From: Leahy for Senate
January 31, 2012
Securities and Exchange Commission
Dear Commission,
Right now, Super PACs don't have to disclose their unlimited corporate donations. That means they can keep the public in the dark about who's funding the attack ads that bombard their TV screens daily.
That's why I'm joining with the 14 United States senators who formally asked you to use your regulatory authority to require that corporations disclose their spending in elections.
SEC: Exercise your regulatory authority to require public disclosure of corporate political contributions.
I foresee significant potential problems with unattributable ads. Totally bogus ads could be financed anonymously that suggest complete lies or fabricated intentions by candidates, untrue and false, and no one would be able to verify the intention of the persons paying for the ad, since they can remain unknown. Shareholders have a right to know, as well as voters, and other candidates.
Sincerely,
sam kountoupes