ACLU to storm 2018 midterms

[DonViejo]

Source: Politico




The group is aiming to become the NRA of the left, starting with plans to spend tens of millions in the election.

By EDWARD-ISAAC DOVERE 01/06/2018 07:04 AM EST

The American Civil Liberties Union, rarely an active player in national campaigns, is jumping into the 2018 midterms with plans to spend upward of $25 million promoting ballot initiatives and issues in contested races across the country.

Soaring after a banner year — the ACLU raised $93 million online in the 12 months after Donald Trump was elected president, up from $5.5 million the year before, and its membership quadrupled to 1.6 million — the civil rights group is in the midst of a dramatic makeover. The group aims to rival the National Rifle Association as a force on the left and become a hub of the anti-Trump movement.

“It’s clear that a larger portion of the American public is deeply engaged in politics in a way they’ve never been before,” said Executive Director Anthony Romero — and the ACLU aims to be a hub of liberal political activism.

Most of the ACLU’s spending in 2018 will be directed at Republicans, though operatives haven’t ruled out indirectly going after Democrats on the wrong side of their issues, too. It will not form a PAC or endorse candidates, moves that would mean losing its 501(c)(4) nonprofit status, instead limiting its activity to promoting issues and initiatives. Among them are voting rights, the travel ban, disability rights, reproductive rights and immigration.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/story/2018/01/06/aclu-2018-midterms-327115

[klook]

1. Excellent - proud to be a long-time card-carrying member.

I may have to give them some extra $$ this year.

[Wounded Bear]

2. K & R...nt

[groundloop]

3. Good news!!!! We can use a force to counter r/w propaganda

[marylandblue]

4. Been delaying joining, now I think it is time

[mountain grammy]

5. Join and support the ACLU..

one of our last, best hopes.

[bettyellen]

6. They and the NAACP have been doing amazing work.

[RainCaster]

7. Don't forget the SPLC

[bettyellen]

8. Yes! Theyre very important as well- thank you!

[Farmer-Rick]

9. Let's just hope they are not attacked by the very Dems they get elected

Like ACORN was.

[BobTheSubgenius]

10. The list of issues - voting rights, et al - is also much more..

...in keeping with their credo: "We only have one client - the Constitution."

[RandomAccess]

11. What great news

Won't it be wonderful if they uncover (or already know and consciously exploit) some wedge issues on the right?

[GulfCoast66]

12. Read this thread, logged off DU.

Went to ACLU site. Donated and joined.

Been meaning to for years. Thanks for the extra motivation.

[Doremus]

16. Same here! I've donated in the past but it's time for another donation. nt

[BadgerMom]

13. Great use of my monthly donations!

If possible, I’ll raise the amount. I was so pleased with their work and the NAACP’s work for Doug Jones.

[Gothmog]

14. It is time to give the ACLU some more money

[workinclasszero]

15. Awesome!!

WTG ACLU!!

[Jim Lane]

17. Politico's comment about tax law is wrong.

Per the linked article, the ACLU "will not form a PAC or endorse candidates, moves that would mean losing its 501(c)(4) nonprofit status...."

That's false. The NRA is a 501(c)(4) and it endorses candidates and has a PAC. The kind of nonprofit that must stay out of politics is a 501(c)(3). A donor can deduct contributions to a c3 but not to a c4, so both the NRA and the ACLU have affiliated c3 foundations that can help the parent organization's mission with activities (notably, most forms of litigation) that are permitted to c3 organizations.

[RestoreAmerica2020]

18. Thank you for the post, just got on site to read about membership and fees

..and the services they provide that protect our civil liberties.

[HAB911]

19. K&R

YAY!!!!!!