NRA In More Trouble

[ZiprHead]

Gun control group alleges campaign finance violations in lawsuit against NRA

The gun control group Giffords filed a lawsuit against the National Rifle Association (NRA) on Tuesday, alleging the advocacy group violated campaign finance laws by illegally contributing tens of millions of dollars to GOP Senate and presidential candidates.

The lawsuit — which was filed by the nonpartisan campaign finance watchdog Campaign Legal Center on behalf of Giffords — alleges that the NRA funneled up to $35 million in illicit contributions to GOP candidates through a number of shell corporations.

The group, which was founded by former Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.), alleges that the NRA made illegal contributions to candidates running in elections in 2014, 2016 and 2018, in addition to former President Trump’s 2016 bid.

“Over the past seven years, the National Rifle Association has engaged in an ongoing scheme to evade campaign finance regulations by using a series of shell corporations to illegally but surreptitiously coordinate advertising with at least seven candidates for federal office,” the complaint reads.

 

[TomC]

I can't help but notice something. The NRA is viewed as a 2nd Amendment rights group, focusing on weapons. But the politicians they support have a great deal more in common than gun rights.

From gay rights to reproductive rights to environmental concerns to fiscal responsibility, the people the NRA funnels support to aren't just gun rights advocates. They're much more than that. They're right wing extremists running for office, as a rule. Not always, but as a rule.

Tom

 

[Patooka]

I'm floored that the NRA is still considered to be a non-profit organization.

 

[Loren Pechtel]

I'm floored that the NRA is still considered to be a non-profit organization.

It clearly is non-profit. That doesn't make it not shady.

 

[TomC]

I'm floored that the NRA is still considered to be a non-profit organization.

It clearly is non-profit. That doesn't make it not shady.

This isn't so clear to me.

My experience is limited, but I've been on the board of a few non-profit organizations. One thing we knew not to do was endorse or donate to political candidates. Never. Or we risked losing our non-profit status. Churches could, but the art co-op could not. Go figure...

Tell me why the NRA is a non-profit, but can collect tax deductible donations while also supporting political candidates. I think it's because they consistently support political candidates with poor ethics and morals.
Tom

 

[Worldtraveller]

There are different kinds of non-profit. 401(c)4 are allowed to contribute to politicians.

 

[ZiprHead]

There are different kinds of non-profit. 401(c)4 are allowed to contribute to politicians.

The NRA is a 501(c)4.

According to Forbes:

Like section 501(c)(3) organizations, section 501(c)(4) organizations are tax-exempt for federal income tax purposes. And again, payroll, sales, real estate, and other taxes may still apply.

However, there is one significant difference: Section 501(c)(4) organizations may engage in lobbying so long as it pertains to the organization's mission. The trade-off, as you might have guessed, is that donations made to 501(c)(4) organizations are typically not deductible by the donor as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes (some extremely limited exceptions, like donations to volunteer fire companies, do exist).

 

[Keith&Co.]

Sure. The NRA is not for the NRA's profit. It exists for gunmakers' profits.