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Mask and campaign finance bill reach North Carolina governor’s desk
Charlotte, North Carolina (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – A new bill in North Carolina could change the landscape of campaigns and elections.
It started as a bill limiting the use of masks during protests — until lawmakers added a campaign finance revision.
“I think it definitely obscures transparency because it allows in what people call dark money, unlimited contributions without donor disclosure. Again, I think this is a matter of context,” says Dr. Susan Roberts, professor of political science at Davidson College.
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She says it’s not the first time lawmakers have hidden unrelated items in a piece of legislation.
In 2013, the North Carolina House passed a controversial bill 74-41 on two unrelated goals: restricting access to abortion and increasing safety for motorcyclists.
“Campaign finance law is never truly neutral. And that is one of the things that is in this legislation. Sometimes it depends on the context. And here Republicans can do it. Whether this is something that benefits anyone in the governor’s race remains to be seen,” Dr. Roberts said.
The latest campaign finance records show Attorney General Josh Stein raised $19.1 million in February, leaving $12.7 million left to spend.
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson was millions of dollars behind, with just $10.7 million raised in the same period, leaving $4.5 million to spend.
“This will essentially level the playing field when it comes to outside groups participating in various elections in the state,” said Republican House Speaker Tim Moore.
“Well, we’re calling foul because neither party should be hiding money and allowing mega-donors to pay to play,” says Ann Webb of Common Cause North Carolina.
The bill now heads to Governor Roy Cooper’s desk for his signature or veto. Republicans have veto-proof majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly.