Definitions of Dark Money:
Open Secrets: Dark Money Basics: “Dark money” refers to spending meant to influence political outcomes where the source of the money is not disclosed.
Brennan Center for Justice: Dark Money: Citizens United created loopholes in campaign disclosure rules that have made so-called dark money — funds from groups that do not disclose their donors — disturbingly common. Powerful groups have poured more than $1 billion into federal elections since 2010, typically concentrating on the most competitive races.
Investopedia: Dark Money: What it is, How it Works, Examples: Dark money refers to political contributions received from donors whose identities are not disclosed. Dark money can have a significant influence on elections, particularly when used by “independent expenditure” group—commonly referred to as Super PACs—that are legally permitted to receive and spend an unlimited amount of contributions.
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Definitions of the Invisible, or Dark, Primary
Wikipedia: Invisible primary: . . . the period between (1) the first well-known presidential candidates with strong political support networks showing interest in running for president and (2) demonstration of substantial public support by voters for them in primaries and caucuses. During the money primary candidates raise funds for the upcoming primary elections and attempt to garner support of political leaders and donors, as well as the party establishment. Fund raising numbers and opinion polls are used by the media to predict who the front runners for the nomination are. This is a crucial stage of a campaign for the presidency, as the initial frontrunners who raise the most money appear the strongest and will be able to raise even more money.
Political Dictionary: Invisible Primary: An invisible primary begins when a candidate formally announces their plans to run for office. It’s an opportunity to find out how much support they can gather before the actual primary race gets underway. In fact, the invisible primary can often make or break candidates – candidates who don’t get enough shows of support during the invisible primary often end up bowing out of the race, sometimes before the primary season even begins.
