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Nicholas Kamm / AFP - Getty Images
Casino magnate Sheldon Adelson continued to pour money into the 2012 campaign right up until the last minute, new campaign records show.
Billionaire casino owner Sheldon Adelson gave $1 million to a super PAC active in Michigan’s U.S. Senate race during the campaign’s final days, a fact unknown to voters until long after polls closed.
Adelson supplied the bulk of funding 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, last-minute attempt to boost former Republican Rep. Pete Hoekstra in his bid to oust incumbent Sen. Debbie Stabenow, a Democrat.
Liberal super PACs spent little – just $1,700 -- attacking Hoekstra, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
The deadline for reporting donations made since Oct. 17 was Thursday.
Last-minute contributions are not unusual in politics, but thanks to the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision and a lower court ruling, the amount a donor can give to outside groups’ electoral efforts is unlimited. Furthermore, donations to political action committees during the final three weeks of the election need not be reported until December.
The reporting gap should be closed, say watchdogs.
“Congress should amend our disclosure laws to give voters the information they need to make informed decisions on Election Day,” said Paul S. Ryan, an attorney at the Campaign Legal Center. “With current technology, disclosure is easier than ever for super PACs and other political players.”
Adelson, the top donor to super PACs in the 2012 election by a large margin, along with wife Miriam, also provided all $2 million of Republican Jewish Coalition Victory Fund’s war chest. The super PAC, which did not report any receipts before Election Day, pumped more than $1.7 million into advertising opposing President Barack Obama.
The Republican Jewish Coalition is a lobbying organization that seeks to “foster and enhance ties between the American Jewish community and Republican decision makers,” according to its website. It was started in 1985 and Adelson serves on the group’s board of directors
Similarly, “Freedom Fund North America,” a GOP-aligned super PAC established on Oct. 15, spent $990,000 in the final weeks of the 2012 race, mostly attacking incumbent Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., and former North Dakota Attorney General Heidi Heitkamp.
Both Democrats prevailed in their hotly contested races.
Adelson did not return a call seeking comment.
The entirety of Freedom Fund's $1 million budget came from Texas businessman and Republican mega-donor Bob Perry, according to FEC reports.
New records further show that billionaire New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg provided nearly $10 million to the “Independence USA PAC,” whose priorities include gun control, marriage equality for same-sex couples and education issues. It was launched on Oct. 18 and reported spending $8.2 million on five House races.
Two of its favored candidates — Democrat Gloria McLeod of California and Democrat Dan Maffei of California — won.
Super PACs can accept donations of unlimited amounts from corporations, unions and individuals.
FEC Vice Chairwoman Ellen Weintraub, a Democrat, stressed the importance of people having such information before they cast their votes.
“I always think the public benefits from and is entitled to transparency about the sources of political funds,” she said. “As the Supreme Court said in Citizens United, ‘The public has an interest in knowing who is speaking about a candidate shortly before an election.’”
Republican attorney Brad Smith, a former FEC chairman who founded the Center for Competitive Politics, however, argues that the lack of disclosure of last-minute super PAC donations is not a "real catastrophe or something that is harmful to the election process."
The government's interest in “preventing corruption or its appearance” is served just as well "if information is released afterward," he said.
The only other large contributions that went to the anti-Stabenow super PAC came from Amway President Doug DeVos and Michael Jandernoa, former president and CEO of pharmaceutical company Perrigo, who each donated $100,000 to the group in October.
Ads from the super PAC accused her of dodging taxes on her “ritzy Washington, D.C., home,” voting for tax increases and “failing Michigan for years.”
Despite the spending, Stabenow easily captured nearly 60 percent of the vote. Yet the last-minute deluge earned ire from her campaign.
“The fact that secret money can be dumped into races like this, with no one knowing where the money came from until a month after the election, is awful for our democracy,” said Stabenow spokesman Cullen Schwarz.
Hoekstra did not return a call seeking comment about the super PAC spending on his behalf.
The Center for Public integrity is a non-profit, independent investigative news outlet. To read more of its stories go to publicintegrity.org.
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They (Adelson etc.) would rather waste their money on a losing cause - the bottonless hole (mitt) - than pay their fair share of taxes and invest for a better America.
P.S. so their contempt for the 47% is shared by Mitt
When are we going to open our eyes and be angry? The Supreme Court was WRONG! They basically gave global corporations the O.K. to run the United States of America. Why aren't more people pissed off about this?
Gee, I've got an idea...
Why don't those who are funding super PACS send their money to FEMA or directly to those hurt by hurricane Sandy instead? I think their money would be better spent.
The American People won this election.
Wow!
I my self am proud of Americans. The majority didn't let the money change there minds one little bit. I have high hopes that this sets the trend for the ever more. I mean for all the money spent to defeat the President and other Dem's. They lost all but 2 racing. Less see $2 billion and they won 2 senate sets. Lost 8 and lost the Presidency. I don't know how many house sets they lost also. And Romney kept saying they were going to win right up to when he lost. And those dumb asses kept giving money right up the end. What a screw job the Rep's pulled on there big money people, and it was good enough for them. I have hopes that Congress will set new rules over riding the Courts and stop the money that has taken our Representative government away from us. We need to stand up to the Supreme Court on this. It is still WE THE PEOPLE. We do have the final say in this.
are you including the Unions money giving also??
@joe-2849984
Is unions make up of one person who is suppose to be really rich and at top of 1%?
Last I checked, unions made up of workers, lots of them working and chipping in. Did any individual in union donate millions? I don't think so and you have zero case in this.
clearly this piece is to further pour on the defamation of the Republicans. At some point its just trash talk. I get there is an issue, but that was just the gateway used for this piece.
cuong, unions gave over 400 million to the King Obama campaign. Try doing your home work.
I really have to laugh at NBC...old news...move on.
How about NBC writting about how Zimmerman is about to sue the hell out of them, anyone of you NBC fans know about that one. Can't ever believe anything I read on the bias site, other than for entertainment.
Pigotry,do you need money?Sure sounds like you need money since you are so interested in what others do with theirs.I could recomment several good banks or credit unions.i make a little over 6 digits a year and you should see how much they take out of me just for being single with no deductions other than myself.I usually pay into the IRS every year while you probably get an unearned credit income.
GOP - Too much money, on too wrong a track
I know that you are a die hard democrat, I wish you would listen to your conscience more than you listen to your party leaders. I will agree with you that the current Republican party has nothing to offer for the middle and working class, But choosing a "party" and accepting it, flaws and all is not the right answer. There are plenty of us out there that do not put all of our eggs in one basket. those are the people I would love to hear from.
You just described the democratic party guy.....Republicans sold out to the rich and all they want from the middle class they hate is your vote every two years.....Fillerbuster everything the President offers then blame him for things going wrong...Do they think we are stupid....The two nut cases and their rape thoughts are where that party is they are not unique...when they decide to offer something for all Americans and get rid of the racists and nut cases then we have something...
pigotry, you are just that, a pig
And your point is?........................................... Really, why did you feel the need to comment?
Please
And thank you, now answer my question, if you please. Seriously. Do you know how to be serious. joe?
I don't waste my time anymore trying to be serious with liberals. It's a lost cause , they will never see anyone Else's point of view. Does that answer your question now??
breadex: seems no matter what failures your anointed one has, you and he will blame others. you probably blame others for your failures too. you liberals are so full of @!$%# it spews from every orifice.
Well, now... Joe! I am not a "liberal" DEAL with me..... I don't buy your crap, either.
pj, read my post # 5.4 first. Then if you are not a liberal, then you are simply a moron.
yep. Joey, it is solid now. Freakin fool! Really?
@joe you have to feel sorry for Pigotry,she has nothing better to do that spout out useless politics to people every day.On the bright side Joe,you will never see Pigotry in the news papers or rubbing elbows with the high political society.I doubt Obama even knows who she is.And i hope he does'nt know who i am..not much money left to take.
Well, I give them that, they BELIEVE in their cause. Good thing is, they got less in the chest for 2012.
As it stands we cannot stop the Super PACs from spending unlimited money on political campaigns, but at the state level we can pass propositions which instill rules on political advertisements. We can enact laws which forbid advertisements from using the images, names, statements or statement excerpts of any individual or group without express written consent of the the individuals featured or quoted in a political advertisement.
Negative political ads have run their course and must be discouraged. A political advertisement on behalf of a candidate or party should emphasize the qualities and experience of the candidate or party, not the perceived short comings of the opponent of opposing party....
Let us flush the bullsh!t and childish name calling down the toilet and run respectful adult campaigns........It is up to the voters of each state to make it happen.
Ellis, how would the Dems ever win if you banned negative ads??
@joe-2849984
Last I checked, Bush's campaign start all the negative ads and Wisconsin's recall would tell you that GOP outspent Dems 10 to 1 and most of that money came from outside help.
Why are you talking about Bush? He didnt run for president. Unions give millions to the democratic party and they give their workers flyers literally telling them, not suggesting, who to vote for. I have a friend who got one from his union. And talk about negative, Obama had tv ads calling Romney a tax cheat and felon. Did Romney do anything illegally? If he did, he'd be in jail with Madoff. People may not agree with Romneys policies but he is a good person, husband, and father. He also didnt take a salary when he was the governor and gives 30% of his income to charity. How come he didnt call Obamas mouthpiece Tim Geithner a tax cheat? He is a tax cheat. I didnt see any Romney ads attacking Obama personally, just his policies. Some politicians will do absolutely anything to win, even lie and try to attack a good persons reputation. And I'm not going to say it's onesided. Both sides are guilty.
A couple of things ... the amount of money spent is disgusting ... if effect someone is attempting to buy an office whether President or Representative or whatever ..... super Pacs are not a person ... nor are corporations .... why should a corporation or some fat cat have more of a voice than I do ... eliminate any contribution not from a person ... very simple ... I give $2000 as can anyone else out there ... and whatever to other offices ... with a strict limit ... and take those with paid for influence off the chart ...
Right now the Republican party is in the hands of (wait for it) a stinking lobbyist who has all of their elected washington people by the short hairs and has them under a constant threat that if they do not tow the line they will take that corporate money and run them out of office. Thats not democracy. They set a new fillerbuster record in this term and now they are so stupid they are fillerbusting their own proposals! Talk about stupid!
If you won't say the name, I will. Grover Norquist was not elected by anyone, yet this little man is impeding the progress of the United States. Those that signed his "pledge" should be arrested for treason against the United States.
neal, then unions are not people either also, correct??
pj, the same could be said about anyone who voted for Obama "should be arrested for treason" but luckily this is a free country. Doesn't sound like you would want to keep it that way. Typical hypocrite!
breadex: you ever supervise union workers? talk about greed and laziness. These worthless union thugs, illegal amnesty, academically brain-washed youth, liberal media bias, and racism reelected this
president. You can’t possibly think this country’s future is promising under obama and his cronies. No wait, you are too mentally handicapped to see the obvious.
Tap, how true that is.
Joe, so sorry to call it as I see it, but you are an idiot. Really!?, when did I mention Obama or even state my political views? You make an ass of yourself by assuming.
@TAP-563740
You ever supervise the top executives, these people are greedy, lazy and would do anything to make more profits. Their latest work is collectively destroying middle class and America at every levels.
You talk about unions, tell me which one? We can list and compared between unions and top CEOs and big banks. Then we can finally figure out who did more damage and who is more lazy and done more harm to the US.
pj, "Those that signed his "pledge" should be arrested for treason against the United States." Sorry to call it as I see it. You make an ass of yourself every time you open your mouth.
Oh, Joey, I would love to say that you are cute, but you are too stupid to be cute! BUT.you are fun!
And I didn't even open my mouth.... jerk I am thinking that maybe you need to shut yours..
These dirtbags were do disconnected with what was going on that they had no clue what was really going on.
Sad little rich kids with ZERO understanding of the world.
BTW Seldon, will you now go into hiding as you didn't buy your way out out your Federal issue with what a scumbag you've been with your properties in China?
It is their money, they can spend it however they want. If addelson (used to gamblers) wants to gamble on a possible looser it is his money. He is finding out he couldn't buy the election.
When are Americans going to open their eyes and realize the rich and elite are the real enemies of the people. They have bought and payed for your government period, including all parties. Until people realize this nothing will change. These corporate welfare moochers and mongrels must go if this nation is to survive for the people, of the people, and by the people. Realize whom your real enemy is. Wake Up.
But the GOP says that theses folks are the 'job creators'.
spot, are you really that ignorant?? Your welfare check would come to an end if there were no rich.
First off Joe Ass Hole I don't get welfare. Second look in the mirror you ignorant buffoon. Third Kiss My Ass. What's the matter Joe can't you survive without the rich. Whine on little boy, and lay down before your mama smacks your ass. LMAO
down Spot, oh you sound so tough, I thought you libs were tolerant and had compassion. Never saw a poor person offer someone a job.
Is that all you know Joe. Lay down little boy, go back to mamma for your allowance. LMAO
while Soot goes to obama for his allowance.
Joe is nothing more than a low-info troll... ignore him, better yet block him and he will rant and spew his venom and ignorance to no one. Same applies to Tap... they have nothing of value to offer anyone here, other than to jerk each other off
Adelson, a dual citizenship holding Israeli-American who makes his living on the virtually tax-free vice of Chinese gambling is a perfect representative of the GOP. He also controls much of the Likud, a party that also deserves him.
And that's why @$$wipe obozo took money from superpacs as well. Check out the recent news on his inauguration donors.. SUPERPACS...and you demoslugs want transparency NOW?
How about the healthcare bill transparency? How about fast and furious transparency? How about transparency regarding Benghazi?
FEC Vice Chairwoman Ellen Weintraub, a Democrat, stressed the importance of people having such information before they cast their votes.
“I always think the public benefits from and is entitled to transparency about the sources of political funds,” she said. “
And obozo said his will be the most transparent administration..what a crock of shi* coming from a lying, worthless bag os shi*.
Thanks slide, now we can rest assured that you truly are a leader of whitetrash.
That was money well-spent..........tee, hee, hee
When are Americans going to open their eyes and realize the rich and elite are the real enemies of the people. They have bought and payed for your government period, including all parties. Until people realize this nothing will change. These corporate welfare moochers and mongrels must go if this nation is to survive for the people, of the people, and by the people. Realize whom your real enemy is. Wake Up.
another repeat Spot, drive your message home!!
Hey Joe you don't like it, tough @!$%# laddie. Now go back to asking mamma for your allowance. LMAO
Spot, are you angry?? Not even your fellow Libs are listening to your idiotic rants.
No Joe, I am not angry, I just can't stand whiners like you little man. Get of the Budweiser, I know it is a weekend, but gees.
Spot, on a serious note, you must realize that there are always going to be "rich" people, poor people and the middle class?? Say you just won the $580M lotto, you going to hate yourself too?
Wrong Joe. End of Story.
When are Americans going to open their eyes and realize the rich and elite are the real enemies of the people. They have bought and payed for your government period, including all parties. Until people realize this nothing will change. These corporate welfare moochers and mongrels must go if this nation is to survive for the people, of the people, and by the people. Realize whom your real enemy is. Wake Up.
Spot, so socialism is the way to go, huh?
dumbass. without wealth to redistribute, you socialist idiots can't get your foodstamps.
Hey Tap, look in the mirror little boy, see the dumbass. LMAO.
Now, we can send them their tax bill with another 4% tacked onto it...
Personally, I'd round it off to an even 40%, just for easier math.
And they LOST! WA! WA! WA! Here in Thailand where I live as an expat as far away from Republica insanity, we have a saying! "Tam di, dai di, tam chua, dai chua!
Do good or bad and you will be rewarded accordingly!"
Why is it that so many of the mega-rich are ugly, old fat, white men? Holistic health!
James R.M. from the land of 'me so horny'. do good and prostitute your sister? what do you gotta do in thailand to Tam di, dai di, tam chua, dai chua? there you turn into an old yellow-tooth sleepy-eyed freak who looks 90 years old at 35. punk ass racist.
2010 U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision < a terrible decision
See even people living in Thailand, know the elite and rich are out for themselves. Tax em and let them whine, whine, whine, they are not out to help the people anyways.
Spot, try some new meds bro.
When are Americans going to open their eyes and realize the rich and elite are the real enemies of the people. They have bought and payed for your government period, including all parties. Until people realize this nothing will change. These corporate welfare moochers and mongrels must go if this nation is to survive for the people, of the people, and by the people. Realize whom your real enemy is. Wake Up.
well here in a few more months the government is'nt going to get another dime from me so i am not worried.
We know who the "Puppeteers" are.
Just think how many jobs in the media the two billion created.
I did enjoy the Debbie Spend it Now ad...
So, what I think is so hilariously ironic about this article is that Sheldon Adelson, a casino mogul, blows boo coo bucks trying to buy an election and he lost it all! Just like the many, many gamblers at his casinos lose their money everyday, yes? Kind if poetic justice, don't ya think?
Sounds like Joe, spot and Tap need to wed each other and put away their key boards
Hey Jack is that all you can type. Did you go to one of those Jim Jones churches to learn. As far as Joe and Tap go I don't want anything to do with the whiners period, get it boy. LMAO
When are Americans going to open their eyes and realize the rich and elite are the real enemies of the people. They have bought and payed for your government period, including all parties. Until people realize this nothing will change. These corporate welfare moochers and mongrels must go if this nation is to survive for the people, of the people, and by the people. Realize whom your real enemy is. Wake Up.
just keep repeating yourself and hopefully the little voices in your head will go away.
Welcome Charlie Crist! I always considered you a reasonable and forthright person. After more than 40 years of being a registered Independent wherein I always voted for whom I considered to be the best candidate (both Republicans and Democrats), the sham Rick Scott/Republicans created to suppress the vote pushed me into joining the Democrats. Voted straight ticked this time; other times would have considered Republicans. Rick Scott has established a commission (I kid you not) to get to the bottom of what caused the voting problems in Florida this election. He only has to look in the mirror with that vapid, know-nothing stare of his, to find the answer. Whatever Charlie decides, I'll back him. At least he never tried to suppress the vote, --just the opposite. He extended voting hours so that no one was turned away. Scott's and the Republicans' actions were shameful.