Archive - Oct 19, 2008

IN 2004, GROUPS KNOWN AS 527'S BECAME INFAMOUS FOR ATTACK ADS AND POLITICAL SMEAR CAMPAIGNS.   THIS YEAR, 527'S HAVE BEEN LESS ACTIVE -- BUT OTHER GROUPS HAVE PICKED UP WHERE 527'S LEFT OFF.     SARI WILLIAMS AND DIANE FARSETTA OF PR WATCH DOT ORG REPORT.

"A Different Approach to Campaign Smears"

Early in this year's presidential campaign, major party candidates Senators Barack Obama and John McCain asked their supporters not to donate to 527 groups. Both said they wanted to limit the influence of outside groups on the campaign, and to avoid attack ads.  However, as the campaign proceeded, both candidates lessened their opposition to 527's.  But it was too late for many of the 527 groups to mobilize for the election.