by Gary D. Bass, OMB Watch
Published on ombwatch.org
December 6, 2007
In an editorial on Dec. 4, The Washington Post concluded "the growing involvement of nonprofits in electoral politics … is a troubling and dangerous development." The next day, the Post ran a front page headline: "Nonprofits Become a Force in Primaries." Like the editorial, the article describes the work of Common Sense Issues, Inc., a 501(c)(4) organization that is operating "Trust Huckabee," but also describes the partisan activities of other 501(c)(4) groups. Reading the article and editorial, it is clear that the Post is concerned that nonprofits are becoming back door conduits for exceeding campaign contribution limits and, as they do so, mask who is bankrolling the activities. The Post also suggests that some groups, like Common Sense Issues, might be gaming the system by structuring their activities to minimally meet the requirements, but not the spirit, of the law.

The secrecy of the government's counterterrorism efforts is impeding the progress of bringing suspected terrorists to trial. In reports from The New York Times and The Washington Post, secret government programs and secret court procedures have slowed cases involving suspected and convicted terrorists.

A bill that would create a commission and research center on "violent radicalization" and "extremist belief systems" that can lead to homegrown terrorism has been quietly making its way through Congress, passing the House on Oct. 23. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other groups are raising concerns that its vague definitions, broad mandate and minimal oversight could lead to ethnic profiling and censorship based on personal beliefs. The bill now moves to the Senate, although the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has not yet scheduled a hearing.