Podcast episodes
Swamp Stories Episode 25: The Funnel
In the last episode of Swamp Stories, we explored the influence of “dark money” — particularly on the 2020 election. In our latest episode, we’re taking a deeper dive into…
Money in Politics
Dark Money & Super PACs
Since the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision opened the floodgates to unlimited election spending, big-money groups like super PACs and dark money organizations have had an alarming and growing influence. These groups routinely flout anti-corruption laws designed to prevent them from coordinating with candidates. All the while, secretive dark money groups — and even some super PACs — keep their donors hidden.
Featured Press
The Detroit News: Michigan Senate leader’s nonprofit got nearly $1 million from secret donors
ABC News: 34N22? NNH? Super PACs with cryptic names raise transparency concerns
Fox Business: Democrats’ HR4 voting rights bill boosted by liberal dark money group financed by foreign national
Upstream Downstream: Michael Beckel discusses Issue One’s Coordination Watch project
The Latest on Dark Money & Super PACs
In the media
Reuters: Pro-Trump group powers surge in early US super PAC spending
Issue One Research Director Michael Beckel quoted...
Press releases
Conviction of rapper Pras Michel for violating campaign finance laws and failing to register as a foreign agent should be a warning
In the wake of a federal jury convicting rapper Pras Michel on charges related to failing to register as an agent of China and violating campaign finance laws, Issue One…
Press releases
“It’s time to end secret spending in elections,” Issue One CEO Nick Penniman says on Citizens United anniversary
Ahead of tomorrow’s 13th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, Issue One released the following statement from Founder and CEO Nick Penniman: “The naivety of the justices in…
Press releases
Issue One Offers Tips for Following Dark Money and Spending by Super PACs in Elections
Looking for tips to follow the money in elections from super PACs and dark money groups? In a new hour-long webinar, Issue One Research Director Michael Beckel shares resources for…
Press releases
Issue One responds to DOJ charges in case involving mysterious shell company donor
“No one should be able to hide their political giving by using a shell company,” said Issue One CEO Nick Penniman...
Issue One released the following statement in the wake of the Department of Justice charging three executives of a government contractor who allegedly funneled money to a super PAC through…
In the media
Issue One in the news: December 2021 media mentions recap
Among our most notable press mentions in December, two members of the National Council on Election Integrity — former Rep. Zach Wamp (R-TN), a co-chair of the ReFormers Caucus, and former Secretary…
In the media
The Detroit News: Michigan Senate leader’s nonprofit got nearly $1 million from secret donors
Research Director Michael Beckel quoted about dark money in Michigan
In the media
ABC News: 34N22? NNH? Super PACs with cryptic names raise transparency concerns
Quotes Research Director Michael Beckel
In the media
Upstream Downstream: Michael Beckel discusses Issue One’s Coordination Watch project
In the media
Washington Post: Pharmaceutical industry likely to shatter its lobbying record as it works to shape Democrats’ spending bill
Quotes Issue One Founder and CEO Nick Penniman on lobbying and dark money