OpenSecrets Unveiled
Your comprehensive guide to campaign finance, lobbying, and political transparency in the United States.
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About OpenSecrets
Mission and Focus
OpenSecrets is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to track and publish comprehensive data on campaign finance and lobbying activities within the United States.[6] The organization aims to provide transparency into the influence of money in politics.
Key Areas of Research
OpenSecrets focuses on several critical areas:
- Campaign Finance: Detailed tracking of political donations, expenditures, and fundraising by candidates, parties, and political action committees (PACs).
- Lobbying: Monitoring the activities of lobbyists, their clients, and the money spent to influence legislation and policy.
- Revolving Door: Documenting the movement of individuals between government positions and the private sector (especially lobbying firms), highlighting potential conflicts of interest.[7]
Origins: A Merger of Watchdogs
OpenSecrets was formed in 2021 through the merger of two established organizations: the Center for Responsive Politics (CRP) and the National Institute on Money in Politics (NIMP).[10] Both predecessor organizations were dedicated to advocating for stricter regulation and disclosure of political donations and tracking campaign finance data.
Historical Foundations
Center for Responsive Politics (CRP)
Founded in 1983 by former U.S. Senators Frank Church (Democrat) and Hugh Scott (Republican), the Center for Responsive Politics began as a "money-in-politics" project.[1] Initially producing large printed books analyzing election spending, CRP launched its website, OpenSecrets.org, in 1996 to make data more accessible.[1]
National Institute on Money in Politics (NIMP)
Tracing its roots to a "Money in Western Politics" project initiated in 1991, NIMP was formally established in 1999 through the merger of three regional teams.[21] Based in Helena, Montana, NIMP published the Follow The Money website, compiling political funding information from government disclosure agencies.[21]
Key Data Points
The organization provides critical data points regarding political finance:
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1983 (as CRP) |
| Founders | Frank Church, Hugh Scott |
| Type | Research Nonprofit |
| Legal Status | 501(c)(3) |
| Focus Area | Campaign finance in the United States |
| Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Area Served | United States |
Leadership & Operations
Board Leadership
The organization is guided by a board of directors. As of recent records, Bert Brandenburg serves as the Chair.[3]
Executive Leadership
Hilary Braseth took over as Executive Director in December 2023. She succeeded Sheila Krumholz, who served in the role from December 2006 until December 2023, having joined the organization in 1989.[4][5]
Financial Overview (2023)
In 2023, OpenSecrets reported significant financial activity:
- Revenue: $2.5 million
- Expenses: $4.3 million
The organization noted serious financial difficulties in late 2024, leading to staff layoffs.[18]
Funding Sources
Philanthropic Support
OpenSecrets operates as a nonprofit and relies on donations. Since 2020, major funding has come from a variety of foundations and organizations committed to transparency and research.[17]
Key Donors (Post-2020)
Prominent donors include:
- Carnegie Corporation of New York
- Democracy Fund
- Gaia Fund
- Hewlett Foundation
- Kaphan Foundation
- Mertz Gilmore Foundation
- Omidyar Network
- Open Society Foundations
- Popplestone Foundation
- Rockefeller Brothers Fund
Notable Investigations
Carolina Rising & Thom Tillis
OpenSecrets uncovered that Carolina Rising, a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization, spent $4.7 million in 2014 on political ads supporting Thom Tillis, a Senate candidate in North Carolina.[15] This highlighted the significant, often opaque, spending in political campaigns.
Trump Campaign & Jan 6th
The organization investigated financial ties between the Donald Trump 2020 presidential campaign and the rally that preceded the January 6th United States Capitol attack, revealing financial links between campaign activities and the event.[16]
Defense Contractor Lobbying
Recent reporting has highlighted how over 500 former government officials now lobby for defense contractors, a trend extensively documented by OpenSecrets and related watchdog groups.[8]
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References
References
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not financial or legal advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional financial consultation, legal advice, or political analysis. Always consult with qualified professionals for specific financial, legal, or political matters. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.