Schrader’s new campaign ad denounces Big Money spending in elections, but as treasurer of the corporate-funded Blue Dog PAC he has authorized $750,000 to a super PAC that is now running ads on his behalf.
By David Moore, Sludge
Facing a close Democratic primary contest, Rep. Kurt Schrader is out with a new campaign ad saying he opposes the Citizens United decision that allows corporations and other kinds of organizations to spend unlimited amounts of money on elections.
“The Supreme Court enabled billionaires and special interests to spend millions to stop legislation on everything from climate change to making them pay their fair share,” Schrader says in the ad. “That’s why I sponsored a constitutional amendment to repeal Citizens United and stop unlimited contributions to campaigns and curb the power of rich elites trying to buy our elections.”
Records from the FEC show, however, that Schrader has personally helped to fund the kind of Big Money groups that Citizens United spawned.
Schrader has been the treasurer of the Blue Dog PAC since 2016, and during that period the PAC has contributed $750,000 to Center Forward Committee, a super PAC that is now backing Schrader’s campaign. PAC treasurers are responsible for authorizing expenditures or appointing someone else to do so, according to FEC guidance. The Center Forward Committee has spent at least $385,000 on ads promoting Schrader so far this year.
Recent Posts
Israel Didn’t ‘Drag’ the U.S. Into War—American Hawks Have Wanted This for Decades
Take Action Now Blaming Israel alone for this catastrophe lets U.S. leaders off the hook for their actions.By Khury Petersen-Smith, Institute for…
The Supreme Court Looks Likely to Cave On Mail-in Ballots
Take Action Now The GOP shouldn’t win this case, but the fact that Trump has been throwing a tantrum about it for years means they likely will.By…
Democrats Might Save Mike Johnson’s Push to Give Trump Domestic Spying Power
Take Action Now They’re crossing party lines to renew Section 702 of FISA. Jamie Raskin asks, “What could go wrong with that?”By Matt Sledge, The…
Stop Escalating The War on Iran Now
Take Action Now Trump is threatening to attack Iranian power plants. The Iranian government is threatening to attack oil infrastructure in the gulf…