This Week at CMD

The Maine Ethics Commission recently subpoenaed the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) in response to a campaign finance complaint filed by the Center for Media and Democracy (CMD).

CMD filed the complaint last July alleging that the right-wing corporate lobbying group's gift of valuable voter management software, developed by Republican operatives and linked to the Republican National Committee’s voter database, constituted an illegal and unreported in-kind campaign contribution. ALEC is a nonprofit charity, and the alleged activity would violate its tax status.

For the first time, the public may get to peek inside the ALEC CARE software, which ALEC makes available to its legislative members. ALEC has so far not cooperated with state investigations and claims that the software is merely a “constituent communications" tool.

In other news, CMD reported on the dark money origins of the school masking debate, ALEC's cozy relationship with a prominent anti-LGBTQ hate group, and the Georgia secretary of state race, which, in the Big Lie era, is attracting an unusual amount of money and national attention.

Here's the latest!

The Latest From CMD

Maine Ethics Commission Votes to Subpoena ALEC Over Its Campaign Software Scheme

The Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices voted 3-2 today to subpoena the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) for information about its provision of sophisticated campaign software to its legislative members.

How Dark Money Shaped the School Safety Debate

To get America back to work and boost profits, the Koch network and other right-wing money groups have long pushed to return to pre-pandemic schooling. This article was published in partnership with The Daily Poster.

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ALEC Cozies Up with Designated Hate Group Promoting Anti-Abortion Policies

The American Legislative Exchange Council provided the Christian Right Family Research Council access to its legislative members for a “Pro-Life Legislative Summit” immediately following its December policy conference in San Diego.

Out-of-State Money Floods Secretary of State Race in Georgia

Former president Trump’s endorsement of insurrectionist Rep. Jody Hice’s campaign to oust Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has opened the floodgates to donations from out-of-state and right-wing megadonors.

CMD's work was recently picked up by:

Bangor Daily News: Subpoenas will ramp up Maine investigation into national conservative group
Diane Ravitch: Dark Money Funded the Campaign Against School Closures and Masking
The BMJ: Florida surgeon general says state will be first not to recommend vaccination for children

Thank you for supporting the Center for Media and Democracy and reading our work at Exposed by CMD.

Arn H. Pearson

Executive Director

CMD is a 501(c)(3) national watchdog and media group that conducts in-depth investigations into corruption and the undue influence of corporations on media and democracy. Our work is regularly cited by news outlets, policymakers, and grassroots activists working to build a more sustainable future and just society. CMD is reader-supported. Please make your tax-deductible donation today. Thank you!