From the NYT: Koch Brothers’ Budget of $889 Million for 2016 Is on Par With Both Parties’ Spending

Much has been - and will continue to be - written about the influence of money in politics, especially that of deep pocketed individuals with agendas. The Koch Brothers stand out from the crowd because of their aggressiveness.

Soon enough - in 2305 - we will discuss the Citizens United decision and its impact on the amount of money private individuals can spend on campaigns, but here's an interesting twist. The Koch Brothers reportedly plan to spend as much money as either of the major political parties on the next presidential election. Meaning that they effectively are establishing their own political party - or at least put themselves in a position where they can influence the candidates of either party they choose.

This news was leaked from a recent retreat held by the brothers that was attended by several potential 2016 candidates.

- Click here for the NYT article. 

“It’s no wonder the candidates show up when the Koch brothers call,” said David Axelrod, a former senior adviser to Mr. Obama. “That’s exponentially more money than any party organization will spend. In many ways, they have superseded the party.”

The group’s budget, disclosed by a conference attendee, reflects the rising ambition and expanded reach of the Koch operation, which has sought to distinguish itself from other outside groups by emphasizing the role of donors over consultants and political operatives.

While the Koch’s expansive network houses groups with discretely political functions — a data and analytics firm, a state-focused issue-advocacy group and affinity groups aimed at young voters and Hispanics — it also includes groups like Freedom Partners, a trade organization overseen by Koch advisers that plans the retreat and helps corral contributions; Americans for Prosperity, a national grass-roots group; and Concerned Veterans for America, which organizes conservative veterans

While almost no Republican Party leaders were invited to the Koch event, it has become a coveted invitation for the party’s rising stars, for whom the gathered billionaires and multimillionaires are a potential source of financing for campaigns and super PACs. Officials said this year’s conference was the largest ever.

At least five potential presidential candidates were invited this year, and four attended, including Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin. On Sunday evening, three of them — Senators Marco Rubio of Florida, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Ted Cruz of Texas — took part in a candidate forum on economic issues.

Catching up with the "Donor Class"

The new attention given to the middle class is very likely in response to the rise of the donor class - the relatively small groups of wealthy people who have the funds - and recently the legal ability - to bankroll the candidacies of their preferred politicians.

At some point in class we'll look over the question about how democratic the United States and Texas really are. If these small groups can control who wins and what they stand for, then doesn't that make us an oligarchy?

- The Rise of the Political Donor Class.
- Clinton plans to astound, intimidate with fundraising ‘like nothing you’ve seen’
- In America; The Donor Class.
- Why the 'donor class' matters, especially in the GOP presidential scrum.

The Donor Class

The article referred to in the previous post refers to what it calls the "donor class." These are the wealthy contributors who fund the elections of members of Congress and are - presumably - able to influence what they focus on once in office. Otherwise they might lose those supporters.

I typed "donor class" in a search engine and here's what popped up:

- In America; The Donor Class.
- Ambassador Appointment Draws Ire Inside Democratic Donor Class.
- The Rise of the Political Donor Class.
- The Minimum Wage: Popular With the Public, But Not the Donor Class.
- Head of the Donor Class.
- The Rise of the Donor Class.