How secret political contributions pose PR risks
So-called ‘dark money’ contributions could eventually come to light, making public information that organizations didn’t want shareholders and others to know.
Some political commentators warn that anonymous corporate political contributions threaten our democracy as amounts of “dark money” campaign donations grow exponentially. Lack of transparency in corporate contributions also threatens corporate reputation.
Regulations limit the amounts individuals and corporations can donate to campaigns, political parties and political action committees (PACs), bu corporations can donate unlimited amounts to so-called super PACs. Donor names are released to the public, a potential disadvantage to well-known or public companies.
In pursuit of anonymity, some companies make political donations through tax exempt social welfare nonprofits and trade associations. While they cannot be completely certain what candidate will ultimately benefit from their funds, donors remain anonymous, prompting the term “dark money.”
Secret donations increasing fast
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