Deluge of campaign ads backed by ‘dark money’

Published 1:30 am Friday, November 4, 2022

Are you tired of campaign ads that you have seen more times than “M.A.S.H.” reruns? Does it seem like your TV is possessed? Are ads like ear worms you can’t get out of your head and you can recite the rest of the ad after three words, complete with all the distortions and lies. Have any of them changed your mind about anyone?

It is all because of mostly “dark money.” It used to be contributions were somewhat limited and donors had to be disclosed, but since the Citizens United v. FEC decision, undisclosed donors give unlimited amounts to super PACs (political action committees) who then fund all these annoying ads, in addition to the individual campaigns’ direct contributions. The Koch brothers, Republicans; and George Soros, Democrat, are the usual scapegoats blamed.

Do you long for the days when McCain-Feingold and previous campaign laws were in place?

Bill Severson

Stanwood