Eric Greitens Under Fire For ‘Dark Money’ Political Donations
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
By Nathan Guttman May 4, 2017
Missouri governor Eric Greitens, who ran on a platform of ethic reform, is now getting a taste of his own medicine.
The Kansas City Star reports that lawmakers in Jefferson City are forcing a debate over a bill that would provide greater transparency in political donations from not-for-profit organizations including one that is backing Greitens.
The legislation would expose donors behind A New Missouri Inc., a nonprofit set up by Greitens’ supporters in order to advance the Republican governor’s agenda. Donors to the organization were not identified since under current Missouri laws nonprofits are exempt from providing names of their donors.
The group, A New Missouri Inc., waged war against lawmakers pushing for the ethics legislation, including by running ads disclosing one of the state senators’ cell phone number. But Republican and Democratic state senators used procedural meandering to overcome the leadership’s refusal and to force a debate on the “dark money” bill.
Greitens, who is Jewish, is viewed as rising star in Republican politics but since taking office this year he has been criticized for lack of transparency in his administration.
Contact Nathan Guttman at [email protected] or on Twitter @nathanguttman
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
