I have an exciting update regarding my lawsuit against the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) for intentionally and illegally concealing the source of more than $10 million in campaign contributions. Now known as the Consumer Brands Association, this trade organization consists of large corporations including PepsiCo, Inc, Nestle USA, Inc, and The Coca-Cola Company.
After recently beating them in court, we reached a resolution this week that requires GMA to pay the largest campaign finance penalty in U.S. history.
GMA must pay $9 million. $3 million will go to Northwest Harvest and Food Lifeline to address food insecurity in Washington, helping vulnerable families put food on the table.
In addition, GMA issued an apology to the voters of Washington state for violating our campaign finance laws.
GMA used millions of dollars in dark money to influence the vote on Initiative 522, a GMO labeling ballot initiative here in Washington. According to internal documents my team uncovered, GMA encouraged its members to donate to the “No on 522” campaign through the GMA to avoid public scrutiny and backlash. In one of their internal memos, they told members to contribute to GMA for “anonymity and [to] eliminate state filing requirements for contributing members.”
Please show your support for taking on dark money special interests by signing our petition today.
This outcome preserves our landmark victory at the State Supreme Court and sends a clear message to special interests thinking about trying to buy Washington elections with “dark money” — your penalty will be more than the “cost of doing business.”
Democracy is under attack on many fronts, both here in the U.S. and across the globe. Holding those who violate our election laws accountable is more important than ever.
Will you take a minute to add your name to our petition to show your support for protecting our elections from corrupt, dark money special interests?
Thanks,
Bob
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