Dark Money in the 2024 Election
Since the Citizens United decision in 2010, the definition of “dark money”—which has always been vague—has broadened to include political money for which the original donor is not disclosed. The…
Citizens United
A Conversation with The Liberal Patriot’s John Halpin (Part 1 of 2)
John Halpin, president and executive editor of The Liberal Patriot, talks with Michael E. Hartmann about advancing human freedom and American interests, his background, and his and the publication’s priorities.
A Conversation with The Liberal Patriot’s John Halpin (Part 2 of 2)
John Halpin, president and executive editor of The Liberal Patriot, talks with Michael E. Hartmann about whether partisanship in the nonprofit sector reflects philanthropic strategies, the effect of Donald Trump on…
American Compass Blunders Left
American Compass’s manifesto Rebuilding American Capitalism calls upon conservative policymakers to enact enormous worldwide tariffs to constrain consumer choice, develop a broad-based system of central planning, raise taxes on financial…
Best of CRC Media Hits for 2022
From a communications perspective, CRC increased its reach into state media outlets, while continuing to develop news interest inside the Beltway. CRC staff topped out at over 300 media hits…
Answering Questions from Yesterday’s Virginia Senate Hearing
Several questions about CTCL’s grants were raised during yesterday’s hearing of the Virginia Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections. Here are some answers. The Center for Technology and Civic Life…
501(c)(4)s and “Dark Money”: Evolution of (c)(4)s
Nonprofit “social welfare” organizations are allowed to engage in partisan political campaigning without disclosing their donors under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code and the Supreme Court’s decision in…
501(c)(4)s and “Dark Money”: Origins of (c)(4)s
After the 16th Amendment permitting a federal income tax was ratified in 1913, Congress began defining what could and could not be taxed. The Senate Finance Committee amended a tax…
501(c)(4)s and “Dark Money”: Regulatory Struggles
Section 501(c)(4) of the IRS Code makes a distinction between political speech and social welfare. This and subsequent rulemaking has led to "an 'anything goes' approach to these activities by…
501(c)(4)s and “Dark Money”: A Definition of “Dark Money”
Sunlight and the Center for Public Integrity are just two among many organizations and allied journalists that track and criticize “dark money,” which define as political money whose source isn't…