Aggressive Ads by 501(c)(4) Organizations

A story from msnbc begins; "501(c)(4) — it's the most potent little algorithm in politics right now." The article highlights VoteVets.org and other 501(c)(4) groups and their advertising methods. As discussed before, the role of 501(c)(4) organizations in elections will be talked about even more leading up to the 2008 election. VoteVets.org have been placing heavy pressure in districts where Republicans are up for re-election next year. As that time nears, it will be interesting to observe what is perceived as an increased reliance on 501(c)(4), welfare organizations as a campaign tool. IRS guidelines suggest that as long as the group does not target voters in a candidate's state or district with ads shortly before an election, and as long as it has been running a series of "issue ads" outside of election season, then its tax status is safe.
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