Shadow group ads hit hard

WASHINGTON – This was supposed to be the first election that reined in the big political money used to underwrite past negative attacks. But outside groups have exploited the nation’s new campaign finance law to raise millions for hard-hitting commercials.

Tax-exempt groups have run ads questioning President Bush’s stewardship and putting Sen. John Kerry on the defensive about his medal-winning service in Vietnam. A new group surfaced Tuesday to take aim at vice presidential nominee John Edwards’ ties to trial lawyers.

From January 2003 through June, so-called 527 soft-money groups raised roughly $268 million and spent $291 million, according to figures compiled by the Political Money Line tracking service. Campaign watchdogs call many of these groups “shadow parties” because they conduct activities that the political parties used to finance using corporate and union donations, and unlimited contributions known as soft money.

Those running the outside advertising campaigns say Congress passed up the chance to outlaw their spending when it enacted the new campaign finance law in 2002, and they say political leaders now shouldn’t complain about the consequences.

“I guess I resent deeply the hypocrisy in all of this and people passing that law and now whining about the fact that both parties are trying to use that tool to defend their position,” said former GOP chairman William Brock, who helped create the group known as The November Fund.

Brock’s group, which is supported by the pro-business U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said Tuesday it plans to air ads within a month urging legal limits on lawsuit awards and criticizing trial lawyers, including Edwards.

While the 2002 law bans national party committees and presidential and congressional candidates from raising soft money, the Federal Election Commission has ruled that nonparty political groups registered under section 527 of the IRS tax code may do so. The six commissioners disagree about the extent to which soft-money organizations can be involved in presidential and congressional races.

Democrats, trying to counteract the GOP’s traditional multimillion-dollar fund-raising advantage, were the most aggressive early on in funding or setting up soft-money groups. They got a big lift from the likes of billionaire George Soros, who gave $12 million.

Such groups have spent millions of dollars keeping anti-Bush ads on television during periods when Kerry opted to stay off the air to save his limited campaign money.

The Bush campaign and the Republican National Committee initially pressed the FEC to ban such groups from spending in the presidential race. But when the commission declined in May to intervene, GOP activists joined the soft-money fray.

Bush this week called on soft-money groups in general to stay out of the presidential race. Kerry, meanwhile, accuses the Swift Boat Veterans, for Truth, a group airing ads against him, of lying about his Vietnam War record and has challenged Bush to ask that group to stop running ads.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Alina Langbehn, 6, center, and Vera A., 6, right, sit on a swing together at Drew Nielsen Neighborhood Park after school on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council votes to renovate Drew Nielsen Park

Construction on the $345,000 upgrade could start as early as this fall.

Northshore School District bus driver Stewart O’Leary pictured next to his buses shattered drivers side windshield on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Put me in, coach’: Bus driver back at work after struck by metal bar

Stewart O’Leary, a Northshore employee, has received national attention for his composure during a frightening bus trip.

Lynnwood councilor Joshua Binda speaks during a Lynnwood City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Does the Lynnwood Council VP live in Lynnwood? It’s hard to say.

Josh Binda’s residency has been called into question following an eviction and FEC filings listing an Everett address. He insists he lives in Lynnwood.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

An American Robin picks a berry from a holly tree on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Calling all birders for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count

The Audubon Society will hold its 28th annual Great Backyard… Continue reading

A view of one of the potential locations of the new Aquasox stadium on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The site sits between Hewitt Avenue, Broadway, Pacific Avenue and the railroad. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Initial prep work for AquaSox stadium to start, with $200k price tag

The temporary agreement allows some surveying and design work as the city negotiates contracts with designers and builders.

Aaron Kennedy / The Herald
The Joann Fabric and Crafts store at 7601 Evergreen Way, Everett, is one of three stores in Snohomish County that will close as part of the retailer’s larger plan to shutter more than half of its stores nationwide.
Joann store closure plan includes Everett, Arlington, Lynnwood locations

The retail giant filed a motion in court to close approximately 500 stores in the U.S.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.