Anonymous donors bad move for good politics

Published 9:13 am Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Candidates and their backers should be able to make their case – and needle opponents. The trouble arises when individuals or groups seeking to influence elections can shield their identities and massive money flows from public view.

Many are taking advantage of a tax loophole and of last winter’s Supreme Court decision striking down a ban on direct election spending by corporations and unions to raise the ante and to prevent voters from knowing the source of their money.

Some have begun operating as “Super PACs.” These political action committees don’t make direct contributions to a candidate but instead produce ads or mailings on their own. They can now take donations of any size, although contributions still must be reported to the Federal Elections Commission.

Email newsletter signup

But groups incorporated as nonprofit educational organizations have no such reporting obligations. They don’t have to disclose donors. And that’s simply wrong.

When this campaign ends, both parties need to call a cease-fire and insist that the donors behind any political ads be made public, and in real time.

An informed electorate is the best defense against political misinformation. Anyone who attempts to hide the sources of his or her money is an enemy of thoughtful voters.

The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer