Occasionally the Register runs a graphic called “The Powers that Be,” which lists local, state and national officeholders and how to contact them.
Unless you’re a multi-millionaire, don’t bother.
OK, a slight exaggeration.
But as Wisconsin’s recent gubernatorial election proved, money from whomever and wherever is playing a bigger and bigger role in state elections as well as national elections. Wichita’s David Koch, for instance, gave $3 million to the re-election of Wisconsin’s Scott Walker, through Koch’s Americans for Prosperity non-profit — otherwise known as a Super PAC.
Walker was the embattled first-term governor who laid the hammer down on union bargaining rights.
The Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United ruling makes it possible for nonprofits like Americans for Prosperity to raise millions from anyone, anywhere, to spend directly on political campaigns.
The Supreme Court calls it “electioneering communications.” Take the sheep’s clothing off and it’s called buying votes.
THE MOST recent windfall of $10 million to Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign comes by way of Las Vegas billionaire Sheldon Adelson.
Before Romney, Adelson gave $21.5 million to the candidacy of Newt Gingrich in return for his support of issues concerning Israel.
Today, 32 billionaires make up the bulk of giving to the campaigns of Romney and President Barack Obama.
This process further sidelines the American voter and his “access” to officeholders.
Our voices, our concerns, are overshadowed by what big money can buy.
— Susan Lynn
