Lamnidae

Given former Rep. John Sinrud’s lack of respect for the law when it comes to professional licensing, I’d imagine his new astroturf outfit, the Western Tradition Partnership, will probably push their 501(c)(4) designation to the legal limit as well. In fact, Sinrud tips his hand a few times right out of the gate, coming after the Governor’s office in his newspaper comments, and being suspiciously avoidant in answering questions about their association with Montana Citizens for Right to Work.

In recent years, 501(c)(4)s have become the new 527 in the right’s dirty politics playbook. As defined by the IRS, they are supposed to be non-profit social organizations. Their popularity with Swiftboaters in recent years is due to the fact that donors can secretly contribute unlimited amounts of money. Campaigning is supposed to be limited to social issues, but there’s a lot of leeway in the code, and groups will often dovetail their campaigns (most likely illegally coordinated if it could be proven) with candidates for office.

I’d expect this group to become another mouth for the foundering Roy Brown/Steve Daines ticket. I’d also expect that their 990’s will be filed well after the election is over to avoid any embarrassment for donors. When that 990 is filed, I also imagine it will show that Sinrud and Marlenee will probably take a hefty cut of those donations in the form of direction fees. It’s so predictable, I’m surprised Chuck Johnson gave them over 1000 words. There are still benevolent 501(c)(4) organizations out there working hard for Montana, but they’re apparently not as sexy when not thinly-veiled front groups.

Write a letter to the editor