This Week at CMD

The big news this week is that the Maine Ethics Commission has voted to investigate the American Legislative Exchange Council's (ALEC) campaign software scheme based on a complaint filed by CMD in July.

CMD has filed an IRS complaint and 11 state complaints so far alleging that ALEC, a corporate, pay-to-play bill-writing network, is engaged in illegal electioneering by donating valuable voter management software to its legislative members.

CMD Executive Director Arn Pearson testified yesterday during the commission's hearing. While ALEC's lawyer claimed the group's legislative members only used the software for constituent services—even though it is exactly the same as a partisan campaign package that uses the tag line, "We Turn Data Into Votes"—the commission opted to investigate what the software actually does in order to determine whether ALEC broke campaign finance laws.

Prior to Maine, Connecticut launched an investigation into ALEC's practices. Next week, three more preliminary hearings on CMD's complaints against ALEC will take place in Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

This week we also have stories for you about ALEC's funders, GOP megadonor Art Pope's role in helping Republicans rig future elections, and Pfizer's donations to extremist anti-vax politicians.

Here's the latest!

The Latest From CMD

Maine Ethics Commission Will Investigate ALEC Campaign Software Scheme

The Maine Ethics Commission voted to authorize an investigation into whether the ALEC violated state campaign finance laws by providing valuable voter management software to its legislative members for free as a “membership benefit.”

Here’s Who Funds the Right-Wing American Legislative Exchange Council

A CMD investigation reveals the identities of the donors behind a large portion of ALEC’s revenue as the group continues its attempts to hide its backers and its agenda from the public.

Donate now and help CMD keep the heat on ALEC.

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Madison, WI 53725-9010

GOP Megadonor Art Pope Plays Leading Role in GOP Gerrymandering Operation

GOP megadonor and power broker Art Pope has gone all-in to help Republicans rig elections in their favor for the next decade.

Pfizer Gave Money to Arizona Legislators Speaking at Anti-Vaxxer QAnon Conference

Pfizer likely may not have its executives at the QAnon conference in Las Vegas on Oct. 22-25, but three Arizona legislators it gave money to will be there as “special guests” and speakers.

Reverend Doctor William Barber, co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, cited our recent story about a new MAGA voter suppression center.

Time: Democrats Must Pass Voting Rights Protections, But They Can't Codify a Lie.

U.S. senators cited our work in their new publication

Senate Democrats: “Captured Courts: The Republican Judicial Assault on Reproductive Rights

The Bangor Daily News covered the Maine Ethics Commission’s decision to launch an investigation.

Bangor Daily News: Jared Golden wants Democrats to go it alone to raise the debt ceiling

More national, state, and local publications referenced our reporting:

The Guardian: Top Republicans rub shoulders with extremists in secretive rightwing group, leak reveals
The Guardian: Joe Manchin, America’s climate decider-in-chief, is a coal baron
The Nation: Joe Manchin, America’s climate decider-in-chief, is a coal baron
Business Insider: One of the most secretive and powerful groups in GOP politics just had its cellphone numbers leaked. Here's what its members said about Trump 2024 when we started calling.
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County GOP must reject militias, QAnon, Proud Boys, and other extremism
Casper Star-Tribune: ALEC still in action
Truth or Fiction: How to Fight Disinformation — Part III: Distraction

Thank you for supporting the Center for Media and Democracy and reading our work at Exposed by CMD! Have a great week.

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!