Summary
Highlights
The video introduces the concept of dark money in politics, detailing how corporations influence state politics, particularly in Montana. It highlights the historical context of the Anaconda Copper Company, which once dominated Montana's political landscape, buying off officials and controlling media, leading to strong anti-corporate campaign finance laws designed to prevent a repeat of such influence. The problem of dark money is underlined by an incident where hundreds of geese died after landing in a highly toxic pit, a direct consequence of past corporate exploitation.
The Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling is discussed, which overturned century-old laws restricting corporate spending in elections. This decision significantly impacted Montana, which had some of the strictest campaign finance laws in the United States. Although 23 other states initially challenged this, Montana was the only state that defended its own law, arguing that its history of corporate exploitation necessitated such restrictions. However, the Supreme Court ultimately rejected Montana's appeal, asserting that corporate spending is a form of free speech under the First Amendment.
The film exposes the tactics used by dark money groups to influence elections and policy. It describes how these groups, often 501(c)4 organizations, do not have to disclose their donors, making it impossible to trace the origin of the money. Leaked emails reveal coordination between these groups and political campaigns, even extending to selecting candidates and crafting their messages. This coordination allows them to push specific ideologies, such as libertarianism, which often clash with local community values in Montana, like support for public schools and essential services.
The documentary parallels Montana's struggle with events in Wisconsin, where leaked court documents exposed extensive coordination between Governor Scott Walker's campaign and dark money groups. This coordination, which aimed to raise unlimited, undisclosed funds, led to a Supreme Court stacked with Walker allies, effectively shutting down investigations into illegal fundraising. This case showcases how dark money can corrupt all levels of government, including the judiciary, setting a dangerous precedent for undermining democratic accountability nationwide.
A detailed account of the investigation into Montana politician Art Witt, who was accused of illegally coordinating with dark money groups, is presented. Miraculously, documents belonging to the American Tradition Partnership (ATP) were discovered during a meth house raid in Colorado and turned over to Montana's Commissioner of Political Practices (CPP). These documents provided irrefutable proof of illegal coordination and undisclosed corporate contributions. The CPP's investigation led to a civil trial, where Witt was found guilty of multiple campaign finance violations, resulting in a significant fine and his eventual removal from office by voters.
The importance of independent journalism in exposing dark money operations is underscored. John S. Adams, a former state bureau chief, launched the Montana Free Press to continue reporting on political corruption, especially after major newspapers downsized their investigative units. The film concludes by highlighting the ongoing challenges, such as the Federal Election Commission's inability to enforce campaign finance laws and the rise of unregulated online political spending. It calls for stronger disclosure laws, reevaluation of Citizens United, and expanded public financing for candidates to safeguard democracy.