Money In Politics

Atlantic Bridge, the British affiliate organization to the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), is in the midst of a scandal in the UK that is bringing into light the corruption-laced practices of these right-wing groups on both sides of the pond.

To refresh your memory, ALEC whose motto is "Limited government, free markets, federalism" is a powerful lobbying organization. So, in case you're wondering who funds this group, you won't be surprised because they include companies like Exxon Mobil, tobacco giant Philip Morris and the NRA.

They regularly hold conventions where our legislators and lobbyists can get together. Center for Media and Democracy, non-profit media research group, reported that "during these events state legislators are presented with pre-drafted bills drawn up on behalf of its members".

The Guardian wrote in its article: "Each year, close to 1,000 bills, based at least in part on ALEC model legislation, are introduced in the states. Of these, an average of 20% become law." One of its biggest supporters is the Koch Foundation, whose founders, the oil barons Charles G. Koch and David H. Koch, have funnelled about $55 million to climate-denial front groups and are generous donors to the Tea Party movement.