In the Gusher of Super PACs, Even One Named ‘The Internet’

Protecting OurVote PAC registered on Jan. 13, with one of the best signatures in any super PAC filing. Its mission is unclear: The website simply says, Protecting OurVote PAC. American Sunrise registered as a super PAC the same day, organized in part by Lora Haggard, the former chief financial officer for onetime Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards.

Citizens forProsperity and Good Government, not to beconfused with the nonprofit conservative advocacy group Americans forProsperity, registered on Jan. 10.

Some people registering super PACs appear to be confused themselves. Patricia McBride of Wasco, Calif., registered Citizens FireupSuper PAC on Jan. 9 to support or oppose Obama but neglected to say which angle she’ll take. McBride also wrote that she wished to establish the super PAC as a (c4), which is shorthand for a 501(c)4, the IRS code for a social-welfare nonprofit.Although 501(c)4s are allowed to make certain political expenditures, they are not allowed to be super PACs. Regardless, the FEC appears to have registered the group.

On Jan. 5, a super PAC called “a SuperPAC” registered with the FEC, with a website at www.asuperpacforhire.com, which includes a way to donate. It also features the explanation: “Have you ever wanted a message to get out to the voting public about a candidate running for federal office but didn't want the mess of production, compliance, or disclosure paperwork? a SuperPAC wants to get the TRUTH out too.”

Treasurer Matthew Balazik of Frederick, Md., said the group is real. Ads on its website, which proclaim “Paid for by a SuperPAC,” target Democrats who’ve turned Republican.

“We’re pretty conservative around here,” Balazik wrote in response to an email. “We believe fundamentally that you should be able to speak publically (sic) and anonymously so long as you do not violate anyone else’s rights.”

When asked if anyone had tried to hire a SuperPAC super PAC, Balazik wrote simply: “That’s a good question.”

On Jan. 4, “The Internet” registered as a super PAC. Unfortunately, its website doesn’t appear to be working, but it does raise the specter of ads proclaiming, “paid for by The Internet.”

On Dec. 22, the Real Leader PAC registered as a super PAC, with a website [28] that still leads to nowhere.

The previous week, Cain ConnectionsPAC registered as a super PAC, with no website, days after Herman Cain had dropped out of the Republican race. Its mission is unclear.

Earlier in December, the AmericanCrosswinds PAC — sounding remarkably similar to the Republican fundraising juggernaut AmericanCrossroads super PAC — registered as a super PAC, although it has no website and no email address.

On Dec. 1, Feel the Heat PAC registered from a Washington P.O. box — just like many real super PACs. Its website never got up and running, and reception must have been cool: OnTuesday, it terminated itself. The Restore TrustPAC, started by the same person, had similar issues.

Also in December, Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Today — clearly a play on Colbert’s super PAC, Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow — registered with the FEC. On Dec. 12, it announced it wanted to be a super PAC, with a typo : “Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Toady.”

Todd Bailey, who formed the super PAC, said it’s working for the Occupy Wall Street movement, which has decried the CitizensUnited ruling and the effect of money on politics. In other words, a joke on a satire is operating in earnest, apparently under the theory, “if you can’t beat 'em, join 'em.”

“There’s a tool that’s been created that everyone’s using,” Bailey said. “You have to make a choice. Either stand on sidelines, or get in the game and use a tool that you’re really not comfortable with.”

Photograph of Stephen Colbert by David Shankbone.

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In the Gusher of Super PACs, Even One Named ‘The Internet’

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