Local Dark Money - Flipbook - Page 13
Mr. Robinson ran unopposed, and filled the
District 4 School Board seat.
In the years since I began paying close
attention to local politics, the impact of political
committees on local races has exploded. The
2010 Citizens United Supreme Court ruling
bestowed corporations with the same status as
individuals when it comes to political
donations. Political committees have no limit
on contributions.
The influence of PACs and corporate dollars on
elections is clearly recognized in state and
national races. The impact of these dollars on
local races is less widely recognized. Lushly
funded local candidates have campaign coers
of $50,000 or more, thanks to special interest
donors. Add the help of political committees,
and special interest candidates easily wage six
figure campaigns. Stung voters’ mailboxes
with campaign mailers from various political
committees is a common tactic that creates
