How to Influence Politics with Money after Citizens United

---

In the Citizens United case last month the Supreme Court ruled that corporations could spend without limit in political campaigns. At the time there was some debate about how, and even whether, this would change the influence of money in politics.Well now a Washington lobbying firm called K&L Gates has come out with a Q&A for its corporate clients explaining exactly how they can best influence politics with money in a post-Citizens United America. It boils down to this: Act like a bunch of zebras and band together so you don't stand out.

[G]roups of corporations within an industry may form coalitions or use existing trade associations to support candidates favorable to policy positions that affect the group as a whole. While corporations that contribute to these expenditures might still be disclosed, this indirect approach can provide sufficient cover such that no single contributing entity receives the bulk of public scrutiny.

So look for more advertising coming from cover groups and trade associations that are backed by big corporations who would prefer to avoid your notice.