The Center for Investigative Reporting and National Public Radio have launched a joint initiative tracking the hidden cash in this election season. The Secret Money Project catalogues and examines the sometimes-shadowy independent groups seeking to influence both the presidential and Senate races.
In 2004, the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth ads kneecapped Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry’s campaign. This year’s crop of independent ads has the potential to be equally powerful. Outside advocacy groups can raise unlimited sums of money and operate under more secrecy than the candidates or party committees.
+ INTERACTIVE MAP: Who's paying to influence voters in your state? Watch the ads and see who's paying for them in a state-by-state interactive map.
+ BLOG: Breaking news and analysis by reporters Peter Overby (NPR) and Will Evans (CIR).
+ DIG DEEPER: See profiles of key advocacy groups, showing their background, context and funding sources. A leadership directory details the interconnected web of political operatives behind the advocacy groups.
+ SEND US TIPS: Readers can report new ads, automated calls, and other political efforts by independent groups.
