Under federal law, independent political groups — known as 527s — are supposed to be just that: No coordinating with a candidate, no matter how much the love.
But does a 527 with the pretzel-like name “Americans for a Better America” pass the test?
Some Missouri Republicans say no — pointing out Wednesday Americans for a Better America shares its media buyer with Rep. Kenny Hulshof’s campaign for governor.And Americans for a Better America is — you guessed it — running an ad that criticizes Hulshof’s Republican opponent, state treasurer Sarah Steelman.
Improper coordination?
“No. None,” said Kansas City attorney Art Fillmore, the 527’s agent.
Hulshof aide Scott Baker: “I don’t know who they are. I found out about the ad when someone from Springfield called this morning.”
The ad produced and aired by Americans for a Better America says Steelman is in “full attack and mislead mode.”
The ad’s narrator: “Hulshof for lower taxes. Hulshof for family values.”
The commercial has aired in southeast Missouri, and on the Internet.
Fillmore said a company called Patrick Media bought the time for the ad. Patrick Media is owned by Thompson Communications of Marshfield, Mo.
Thompson Communications, in turn, has purchased ad time for the Hulshof campaign.
Owner John P. Thompson said the two buys are separate.
“I’m confident we did everything we’re supposed to do to make sure this is a regular and routine placement that meets all the requirements as we know them,” he said.
But a spokesman for the Steelman campaign, Spence Jackson, criticized Hulshof and the commercial, suggesting in a statement there was an improper link between the two.
“His name and his credibility took a big hit today as a result of his involvement in this unethical attack,” Jackson said.
As of Wednesday, the Missouri Ethics Commission’s website did not show any campaign finance disclosures for Americans for a Better America. Fillmore said a disclosure had been filed, but said it would be re-filed this week.
He would not say who has donated to Americans for a Better America. He said the 527 might become involved in other political campaigns.
Just a question
This is strictly a question and not a comment. I'm hoping that someone will remember this situation and clarify it:
If I recall, one concern involved in opposition to the KCMO transit tax renewal was from Marshfield, Missouri. If I recall correctly, there were concerns about whether filings had taken place with the Missouri Ethics Commission.
Let me underscore one critical point:
My memory could be in error so I want to avoid implying any accusations. I'm just asking a question in hopes that someone can confirm that all/some/none of my memory is correct.
Again, this is not an accusation; just a question. Can anyone clarify this?????
David R. Peironnet