Mogul's network bankrolls Prop.90-Web of advocacy groups funnels millions to pass property rights

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 10/5/6 | Patrick Hoge

[SmithL]

A network of tax-exempt advocacy groups -- all with ties to a New York real estate investor -- is funneling millions of dollars to the campaign for a California property rights measure in a way that cloaks the identity and number of financial supporters.

The intricate financial web is the source of nearly all the money used to promote Proposition 90, an initiative on the November ballot aimed in part at curbing the power of government to seize private property. The financing network has spent more than $14.6 million around the country since late last year on 20 initiative drives, most concerning property rights and taxes.

The man at the center of this national effort is Howie Rich, a wealthy libertarian who believes in limited government and has long used tax-exempt groups to promote his favored candidates and political beliefs -- property rights, term limits, tax cuts and school vouchers, among others.

The practice of using tax-exempt groups to fund campaigns has been criticized by some political-finance experts as opaque and deceptive. Unlike other political organizations, advocacy groups don't have to disclose their donors.

In interviews and e-mails to The Chronicle, Rich said the groups help protect people who think like him, people who want to cut government powers but fear retribution if their names are published in public campaign-finance disclosure reports.

"If you are advocating change, those currently in power often do not take it sitting down," Rich said. "That is why most groups do not disclose their donors -- it is truly a First Amendment concern."

The advocacy groups operate with varying levels of openness.

[SmithL]

Property Rights in the People's Republic of California????

[arthurus]

It's obviously a conspiracy by Big Property to prevent California from collectivizing the state for the benefit of repressed women, children, and minorities.

[goldstategop]

MSM hit piece on Prop. 90. Notice they never investigate liberal financiers that bankroll liberal interests. Its only conservatives that fall under suspicion of having sinister aims.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus