Nonprofits say amendment would hurt campaign transparency
Nonprofit groups say they are opposed to an amendment that would require any nonprofit group that files an ethics complaint against a U.S. Senator to also reveal big donors.
The nonprofits have spun the debate to focus on amendment that would require senators to electronically campaign finance statements. FOI advocates may find reason to support either side of the debate.
"By blocking legislation that would require senators to file their campaign finance reports electronically, one single senator might ensure the chamber stays in the Dark Ages. Nevada Republican John Ensign is stalling the bipartisan transparency bill by adding an amendment to require charities, religious organizations and civic nonprofits that file ethics complaints against senators to disclose any donors who have contributed more than $5,000 to their organization," a release said.
Nonprofits argue that donors should have an expectation of privacy.
*Read more about the nonprofits' message to the Senate:
http://www.cfinst.org/pr/prRelease.aspx?ReleaseID=174See more about non profilts, anonymity and campaigns at the LA Times