New York State

Food Industry Association Executives

Food Industry Association of New York

Food Marketing Institute

G&J Pepsi-Cola Bottlers

GALOS Corporation

Georgia Agribusiness Council

Georgia Association of Convenience Stores

Georgia Beverage Association

Georgia Chamber of Commerce

Georgia Food Industry Association

Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Georgia-Pacific Packaging, LLC

Georgia Restaurant Association

Georgia Retail Association

Glacéau

Global Closure Systems OBRIST Americas

Gorski’s

Graham Packaging Company, LP

Grand Theatres

Graphic Packaging International, Inc.

Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Co., The

Great Dane Trailers

Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce

Gristedes Supermarkets

Grocery Manufacturers Association

Hammer Packaging Corp.

Hardee’s – Citronelle, AL

Hispanic Alliance for Prosperity

Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities

Hispanic Federation

Hispanic Institute, The

Hispanic Media Council

Hixson Architects and Engineers

Hoosier Beverage Association

Hoover Enterprises, Inc.

Iconoculture, Inc.

Idaho Soft Drink Association

Ignition, Inc

Illinois Association of Convenience Stores

Illinois Beverage Association

Illinois Chamber of Commerce

Illinois Food Retailers Association

Illinois Manufacturers’ Association

Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association, The

Illinois Retail Merchants Association

Independent Bakers Association

Independent Buyers’ Co-op

Indiana Grocery and Convenience Store Association

Indiana Restaurant Association

Indiana Retail Council

Inmar

Insignia Promotions

Institute for Liberty

International Dairy Foods Association

International Dairy Queen, Inc.

International Paper Company

Invista

Iowa Association of Business and Industry

Iowa Beverage Association

Iowa Wholesale Distributors Association

Jack Nadel International

Jack in the Box

Jesse White Tumbling Team

KAGRO International

Kansas Beverage Association

Kansas Chamber, The

Kansas Food Dealers Association

Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association

KDM POP Solutions Group

Kentucky Association of Convenience Stores

Kentucky Beverage Association

Kentucky Grocers Association

Kentucky Hotel and Lodging Association

Kentucky Restaurant Association

Kentucky Retail Federation, Inc.

Ketchikan Soda Works

Kwik Trip, Inc.

Kreiger Fuel Service Inc

L & E Bottling Company

Lakeshore Oil Co.

Lakeside Pepsi-Cola

Lancer Corporation

Latin American Association

Latin Chamber of Commerce of the United States, The

Latino Coalition, The

Latino Council on the Media

League of United Latin American Citizens

LinPepCo Partnership

Little Village Chamber of Commerce

Logan Luxury Theatres Corp.

LoDan Electronics, Inc.

Louisa Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

Louisiana Association of Business and Industry

Louisiana Beverage Association

Louisiana Retailers Association

Mack II, Inc.

Maine Beverage Association

Maine Grocers Association

Maine Merchants Association

Maine Restaurant Association

MANA, A National Latina Organization

Manufacture Alabama

Maryland Retailers Association

Maryland State Licensed Beverage Association

Maryland Unified Licensees Beverage Association

Massachusetts Beverage Association

Massachusetts Food Association

McDonald’s

McKenzie Oil Company, Inc.

MD/DC/DE Beverage Association

MDI Group

MeadWestvaco Corporation

MEI, Inc.

Meridian Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

Mexican American Grocers Association

Michigan Chamber of Commerce

Michigan Distributors & Vendors Association

Michigan Food and Beverage Association

Michigan Grocers Association Michigan Restaurant Association

Michigan Retailers Association

Michigan Soft Drink Association

Mid-Atlantic National Association of Theatre Owners

Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Distributors’ Association

Mid-States National Association of Theatre Owners

Mid-Wisconsin Beverage, Inc.

Midwest Dairy Foods Association

Midwest Food Processors Association

Minges Bottling Group

Mini Mart of Garden, Inc.

Minnesota Beverage Association

Minnesota Chamber of Commerce

Minnesota Grocers Association

Minnesota Lodging Association

Minnesota Restaurant Association

Minnesota Retailers Association

Mississippi Automatic Merchandising Association

Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Association

Missouri Beverage Association

Missouri Retailers Association

MJKL Enterprises, LLC.

Montana Beverage Association

NAACP Chicago Westside Branch

NAACP Milwaukee Branch

NAACP New York State Conference

Nan Ya Plastics Corp Americas

National Association of Concessionaires

National Association of Convenience Stores

National Association of Hispanic Publications

National Association of Manufacturers

National Association of PET Container Resources

National Association of Theatre Owners

National Association of Theatre Owners California/Nevada

National Association of Theatre Owners of New York State

National Automatic Merchandising Association

National Confectioners Association

National Council of Chain Restaurants

National Grocers Association

National Hispana Leadership Institute

National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators

National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts

National Hispanic Leadership Agenda

National Hispanic Medical Association

National Latino Education Institute (Chicago)

National Puerto Rican Association

National Restaurant Association

National Retail Federation

National Supermarket Association

National Taxpayers Union

Nebraska Beverage Association

Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Nebraska Retail Federation

Nehi Bottling Company of Cleveland, MS

Nei Bottling Group, Inc.

Neighborhood Market Association

New England Convenience Store Association

New Hampshire Grocers Association

New Hampshire Soft Drink Association

New Jersey Beverage Association

New Jersey Food Council

New Jersey Gasoline – C-Store – Automotive Association

New Mexico Beverage Association

New Mexico Grocers Association

NFIB/Colorado – Wyoming

Niles Chamber of Commerce and Industry

North Carolina Beverage Association

North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association

North Carolina Retail Merchants Association

North Carolina Wholesalers Association

North Dakota Grocers Association

North Dakota Hospitality Association

North Dakota Retail Association

North Dakota Petroleum Marketers Association

The NPD Group, Inc.

The NutraSweet Company

Ohio Association of Convenience Stores

Ohio Association of McDonald’s Operators

Ohio Automatic Merchandising Association

Ohio Chamber of Commerce

Ohio Corn Growers Association

Ohio Council of Retail Merchants

Ohio Grocers Association

Ohio Hotel and Lodging Association

Ohio Manufactuers’ Association, The

Ohio Restaurant Association

Ohio Soft Drink Association

Oklahoma Beverage Association

Orangeburg Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative

Oregon Soft Drink Association

Origen Partners

Original Roadhouse Grill

Owens-Illinois, Inc.

Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Co.

Pace Global Energy Services

PE-USA

Pennsylvania Beverage Association

Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association

Pennsylvania Restaurant Association

Pepsi Bottling Group

Pepsi Bottling Ventures

Pepsi Northwest Beverages

PepsiAmericas, Inc.

PepsiCo, Inc.

Pepsi-Cola & National Brand Beverages

Pepsi-Cola of Florence, LLC

Pepsi-Cola of Rochester, MN

Pepsi-Cola Bottlers Association

Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Atmore

Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Central VA

Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Hastings

Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Hickory, NC

Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of LaCrosse

Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Logansport

Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of New York

Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Pipestone, MN

Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Roxboro, NC

Pepsi-Cola Decatur, LLC

Pepsi-Cola Dr Pepper Bottling Co.

Pepsi-Cola of Northeast Wisconsin

Pepsi-Cola of Topeka

Pilsen Neighbors Community Council

Pioneer Supermarket

Pizza Ranch, Inc.

Planet Sub

Plexus Corp.

Plastic Recycling Corporation of Califonia

Portland Bottling Company

Presence From Innovation, LLC

Pretzel Twister, The

Primus Software Group

ProSys

Pyramid Consulting, Inc.

Quail Mountain, Inc.

Quality Retail Services, Inc.

Rainey Cawthon Distributors, Inc.

Red Bull North America, Inc.

Refreshment Services, Inc.

Rehrig Pacific Company

Reliant Gases

Restaurant Association of Maryland

Retail Merchants of Hawaii

Rexam, Inc.

Rhode Island Beverage Association

Rocky Mountain NATO

Ron’s Towing, Inc.

Roquette America, Inc.

Sacramento Coca-Cola

Salt Institute

SandenVendo America, Inc.

Santoni’s Super Market

Schroeder America

Secure America’s Future Economy (Delaware)

Semi Bulk Systems, Inc.

Seneca Wholesale Co., Inc.

SER-Jobs for Progress National, Inc.

Shepherd and Goldstein

Sherm’s Thunderbird Markets, Inc.

Simkins Industries

Small Business Action Committee

Snack Food Association

South Carolina Beverage Association

South Carolina Retail Association

South Central States National Association of Theatre Owners

South Dakota Beverage Association

Southeast National Association of Theatre Owners

Southeastern Container, Inc.

SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association

State Chamber of Oklahoma, The

Stone Theatres, LLC

Streva Distributing Co. of New Iberia, Inc.

Summit Marketing

Sun Drop Bottling Co.

Sunny Delight Beverages Co.

Swire Coca-Cola

Swire 7-Up/Dr. Pepper

Swire Coca-Cola, Flagstaff, AZ

Swire Coca-Cola, Safford, AZ

Swire Coca-Cola, LaGrande, OR

Swire Coca-Cola, Union, OR

Swire Coca-Cola, Clinton, UT

Swire Coca-Cola, Draper, UT

Swire Coca-Cola, Midvale, UT

Swire Coca-Cola, Price, UT

Swire Coca-Cola, Riverton, UT

Swire Coca-Cola, Salt Lake City, UT

Swire Coca-Cola, Sandy, UT

Swire Coca-Cola, Taylorsville, UT

Tate & Lyle

Teamsters Local Union 245

Teamsters Local Union 812

Teamsters Local Union 1199

Temple Bottling Company

Temple-Inland, Inc.

Tennessee Grocers and Convenience Store Association

Texas Association of Manufacturers

Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce

Texas Beverage Association

Texas Grocery and Convenience Association

Texas Roadhouse

Texas Travel Industry Association

Theatre Owners of Indiana

Towerwall, Inc.

ULDQS, Inc.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute

U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce

Utah Beverage Association

Utah Food Industry Association

Varsity Beverage

Venmart, Inc.

Vermont Grocers’ Association

Virginia Automatic Merchandising Association

Virginia Beverage Association

Virginia Chamber of Commerce

Virginia Manufacturers Association

Virginia Wholesalers and Distributors Association

Visstun

Vitro Packaging, LLC

Voy Theatres

Walton Beverage Company

Washington Soft Drink Association

Weaver Consolidated, Inc.

Welch’s

Wendco of Central PA

Wendy’s/Arby’s Group, Inc.

West Virginia Beverage Association

West Virginia Oil Marketers and Grocers Association

Western Kentucky Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Inc.

Western Container Corporation

Will Robertson, Inc.

Wilson Corporation

Wisconsin Automatic Merchandising Council

Wisconsin Beverage Association

Wisconsin Grocers Association

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce

Wisconsin Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association

Wisconsin Restaurant Association

Wisconsin Retail Council

WP Beverages, LLC

WS Packaging

Wyoming Beverage Association

Yum! Brands, Inc.

Edited October 19, 2010 by Heracles

[luckytxn 2,264]

Unions have been a huge donor to Socialist causes since their inception and will continue to do so. At least as long as the Socialists keep coming up with laws that allow unions unfair advantage.

[Heracles 417]

Unions have been a huge donor to Socialist causes since their inception and will continue to do so. At least as long as the Socialists keep coming up with laws that allow unions unfair advantage.

Why would a union want the government to run everything?

Oh that's right, you don't get what socialism actually is. Carry on..

Vietnam was socialist.

Western Europe, Canada, Australia, the EU Vietnam or China or Soviet Union.

Edited October 20, 2010 by Heracles