Dark Money Update

    According to the "Daily Oklahoman" newspaper, "State schools chief charged with campaign violations, conspiracy". You've seen the story by now, so know the state superintendent of schools is involved along with her campaign management firm - AH Strategies. What is alleged to have occurred is that the state superintendent had prior knowledge of the actions that a dark money group would take to ensure victory in the race against Janet Barresi (two years ago). It was dark money television ads which ran, as a way of depicting Barresi as being out of touch with public schools. It's legal for dark money groups to run negative campaign commercials or send out negative mailers against candidates for political office, but it's not legal for candidates to actually have advance knowledge of negative campaign ads or mailed campaign brochures. This is where the conspiracy charges originate - that the state superintendent along with her campaign consulting firm, AH Strategies, knew in advance just how much money would be spent and which dark money group would be spending the money - for her campaign. "Authorities believe Hofmeister, (Fount) Holland, a political adviser and founder of AH Strategies, and others worked together to solicit excessive funds for the state campaign by coordinating activities between Hofmeister's committee and an independent expenditure, which came to be known as Oklahomans for Public School excellence (OPSE). They allegedly funneled excess contributions to benefit Hofmeister's campaign as she fought to defeat Superintendent Janet Barresi" (Tahlequah Daily Press). The press also reports that "An Oklahoma City-based campaign strategist facing criminal charges... has consulted for other 'House candidates', according to financial disclosures filed this year."
   Among the several House candidates represented by AH Strategies, is Tim Downing, who won the House District 42 seat in Garvin and McClain Counties. While Mr. Downing received over $40,000 in support from the dark money groups American Federation for Children (AFC) and Citizens United, it is still unknown who their major donors are. It is also unknown if Mr. Downing had prior knowledge of this dark money support, as he denies it. However, documents have surfaced which indicate that Mr. Downing did have prior knowledge - such as the "application" document for AFC support. There are also indications that prior knowledge of Citizens United support exist, as it discussed possible support with candidates. It will certainly be interesting to note if the "net widens" on this investigation, as it will take a good investigative reporter or inquisitive district attorney.