Karl Rove-Backed Group Spends as Much as Political Parties

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The consensus myth is that, somehow, deep pockets are responsible for bad (or corrupt) politics. How is that, exactly, when deep pockets abound on both sides of the political aisle?
George Soros, Move-On, the DNC, the AFL-CIO, SEIU, NEA and countless other entities pour millions into supporting Democratic candidates for office (which in the case of the unions, includes portions of dues from members who themselves do not support Democratic candidates). The US Chamber, Karl Rove, Newt Gingrich, the RNC, and other organizations support Republican candidates for office. So where's the real problem with money being expended? In fact, it could be argued that the body politic, enamored with "American Idol" and "Desperate Housewives" would be even more ill-informed were it not for these huge expenditures that are required to cut through the general advertising clutter (the average person is subjected to over 5,000 advertising messages a day).
So we need to get beyond the mythical thinking that money is somehow bad for politics. It's an illogical, unsupportable argument.
If we want to improve politics--at least in terms of allowing the people to have more say in their government--than we should look at restricting Gerrymandering, the process both political parties use to artificially construct Congressional districts to ensure one-party rule v. geographically representative government.

SherlockHolmes of NH 10:52AM October 10, 2010

Not that the other side isn't guilty of the similar distortions and outright lies, but as a general rule, any position or candidate that is supported by American Crossroads GPS (Karl Rove and his band of billionaire bastards) or the US Chamber of Commerce is bad for the the average American and the country as a whole. This doesn't work 100% of the time, but it works often enough that, when in doubt, it's worth following. Of course, next week they'll be calling themselves "Americans for Apple Pie."

James of MO 6:00PM October 07, 2010

One can talk themselves blue at what's happening to the American political process. There is talk of an emerging third party that espouses centrist, moderate, independent principles. I'd like to be part of such a movement. Who is organizing it? The closest thing to such a movement right now is the Coffee Party, of which I'm a memberf.

Jack Golding of KS 3:25PM October 07, 2010

Until you get the corrupt influence of deep pocket special interests out of politics, you will continue to have corrupt politicans in BOTH parties who craft public policy to the benefit of their campaign contributors, not to the benefit of the public at large.

Edward of CA 3:07PM October 07, 2010

I won't call it the deadliest combination affecting America's future, but it's close. Ever since the Roberts Supreme Court equated money and free speech, corporate America has been loosed for action on a tilted playing field of their own design. No longer is one person, one vote of any consequence on that playing field. Pay to play has taken over, the voter just a necessary evil in a political process dominated by corporate money.
Notice what's happening to assure the voter's willing submission to the corporate dream for America--money funneled into front "organizations" whose sole real purpose is, through advertising disguised as public service announcements, fooling enough of the people enough of the time. All it takes is lots of money and enough voters fooled into voting the way corporate interests want them to vote and, voila, the corporate dream for America is realized, political shills at the ready, in office, and eager to carry out the will of those corporate interests.
Think not? Wait until you find out it's really in your best interest that you're paying for health care insurance at least twice what folks in other countries are paying. Wait until you find out that the United States spending more than the rest of the world comnbined on national "security" areas is necessary, unlike spending on Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and other "entitlements." Wait until you find out that tax cuts for the "rich" (above %250,000 per annum) are necessary for jobs creation when that top 10% of the population owns 90% of the personal wealth already. Wait until you find out free market solutions, not government solutions, are better for an America in which the labor force is being asked to take on more and more of the financial responsibility for their own health care and retirement, more and more pressure for greater productivity, and less and less REAL hourly reward--all while corporate profits and returns to shareholders increase. Wait until you find out that failure to adhere strictly to the U.S. Constitution is the real problem in America, not illegal immigration or guns rampant or a failed war on drugs or an IRS code sorely in need of revamping.
You say you've already found these out? Of course you have. Corporate interests have already been at work fooling enough of the people enough of the time through their ads and their political shills. Not only has money talked. You've listened.

Ron W. Smith of UT 2:45PM October 07, 2010

The more negative ads against a candidate, the more I figure they are scaring the corporate elite and their political cronies who are ruining this country.
So guess what? I am voting for the person who gets the most negative ads.

DD of MO 11:48AM October 07, 2010

Because even his own party admits no ordinary person would contribute or support him -- Hey, I've got an idea, let's see if we can buy him popularity.
Just why is that? Ever ask yourself? Just sayin'

John Bursch of CA 11:32AM October 07, 2010

What about the Foriegn Money the Chamber of Commerce is Spreading to Elect GOP candidates
Did you notice the Republicans voted to keep tax incentives for companies to keep outsourcing American industries and jobs.
We need real disclosure on campaign financing - to ferret the foreign corrupting influence. Foreign money in our elections is already outlawed. But without disclosure and transparency leaves the doors open to plenty of criminal foreign money in this upcoming election, particularly backing the Republicans.
We all know the Republicans are only loyal to the big money greasing their skids. There's no covering up the fact the GOP is working against the American people's interest because the GOP and the Chamber of Commerce are in the pocket of foreign companies.
ENOUGH with The Republican's Economic TREASON!
The GOP is working against this country best interests, if you could even claim they are working at all.
Have you wondered why Newt Gingrich wants the US taxes to match Communist China's level of taxation? Maybe we oughta pack that scumbag off to China so he can sell his crap to his comrades.

Eric of MO 6:49PM October 06, 2010

He needs money and media exposure to cross the finish line to beat Senator Milkuski and bring real leadership to the Maryland delegation with Dr Eric Wargotz Republican Senate Canidate.
Help so we can change the Senate to Republican

al Helfenbein of MD 6:17PM October 06, 2010