A proposed state election law aims to lift the veil of secrecy for organizations created to influence the outcome of elections.  As KJZZ’s Paul Atkinson reports from Phoenix, the law would force the disclosure of donors who currently can remain anonymous.

Two elections last fall underscore the failure of current financial disclosure laws.  Hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent in the Phoenix mayor’s race and the recall election of senator Russell Pearce.  But the organizations that spent the money did not have to disclose where it came from.   At a capitol press conference, Representative Eddie Farnsworth said the proposed changes will strengthen reporting requirements.

EDDIE FARNSWORTH  “Now we will have people, the people who are the voters, that will be able to look at these organizations and know very clearly who’s contributing, where the expenditures are going and who is doing it and its not done under a cloak of secrecy.”

The Supreme Court case “Citizens United” allows corporations and other organizations to spend unlimited amounts of money to influence elections.  The proposed law allows them to be sued for failing to disclose donations and spending on campaigns. 

Link to HB2385