Several governors are using nonprofits to get themselves elected and promote their agendas once in office — without ever having to disclose where the money came from.
By Alan Greenblatt | Governing
Like all politicians, Rick Snyder understands the importance of raising money. Since taking office, the governor of Michigan has gathered funds for all manner of political and policy ventures. Often he has found that the handiest vehicle for his efforts has been a type of nonprofit group known as a 501(c)(4).
Back when he was pondering a presidential run, Snyder used a 501(c)(4) as a de facto exploratory campaign committee. More recently, his 501(c)(4) gave out $1,000 checks to more than a dozen legislative allies who looked potentially vulnerable. He used another group like this to pay for public relations help amidst the Flint water crisis.
