Dark Money, a political thriller, examines one of the greatest present threats to American democracy: the influence of untraceable corporate money on our elections and elected officials. The film takes viewers to Montana, a frontline in the fight to preserve fair elections nationwide to follow an intrepid local journalist working to expose the real-life impacts of the U.S. Supreme Court's Citizens United decision. Through this gripping story, Dark Money uncovers the shocking and vital truth of how American elections are bought and sold. Official Selection, 2018 Sundance Film Festival.
In the politics of the United States, dark money is funds given to nonprofit organizations—and include 501(c)(4) (social welfare) 501(c)(5) (unions) and 501(c)(6) (trade association) groups—that can receive unlimited donations from corporations, individuals and unions. They can spend funds to influence elections, but are not required to disclose their donors. Dark money first entered politics with Buckley v. Valeo (1976) when the United States Supreme Court laid out Eight Magic Words that define the difference between electioneering and issue advocacy.
According to the Center for Responsive Politics, "spending by organizations that do not disclose their donors has increased from less than $5.2 million in 2006 to well over $300 million in the 2012 presidential cycle and more than $174 million in the 2014 midterms." The New York Times editorial board has opined that the 2014 midterm elections were influenced by "the greatest wave of secret, special-interest money ever raised in a congressional election."
According to the Center for Responsive Politics, "spending by organizations that do not disclose their donors has increased from less than $5.2 million in 2006 to well over $300 million in the 2012 presidential cycle and more than $174 million in the 2014 midterms." The New York Times editorial board has opined that the 2014 midterm elections were influenced by "the greatest wave of secret, special-interest money ever raised in a congressional election."
TOP ELECTION SPENDERS - LINK A few examples:
Majority Forward $13,746,348 Liberal 501(c)(4)
US Chamber of Commerce $11,908,415 501(c)(6)
(Current elections - FL Nelson (D) & Scott (R) ea $750,000)
Americans for Prosperity $ 8,721,859 501(c)(4)
Planned Parenthood Action Fund $ 1,410,062 501(c)(4)
Majority Forward $13,746,348 Liberal 501(c)(4)
US Chamber of Commerce $11,908,415 501(c)(6)
(Current elections - FL Nelson (D) & Scott (R) ea $750,000)
Americans for Prosperity $ 8,721,859 501(c)(4)
Planned Parenthood Action Fund $ 1,410,062 501(c)(4)