This Week at CMD

 

With Election Day less than two weeks away, CMD has been busy closely tracking the political spending of right-wing megadonors and groups seeking to influence the 2022 midterms.

Republican megadonor and ULINE CEO Richard Uihlein injected his Restoration PAC with another $7.1 million between July and September to help elect right-wing Republicans, bringing his total funding for the super PAC this cycle to $20.8 million, 97% of its total revenues.

Restoration PAC used those new funds to donate $6.5 million to anti-abortion groups and right-wing, state-based campaigns, and spent $300,000 to fight the U.S. Senate races of incumbent senators Mark Kelly (D-Ariz) and Catherine Cortez Masto (R-Nev.), along with candidate Mandela Barnes (D-Wisc.).

CMD also reported that Uihlein’s latest $1.7 million contribution to the No Better Friend PAC brings his investment in Johnson’s reelection to $5.8 million so far this cycle through multiple avenues, including four super PACs and direct contributions to Johnson’s campaign.

Uihlein was also listed as a host at a corn and brat roast fundraiser for Tim Michels, Republican candidate for Wisconsin governor in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, on October 5 organized by GOP megadonor Diane Hendricks, CMD exposed.

Plus here’s the latest on other recent CMD investigations you may have missed:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ULINE CEO Pours Another $7.1 Million Into His Restoration PAC to Boost Anti-Abortion and Right-Wing Candidates and Causes

Republican megadonor and ULINE CEO Richard Uihlein injected his Restoration PAC with another $7.1 million between July and September to help elect right-wing Republicans, bringing his total funding for the super PAC this cycle to $20.8 million, 97% of its total revenues.

 

Richard Uihlein Goes All-In For Johnson in Wisconsin Senate Race

GOP megadonor Richard Uihlein has pumped a previously unreported $1.7 million into a PAC supporting Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson’s reelection bid, according to the latest Federal Election Commission filings reviewed by the Center for Media and Democracy.

 
 

RAGA Discloses $3.7 Million in Third-Quarter Revenue with the General Election Just Weeks Away

The pay-to-play group Republican Attorneys General Association brought in $3.7 million in revenue between July and September, according to an Internal Revenue Service filing submitted this week.

 

ALEC Held Third Voter Suppression Summit with Dark Money Group This Summer

The American Legislative Exchange Council held its third known voter suppression summit for state lawmakers on July 25 and 26 preceding its annual meeting in Atlanta.

 

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GOP Megadonor Looks to Inject Late Cash Into Wisconsin Governor’s Race with Oct. 5 Fundraiser for Tim Michels

The GOP megadonor Diane Hendricks is hosting a fundraiser for Tim Michels, Republican candidate for Wisconsin governor in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, on October 5.

 
 

Koch’s Political Operation Bets Big On Direct Voter Contact in Wisconsin U.S. Senate Race

As outside groups spend millions of dollars on TV ads in the Wisconsin U.S. Senate race of incumbent Ron Johnson (R) against challenger Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes (D), a super PAC backed by Charles Koch and Koch Industries is relying instead on direct voter contact.

 
 
 

State Policy Network and Affiliates Raises $152 Million Annually to Push Right-Wing Policies

The $152 million represents a 27% increase over the $120 million CMD calculated the network brought in almost three years ago. 

 

CMD Around the Web

 
 
 
 

CMD's research was recently cited by the following publications:

  • Forbes: Checks & Imbalances
  • The Guardian: Inside Steve Bannon’s ‘disturbing’ quest to radically rewrite the US constitution
  • The American Prospect: The Conservative Astroturf Organization Rolling Back Child Labor Protections
  • Montana Free Press: Federal judge: Montana campaign rules apply to out-of-state super PAC
  • Detroit Free Press: Michigan’s Proposal 1 would change term limits, require financial disclosure for lawmakers
  • Arkansas Times: Voter suppression law to remain in effect this year in Arkansas
  • Alternet: Foot soldiers for Ron DeSantis: The right-wing money and influence behind Moms for Liberty
  • Source New Mexico: Experts alarmed by GOP secretary of state candidate’s conspiracy theorizing in NM
  • Montana Free Press: Super PAC faces new allegations in Montana Convention of States
 

Thank you for supporting the Center for Media and Democracy and following our investigations 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!

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