Nonprofits, shell corporations help shield identity of ad backers

By Russ Choma

Underwriters of attack ads can easily avoid being named.

Super PACs, nonprofits favored Romney over Obama

By Michael Beckel and Russ Choma

Funds from outside contributors neutralized Obama's fundraising advantage.

Excerpts from this story referencing "Mitt Romney":

"… lming majority favoring Republicans, particularly GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney.An estimated $577 million, or roughly 69 percent, was spent by conservativ …"

"… spending has been on negative ads.The group, which coined the slogan “If Mitt Romney wins, the middle class loses,” linked Romney to the death of a woman who …"

Mystery firm is election's top corporate donor at $5.3 million

By Michael Beckel and Reity O'Brien

Supreme Court decision paves way for $75 million in corporate donations to super PACs.

Excerpts from this story referencing "Federal Election Commission":

"… in compliance with the law, and we are doing what we can to report to the Federal Election Commission,” he said. “If there’s an issue with Specialty, it’s their issue. …"

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N.C.'s public financing system drowned out by outside spending

By Chris Young

State supreme court elections vulnerable to outside spending by ideological groups.

Gridlocked election commission awaits action by Obama

By Michael Beckel

Despite a high court ruling leaving campaign finance rules up in the air, partisan FEC fails to act.

Excerpts from this story referencing "Bill Burton":

"… attack dogs during the long slog of the election.Former White House aides Bill Burton and Sean Sweeney created the pro-Obama super PAC Priorities USA Action, wh …"

Last-minute mega-donations fueled super PAC attacks

By Michael Beckel

Sheldon Adelson, Michael Bloomberg among eleventh-hour donors to unlimited spending groups.

Excerpts from this story referencing "Federal Election Commission":

"… g for the “Hardworking Americans Committee” with the Oct. 19 donation, Federal Election Commission records show.The super PAC spent more than $1 million on ads in a futile, …"

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Court opened door to $933 million in new election spending

By Reity O'Brien and Andrea Fuller

Supreme Court decision a boon for media outlets, political pros, investigation shows.

Excerpts from this story referencing "Center for Responsive Politics":

"… The Center analyzed FEC data compiled by the Sunlight Foundation and the Center for Responsive Politics. The $933 million in spending came from super PACs, nonprofits, and to a l …"

Weekly Watchdog: Our new blog sheds light on secret spenders

By Bill Buzenberg

Our new blog publishes daily reports on all things 'influence-related.'

Excerpts from this story referencing "Federal Election Commission":

"… ary Clinton, a group called "Ready for Hillary" registered Friday with the Federal Election Commission. These and other influence updates will find their way to Primary Source …"

Opponents of coal influence elections anonymously

By Michael Beckel

Clean energy-focused nonprofit provided more than 99 percent of super PAC's money.

Excerpts from this story referencing "Federal Election Commission":

"… clean energy. While the Kentucky-based super PAC has registered with the Federal Election Commission like other super PACs, it's unlike most of its brethren in that its o …"

Which super PACs started 2013 with the most cash?

By Michael Beckel and Dave Levinthal

The five super PACs with the most money in the bank are all alligned with Democrats.

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