And 2010's Biggest Winner Is…

[BrklynLiberal]

http://motherjones.com/politics/2010/11/2010-midterms-campaign-finance-secret-spending

Dark money, shadowy groups, and secret millionaires.

— By David Corn

One result of the 2010 campaign is clear before any ballots are counted: Democracy is in danger.

That sounds hyperbolic. But whatever remains of the quaint notion—call it a myth—that in a democracy citizens are more or less equal is in the process of being shredded, due to the rise this year of super PACs and secretive political nonprofits. Thanks to the Supreme Court's notorious Citizens United decision and other rulings, a small number of well-heeled individuals (or corporations or unions) can now amass a tremendous amount of political influence by throwing an unlimited amount of money into efforts to elect their preferred candidates. And certain political nonprofits, such as Crossroads GPS—the outfit set up this year by GOP strategists Karl Rove and Ed Gillespie (which with an affiliated group is spending about $50 million)—can pour tens of millions of dollars into the elections without revealing the source of their campaign cash.

The secret and unlimited flow of dollars into congressional campaigns this year is largely unprecedented—at least since campaign finance reform was implemented following Watergate in the 1970s. Almost half a trillion dollars have been spent so far by outside groups—with about one-quarter of that coming from dark-money groups that don't disclose donors. And it's not just a Republican phenomenon. Unions and Democratic-leaning advocacy outfits are playing the game. Still, the advantage goes to the GOP. Of the outside groups not connected to either political party, those supporting Republicans and opposing Democrats have so far spent $119.2 million, and those supporting Democrats and opposing Republicans have dumped $73.8 million into races. This split is dramatic, but there's another factor to consider: Much of the pro-Democratic money comes from large membership groups (including the SEIU and the National Education Association), yet much of the pro-Republican money originates from a small number of millionaires (or billionaires). Consequently, fat cats have gained even more disproportionate influence.

The White House has complained about the rise of super PACs and the spread of secret money, though it miscalculated by focusing on the possible flow of foreign money into these endeavors—blasting the Chamber of Commerce's pro-Republican efforts—when the issue is the overall boost in special interest money. And here's the kicker: The 2010 campaign is merely a warmup for 2012 and campaigns after that.

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[Blue Owl]

1. Also a victory for Supreme Court corruption

We the people were not the winners in this election.

[The Backlash Cometh]

2. Blame the Senate Democrats who voted for those liars.

Roberts and the other guy should never have passed through.

[glinda]

3. All the systems are now in place for complete permanent rule once they

get rid of Obama through all the investigations.
Failure of the Dems to correct the course and reign in crooks has helped allow this to happen. Crooks rule now.

[BrklynLiberal]

6. And they are in control of the re-districting that will be taking place.

Tom DeLay/Texas on a national scale...and that will certainly set them up for a VERY long term dominance.

I have never been so very fearful for this country..and for my children, and their children. Even Bush's re-selection ..while it was the low point US's political history, did not scare me as much as this election result does.

[thereismore]

7. True, but Senate and Presidential elections are not affected by that, so there's that. nt

[BrklynLiberal]

11. Their having total control of the House for the foreseeable future is pretty scary.

If it were not an important position to have, they would not be working so hard to make sure they have it.

[thereismore]

13. Demographics are changing. Gerrymandering isn't what it used to be. I have hope

that this won't be clear cut.

[Lasher]

4. The US has slipped to a historic low in the global corruption index on account of this.

This, and all the financial scandals brought about by the lack of oversight that Republicans promote.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4588773

People in other countries know we are being overrun by fascism, even though half of Americans don't.

[and-justice-for-all]

5. bought and sold to the highest bidder..

the American people have been sold out all thanks to the wonderful supreme court ruling.

[TexasObserver]

8. Because the Supreme Court is controlled by GOP hacks.

[flamingdem]

9. This is Dem problem numero uno nt

[w8liftinglady]

10. and if any of you are brave enough...research the hell out of this...report it

it's the only way to make America aware.

[lpbk2713]

12. Dress rehearsal.

You are correct. Their best effort is yet to come.

[BrklynLiberal]

17. I agree. This was all a game to see just how far they can actually go in 2012, and beyond

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=9452062&mesg_id=9452253

[felix_numinous]

14. How can the citizenry go up against endless international cash?

We need some ideas, and serious brainstorming.

[donheld]

15. Can we stop calling them the Tea Party and call them the Koch Party?

[the redcoat]

16. This is a calling. We're all going to have to GOTV starting next year

No confrontations, no trickery. Door to door handing out FACTS with SOURCES and hypocritical quotes by the Tea Party exposing corporate grassroots funding and broken promises they made in 2010 they were never able to carry out because no one ever thought to stop and say "How are we going to do this"