Ohio Democrats are complaining that Karl Rove’s Crossroads GPS and other conservative super PACs are distorting the elections process by pumping millions from undisclosed donors into efforts aimed at defeating incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown.
According to the
Dayton Daily News, Brown on paper appears to be way ahead of his Republican challenger Josh Mandel in fundraising. But because of the unlimited flow of money from Crossroads and other out-of-state groups who aren’t required to disclose their contributors, a lot more money is being spent on behalf of Mandel’s campaign.
The tally spent against Brown so far by these groups, known as 501c’s because of their IRS designation, is at least $11 million, according to the Daily News.
Crossroads GPS last month announced $2.5 million in ad buys directed at Ohio, Montana, and Virginia races, where conservative Republican candidates are campaigning against issues like Obamacare and government spending.
In addition to help from Rove’s group, the newspaper said Mandel has gotten $4 million in support from the Chamber of Commerce; $2.5 million from the 60 Plus Association; and $1.2 million from a group called American Commitment.
None of the groups, the Daily News said, are required to publicly disclose their donors because of the recent Supreme Court ruling allowing the creation of super PACs with the ability to raise and spend unlimited amounts of money.
Brown is also receiving outside help as well from various groups. But Democrats say the political action committees helping his campaign are reporting who their contributors are, so that it’s clear to voters who is supporting Brown’s bid for re-election.
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