Buying South Carolina

2010-10-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

Who is Howard Rich?

Howard Rich, 70, is a libertarian political activist and real estate developer from New York City. A director of the pro-voucher Friedman Foundation, Rich has used his vast personal wealth in an effort to build a state legislature in South Carolina that will support his plan to divert public money to private schools through school vouchers and tax credits.

Howard Rich's involvement in South Carolina politics involves three main aspects:

1. Bypassing state contribution limits by using numerous LLC's to fund political candidates in local races, and keeping voters in the dark by making contributions after the candidate's final public disclosure.

2. Funneling even more money into SC campaigns from Utah, California, and elsewhere through a network of wealthy associates.

3. Establishing and funding "grass-roots" voucher lobbying groups in South Carolina to give the appearance of support for his agenda in our state.

Howard Rich's substantial involvement in South Carolina politics and the methods used to support his private school voucher plan have profound implications for South Carolina's government, our public schools, and the integrity of our state’s political processes.

Bypassing SC's Campaign Contribution Limits

Individual contributions to political candidates in South Carolina are limited to $3500 for statewide offices and $1000 for State House candidates per election cycle.

To leverage his influence on South Carolina elections and evade South Carolina's campaign contribution limits, Howard Rich contributes through about 30 entities he owns or controls from his addresses at 73 Spring Street, New York City, and 1420 Walnut Street, Suite 1011, Philadelphia.

These entities include: Dayrich LLC, Bayrich LLC, Stilrich LLC, Streetrich LLC, Newrich LLC, Springrich Limited Partnership, Rich & Rich Associates, Rich Acquisitions, 123 LaSalle Inc., 123 LaSalle Associates, 4220 Broadway LLC, 4220 Broadway Inc., 188 Claremont LLC, Spooner LLC, Trucker 49 LLC, 405 49 Associates, Secure Data LLC, Ashborough Investors LLC, Rosemeade Investors LLC, 332 E 11 LLC, 470 W 166 LLC, Spinksville LLC, 538-14 Realty LLC, and several others listed below.

In 2008, Howard Rich used these entities to contribute as much as 24 times the individual contribution limit ($24,000) to a single legislative candidate in a single day. In one case, Howard Rich's business entities accounted for 85% of a SC State House candidate's total campaign funding.

Rich's National Network of Financiers

In 2008, Howard Rich bypassed state contribution limits and spent approximately half a million dollars on SC State House Races. In addition to this funding, Rich also tapped a national network of associates to help finance his private school voucher and tax credit agenda. Several of these funders are avowed opponents of public education.

Patrick Byrne: CEO of Overstock.com, Byrne spent millions in 2006 in an effort to pass vouchers in his home state of Utah, after “[v]oucher groups, primarily funded by the heirs to the Wal-Mart fortune and the founder of Amway, spent hundreds of thousands of dollars helping to elect pro-voucher candidates to the Utah Legislature,” according to the Associated Press. Utah voters defeated vouchers 62% - 38%. Like Howard Rich, Byrne is a director of the pro-voucher Friedman Foundation.

John Kirtley: John Kirtley is a Tampa venture capitalist “whose $100,000 donation to the Republican Party in 2000 sparked the passage of the corporate tax credit voucher law the following spring” in Florida, according to the Palm Beach Post.

Kevin Spillane: Kevin Spillane of Sacramento was the campaign consultant for California’s failed Proposition 90, for which Howard Rich-affiliated groups provided 87% of the funding in 2006, according to the National Institute for Money in State Politics.

Paul Farago: Farago is a licensed acupuncturist in Ashville, North Carolina, and a director of Howard Rich’s Americans for Limited Government. Mr. Farago is also a signatory of the pledge of the Alliance for Separation of School and State: "I proclaim publicly that I favor ending government involvement in education."

Michael Dokupil: Dokupil is a Houston, Texas investor and a director of Howard Rich's Americans for Limited Government.

Marshall Stocker: Stocker is a Hanover, Massachusetts investor and of former member of the Ithica (NY) Libertarians. According to the Buffalo News, Stocker was "a spokesman for New Yorkers to Change Albany," which received "$100,000 from a real estate firm run by Howard Rich, a New York landlord."

Robert Gelfond: Gelfond, of New York City, "has been a professional trader for over 25 years with a focus on global macro trading," according to the website RealClearMarkets. Gelfond is director of the "Foundation for Freedom and Justice," a contributor to Howard Rich's US Term Limits organization.

Guy Calvert: Calvert, of Palo Alto, California, is a co-director with Howard Rich of the “Center for Independent Thought,” located at Rich’s 73 Spring Street, NYC address. He is a signatory of the pledge of the Alliance for the Separation of School and State: “I proclaim publicly that I favor ending government involvement in education.”

Eric O'Keefe: O’Keefe, of Spring Green, Wisconsin, is a co-director with Howard Rich of the “Center for Independent Thought,” located at Rich’s 73 Spring Street, NYC address. He is a signatory of the pledge of the Alliance for the Separation of School and State: “I proclaim publicly that I favor ending government involvement in education.”

Robert Costello: Costello, of Evanston, IL, is a co-director of Howard Rich’s “Americans for Limited Government” and former director of Rich’s “Legislative Education Action Drive.” Costello is a signatory of the pledge of the Alliance for the Separation of School and State: “I proclaim publicly that I favor ending government involvement in education.”

2010 Update

2010-10-17T09:19:00.000-07:00

Political contributions from Howard Rich and associates in 2010 (& late 2009)

Rep. Bill Sandifer, House District 2
$1,000 3/26/2010 Silver and Silver Properties LLC 73 Spring St NYC
$1,000 3/26/2010 538-14 Realty LLC 73 Spring St NYC
$1,000 3/26/2010 Rich Lending Corp., 1420 Walnut St, Suite 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 3/26/2010 Stilrich LLC, 73 Spring St. NYC
$1,000 3/16/2010 Marshall Stocker, 741 Broadway, Hanover, MA
$1,000 3/16/2010 Anita Anderson, 1161 Rhode Island St, San Francisco, CA
$1,000 2/26/2010 William A Wilson III, 10424 Woodbury Woods Ct, Fairfax, VA
$1,000 2/26/2010 Paul R Farago, PO Box 8907, Asheville, NC
$1,000 6/01/2010 Peter Petruzzi, 1165 Francisco St., San Francisco, CA
$1,000 6/01/2010 188 Claremont LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Phila. PA
$1,000 6/01/2010 123 Lasalle Assocs., 1420 Walnut St, Phila., PA
$1,000 6/01/2010 470 W 116 LLC, 73 Spring St., NYC
$1,000 5/27/2010 332 E. 11 LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA
$1,000 5/27/2010 Bradford Mgmt of NY Inc, 73 Spring St, NYC
$1,000 5/27/2010 Coolcal LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA

Rep. Don Bowen, House District 8
$1,000 6/01/2010 470 W 166 LLC, 73 Spring St. NYC
$1,000 5/18/2010 Rich Lending Corp, 73 Spring St. NYC
$1,000 5/17/2010 188 Claremont LLC, 73 Springs St. NYC
$1,000 5/17/2010 123 Lasalle Assocs., 73 Spring St. NYC
$1,000 5/14/2010 COOLCAL, 1420 Walnut St. Phila., PA
$1,000 10/20/2010 188 Claremont LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA
$1,000 10/18/2010 Irwin A. Zamore, 10 Old Jackson Ave., Hastings on the Hudson, NY
$1,000 10/17/2010 Paul Fargo, P.O. Box 8907, Asheville, NC
$1,000 10/23/2010 Mango LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila PA
$1,000 10/22/2010 Charles Albers, 340 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL

Anne Thayer, House District 9
$1,000 10/14/2010 188 Claremont LLC, 1420 Walnut St, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/14/2010 Mango LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste. 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/14/2010 Coolcal LLC, 1420 Walnut St Ste. 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/14/2010 Paul Farago, P.O. Box 8907, Asheville, NC
$1,000 10/14/2010 Charles Abers, 340 Palm Ave Unit 512, Sarasota, FL

Rep. Michael Pitts, House District 14
$1,000 5/31/2010 538-14 Realty LLC, 73 Spring St Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 5/31/2010 Rich Lending Corp., 73 Spring St. Rm. 408 NYC
$1,000 5/31/2010 188 Clearmont LLC, 73 Spring St. Rm. 408 NYC
$1,000 5/31/2010 332 E 11 LLC A P’ship, 73 Spring St. Rm. 408 NYC
$1,000 5/17/2010 Silver and Silver Properties LLC, 73 Spring St. Rm. 408 NYC

David E. Tribble Jr., House District 15
$1,000 10/16/2010 Coolcal LLC, 1420 Walnut St, STE 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/16/2010 Jeffrey Kruman 31 Evergreen Row, Amonk, NY
$1,000 10/16/2010 Peter Petruzzi, 1165 Francisco St Apt 7, San Francisco, CA
$1,000 10/16/2010 Irwin Zamore, 10 Old Jackson Ave 72, Hastings on Hudson, NY
$1,000 10/16/2010 Paul Farago, PO Box 8907, Asheville, NC

Rep. Harry Cato, House District 17
$1,000 5/31/2010 470 W 166 LLC, 73 Spring St. NYC
$1,000 5/24/2010 Robert Schor, 24th Stuart St., Brooklyn, NY
$1,000 5/24/2010 Stilrich, LLC, 73 Spring St. Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 5/24/2010 Rich Lending Corp, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 5/24/2010 Bradford Mgmt of NY, 73 Spring St. Rm. 408 NYC
$1,000 5/24/2010 Coolcal, LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 5/24/2010 123 Lasalle Assocs. A P’ship, 73 Spring St. Rm. 408 NYC
$1,000 5/24/2010 188 Claremont LLC, 73 Spring St. Rm. 408 NYC
$1,000 5/24/2010 Silver & Silver Props., LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 5/24/2010 332 E. 11 LLC A P’ship, 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila. PA

Tom Corbin, House District 17
$1,000 7/14/2010 Mango LLC 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila, PA
$1,000 7/14/2010 Bradford Mgmt of NY, Inc1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila, PA
$1,000 7/14/2010 Spinksville II LLC 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila, PA
$1,000 7/14/2010 Silver & Silver Props. LLC 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila, PA
$1,000 7/14/2010 188 Claremont LLC 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila, PA
$1,000 10/16/2010 Stilrich 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA
$1,000 10/16/2010 Irwin Zamore, 10 Old Jackson Ave, Hastings on the Hudson, NY
$1,000 10/16/2010 Spinksville III LLC, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/14/2010 Cobden, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/14/2010 Coolcal LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

Rep. Dan Hamilton, House District 20
$1,000 3/20/2010 332 E. 11 LLC 1420 Walnut Street, Suite 1011, Phila, PA
$1,000 3/20/2010 Rich Lending Corp. 1420 Walnut Street, Suite 1011 Phila, PA

Phyllis Henderson, House District 21
$1,000 10/21/2010 Mango LLC 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 10/21/2010 Cobden, LLC 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila PA
$1,000 10/21/2010 Stilrich, LLC 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phla PA
$1,000 10/21/2010 Spinksville II LLC 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila, PA
$1,000 10/21/2010 Coolcal LLC 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 12/17/2010 470 West 166 LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1P011, Phila., PA
$1,000 12/17/2010 Stilrich, LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 12/17/2010 332 E. 11 LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 12/17/2010 Cobden, LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 12/17/2010 528-14 Realty LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

Rep. Wendy Nanney, House District 22
$1,000 10/08/2010 Irwin Zamore 10 Old Jackson Ave, Hastings on the Hudson, NY
$1,000 10/08/2010 Guy Calvert 2930 Cowper St, Palo Alto, CA
$1,000 10/08/2010 Cool Cal 1420 Walnut St Suite 1011, Phila., PA

Rep. Bruce Bannister, House District 24
$1,000 10/13/2010 Irwin A Zamore 10 Old Jackson Ave, 72 Hastings on Hudson, NY
$1,000 10/13/2010 Guy Calvert 1930 Cowpers St., Palo Alto, CA
$1,000 10/13/2010 Mango LLC Prof. Corp., 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila., PA

Christopher Wilson, House District 26
$1,000 6/01/2010 Kathleen Wikstrom, 112 River Oaks, Benton, AR
$1,000 6/01/2010 123 Lasalle Associatesm 73 Spring St. Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 6/01/2010 Silver & Silver Props. LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 6/01/2010 123 Lasalle Inc., 73 Spring St. NYC
$1,000 6/01/2010 332 E. 11 LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 6/01/2010 Bradford Mgmt of NY, Inc., 73 Spring St. Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 6/01/2010 188 Claremont LLC, 73 Spring St. Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 6/01/2010 Stilrich LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 6/01/2010 Coolcal LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 6/01/2010 Rich Lending Corp, 73 Spring St. Rm 408 NYC

Eric Bikas, House District 26
$1,000 7/15/2010 Anita Anderson 1161 Rhode Island St, San Francisco, CA
$1,000 7/15/2010 Peter Petruzzi 1165 Francisco St, San Francisco, CA
$1,000 7/15/2010 CoolCal LLC 1420 Walnut Court Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 6/15/2010 Robert Costello, 2135 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL

Rep. Dennis Moss, House District 29
$1,000 3/12/2010 Claremont, Spring St. 507 NYC
$1,000 3/12/2010 Lasalle Associates, Spring St. 408 NYC
$1,000 3/12/2010 Stilrich, Spring St. 409, NYC
$1,000 3/12/2010 Partnership, Walnut St.1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 3/12/2010 Lending Corp., Walnut St.1010, Phila. PA

William “Bill” Chumley, House District 35
$1,000 10/14/2010 Robert Costello 2135 Sherman Ave, Evanston, IL
$1,000 10/14/2010 Coolcall LLC 1420 Walnut, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/14/2010 Paul Farago, P.O. 8907, Asheville, NC
$1,000 10/14/2010 Erwin Zamore 10 Old Jackson Ave, Hastings On Hudson, NY
$1,000 10/14/2010 Jeffrey Kruman, 31 Evergreen Rd, Armonk, NY

Rep. Joey Millwood, House District 38
$1,000 11/25/09 538-14 Realty LLC, 73 Spring St. Rm. 408 NYC
$1,000 11/25/09 Silver and Silver Properties LLC, 73 Spring St. Rm. 408 NYC
$1,000 11/25/09 332 E 11 LLC A Partnership, 73 Spring St. Rm. 408 NYC
$1,000 11/25/09 Rich Lending Corp., 73 Spring St, NYC
$1,000 6/09/2010 Asheboro Investors, 73 Spring St., NYC
$1,000 6/09/2010 Vanguard Prime, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA
$1,000 6/09/2010 Rosemead Investors, 73 Spring St., NYC
$1,000 6/09/2010 Cobden LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA
$1,000 6/09/2010 Coolcal LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA
$1,000 6/09/2010 SpringRich Ltd. P’ship, 73 Spring St Rm 507 NYC
$1,000 6/09/2010 Vanguard Prime Mkt. Money Fund, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA
$1,000 6/09/2010 Vanguard Prime Mkt. Money Fund, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA
$1,000 6/09/2010 New Rich LLC, 73 Spring St., NYC
$1,000 6/09/2010 Vanguard Treasury Money Mkt. Fund, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA
$1,000 6/09/2010 Bradford Mgmt. of NY, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA
$1,000 6/09/2010 Vanguard Treasury Money Mkt. Fund, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA
$1,000 6/09/2010 538-8 Realty Inc, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA
$1,000 6/09/2010 188 Claremont LLC, 73 Spring St, NYC
$1,000 6/09/2010 Howard Rich Sole Proprietorship, 73 Spring St., NYC
$1,000 6/09/2010 Silver & Silver Prop. LLC, 1420 Walnut St.. Phila., PA
$1,000 6/09/2010 Rich Aquisitions LLC, 73 Spring St., NYC
$1,000 6/09/2010, Rich Lending Corp., 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA
$1,000 6/09/2010 SteeleRich LLC, 73 Spring St., NYC
$1,000 6/09/2010 Spinksville LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA

Randall English, House District 42
$1,000 10/04/2010 Bradford Management PAC 73 Spring St NYC
$1,000 10/04/2010 Stilrich LLC 73 Spring St NYC
$1,000 10/04/2010 Cobden LLC 1420 Walnut St. Phila., PA
$1,000 10/04/2010 538-14 Realty LLC 1420 Walnut St. Phila., PA
$1,000 10/04/2010 188 Claremont LLC 73 Spring St NYC
$1,000 10/04/2010 332 E 11 LLC, 73 Spring St NYC
$1,000 10/04/2010 123 Lasalle Assocs., 73 Spring St NYC
$1,000 10/04/2010 Paul Farago, P.O. Box 8907, Asheville, NC
$1,000 10/04/2010 Gary Calvert 73 Spring St NYC

Robert McCoy, House District 44
$1,000 10/20/2010 Paul Farago, Asheville, NC
$1,000 10/20/2010 Stilrich LLC, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 10/20/2010 Coocal LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste. 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 10/20/2010 Anita Anderson, 1161 Rhode Island St.., San Francisco CA
$1,000 10/20/2010 Kathleen Wikstrom, 1112 River Oaks, Benton, AR
$1,000 10/20/2010 Robert Costello, 2135 Sherman Ave., Evanston IL
$1,000 10/20/2010 Peter Petruzzi, 1165 Francisco St., San Francisco CA
$1,000 10/20/2010 Jeffrey Kruman, 31 Evergreen Row, Armonk, NY
$1,000 10/20/2010 Irwin Zamore, 10 Old Jackson Ave., Hudson, NY
$1,000 10/20/2010 Cobden LLC, 1420 Walnut St. 1011, Phila. PA

Rep. Gary Simrill, House District 46
$1,000 1/06/2010 332 E 11 LLC 73 Spring St NYC
$1,000 1/06/2010 Silver & Silver Properties 73 Spring St NYC
$1,000 1/06/2010 538-14 Realty 73 Spring St NYC
$1,000 1/06/2010 Rich Lending Group, 73 Spring St NYC
$1,000 1/06/2010 188 Claremont LLC, 73 Spring St. NYC
$1,000 10/24/2010 Irwin Zamore, 10 Old Jackson Ave, Hastings on the Hudson, NY
$1,000 10/23/2010 Coolcal LLC, 1420 Walnut St Suite 1011, Phila., PA

Thomas Pope, House District 47
$1,000 11/01/2010 123 LaSalle Assoc., 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 11/01/2010 CoolCal LLC Prof. Corp. 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 11/01/2010 Mango LLC Prof. Corp., 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila PA
$1,000 11/01/2010 188 Claremont LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila PA
$1,000 11/01/2010 Spinksville II LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 11/01/2010 Bradford Mgmt of NY, Inc., 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila PA
$1,000 11/01/2010 Stilrich LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila, PA
$1,000 10/29/2010 Joseph D Stilwell, 26 Broadway, 23rd Flr, NYC
$1,000 10/22/2010 Charles E Albers, 340 S. Palm Avenue, Unit 512, Sarasota, FL
$1,000 10/22/2010 Paul R Farago, P.O. Box 8907, Asheville, NC

Ennis Bryant, House District 50
$1,000 3/20/2010 Rich Lending Corp. 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 11011, Phila., PA
$1,000 3/20/2010 Stilrich LLC, 73 Spring St Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 3/20/2010 123 LaSalle Assocs., A P’ship 73 Spring St Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 3/20/2010 332 E. 11 LLC, A. P’ship 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 3/20/2010 188 Claremont LLC, 73 Spring St Rm 507 NYC
$1,000 5/14/2010 Cool Cal LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 5/26/2010 51 First Avenue LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 5/20/2010 Peter Petrazzi, 1165 Francisco St., San Francisco, CA
$1,000 5/17/2010 Kathleen J. Wikstrom, 1112 River Oaks, Benton, AR
$1,000 5/17/2010 Paul R. Farago, PO Box 8907, Asheville, NC
$1,000 5/17/2010 Anita Anderson, 116 Rhode Island St., San Francisco, CA
$1,000 4/21/2010 Bradford Mgmt of NY, Inc, 73 Spring St Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 4/04/2010 Robert Schor, 2419 Stuart St., Brooklyn, NY
$1,000 3/26/2010 470 W 166 LLC, 73 Spring St Rm 408 NYC

Johnny Sellers, House District 54
$1,000 6/07/2010 West 14th & 18th, LLC, 73 Spring St. Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 6/07/2010 Bradford Mgmt of NY, Inc., 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 5/24/2010 CoolCal, LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 5/17/2010 188 Claremont LLC, 73 Spring St. Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 5/17/2010 Silver & Silver Props., LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 5/17/2010 Rich Lending Corp, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 5/17/2010 123 Lasalle Associates, 73 Spring St., Rm 408 NYC

Rep. Liston D. Barfield, House District 58
$1,000 10/03/2010 Mango LLC, 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila, PA
$1,000 10/03/2010 Coolcal LLC 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila, PA
$1,000 10/03/2010 Stilrich 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila, PA
$1,000 9/30/2010 Paul Farago. PO Box 8907, Asheville, NC
$1,000 11/15/2010 Irwin A Zamore, 10 Old Jackson Ave., Hastings on the Hudson, NY

Rep. Phillip Lowe, House District 60
$1,000 10/24/2010 Mango LLC 1420 Walnut St, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/24/2010 188 Claremont LLC 1420 Walnut St, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/24/2010 123 Lasalle Assoc, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA
$1,000 10/24/2010 Coolcal LLC, 1420 Walnut St, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/24/2010 Stilrich LLC 1420 Walnut St, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/24/2010 Spinksville III LLC, 1420 Walnut St, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/21/2010 Paul Fargo, Box 8987, Ashville, NC
$1,000 10/21/2010 Joseph Stilwell, 26 Broadway, 23 Flr, NYC
$1,000 10/21/2010 Charles Albers, 340 S Palm Ave Unit 512, Sarasota, FL
$1,000 10/21/2010 Spinksville II LLC, 1420 Walnut St, Phila., PA

Rep. Kris Crawford, House District 63
$1,000 10/15/2010 Coolcal LLC, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/15/2010 332 E 11 LLC A Partnership, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/15/2010 Sprinkleville II LLC, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/15/2010 123 LaSalle Assoc, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila, PA
$1,000 10/15/2010 Stilrich LLC, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/15/2010 Bradford Mgmt of NY INC, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/15/2010 Rich Lending Corp, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/15/2010 Sprinkleville III LLC, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/15/2010 Silver & Silver Properties LLC, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/15/2010 Mango LLC, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila., PA

Rep. Thad Viers, House District 68
$1,000 3/12/2010 332 E 11 LLC, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 3/12/2010 Stilrich LLC, 73 Spring St Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 3/12/2010 Rich Lending Corp, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 3/12/2010 188 Claremont LLC, 73 Spring St Rm 507 NYC
$1,000 3/12/2010 123 Lasalle Assoc, 73 Spring St Rm 408 NYC

Rick Quinn, House District 69
$1,000 12/20/09 538-14 Realty LLC, 73 Spring Street Room 408 NYC
$1,000 12/20/09 Silver & Silver Properties LLC, 73 Spring Street Room 408 NYC
$1,000 12/20/09 4220 Broadway LLC, 73 Spring Street Room 408 NYC
$1,000 12/20/09 188 Claremont LLC, 73 Spring Street Room 408 NYC
$1,000 12/20/09 332 E 11 LLC, 73 Spring Street Room 408 NYC
$1,000 5/25/2010 Robert Schor, 2419 Stuart St., Brooklyn, NY
$1,000 5/25/2010 Stilrich LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Suite 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 5/25/2010 123 Lasalle Assocs.,73 Spring St. Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 5/25/2010, Rich Lending Corp., 73 Spring St. Rm. 408 NYC
$1,000 5/25/2010 Coolcal LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila, PA

Rep. James Harrison, House District 75
$1,000 6/07/2010 Robert Schor, 2419 Stuart St. Brooklyn, NY
$1,000 6/07/2010 188 Claremont, LLC, 73 Spring St. Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 6/07/2010 123 LaSalle Assocs., 73 Spring St. Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 6/07/2010 Coolcal, LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila, PA
$1,000 6/07/2010 470 W 166, LLC, 73 Spring St. Rm 408 NYC

Bill Hixon, House District 83
$1,000 10/19/2010 Irwin A Zamore, 10 Old Jackson Ave, Haskin on Hudson, NY
$1,000 10/19/2010 Mango LLC, Prof Corporation, 1420 Walnut St, Ste 101, Phila. PA
$1,000 10/19/2010 Coolcal LLC Prof Corp, 1420 Walnut St, Ste 101 Phila. PA
$1,000 10/19/2010 Paul R Farago, PO Box 8907, Asheville, NC
$1,000 10/19/2010 Jeffrey S Kruman, 31 Evergreen Row, Armonk, NY

Rep. Roland Smith, House District 84
$1,000 5/30/2010 470 W 166 LLC, 73 Spring St. Rm. 408 NYC
$1,000 5/27/2010 188 Claremont LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 5/27/2010 123 Lasalle Assocs. 1420 Walnut St. Ste. 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 5/21/2010 Rich Lending Corp., 1420 Walnut St. Ste. 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 5/21/2010 Coolcal LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste. 1011, Phila. PA

Rep. Chip Huggins, House District 85
$1,000 10/19/2010 CoolCal llc Prof. Corp., 1420 Walmut St., Phila., PA
$1,000 10/19/2010 Mango LLC Prof. Corp., 1420 walnut St., Phila., PA
$1,000 10/19/2010 Paul Farago, P.O. box 8907, Asheville, NC

Rep. James Stewart, House District 86
$1,000 3/23/2010 Rich Lending Corp, 1420 Walnut St STE 1011 Phila., PA
$1,000 3/16/2010 Anita Anderson, 1161 Rhode Island St., San Francisco, CA
$1,000 2/05/2010 Paul R Farago, PO Box 8907, Asheville, NC
$1,000 2/05/2010 Robert Schor, 2419 Stuart St. Brooklyn, NY
$1,000 2/05/2010 Ronald Silverstein, 2940 West 5th St. Apt 12B, Brooklyn, NY
$1,000 5/26/2010 470 W 166 LLC, 73 Spring St., Rm. 408 NYC
$1,000 5/17/2010 188 Claremont LLC, 73 Spring St. Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 5/17/2010 123 LaSalle Assocs. A P’Ship, 73 Spring St. Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 5/17/2010 Silver & Silver Props., LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 5/14/2010 Coolcal LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila. PA

Bill Taylor, House District 86
$1,000 7/02/2010 Silver & Silver Props. LLC 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 7/02/2010 Mango LLC 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 7/02/2010 Bradford Mgmt of NY, 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 7/02/2010 188 Claremont LLC, 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 7/02/2010 Spinksville II LLC 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila., PA

Rep. Kenny Bingham, House District 89
$1,000 1/12/2010 Silver & Silver Properties 73 Spring St. Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 1/12/2010 332 E11, LLC, 73 Spring St. Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 1/12/2010 538-14 Realty LLC, 73 Spring St. NYC
$1,000 1/12/2010 188 Claremont, LLC, 73 Spring St. NYC
$1,000 1/12/2010 4220 Broadway LLC, 73 Spring St., NYC

Charles H. Stoudemire Jr., House District 93
$1,000 10/14/2010 Mango LLC 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA
$1,000 10/14/2010 123 Lasalle Asso. 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA
$1,000 10/14/2010 Spinksville ll LLC 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA
$1,000 10/14/2010 Rich Lending Corp. 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA
$1,000 10/14/2010 Spinksville lll LLC 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA
$1,000 10/14/2010 Stilrich LLC 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA
$1,000 10/14/2010 Bradford Mgmt of NY,Inc 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA

Rep. Annette Young, House District 98
$1,000 1/08/2010 332 E 11 LLC, 73 Spring St Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 1/08/2010 Rich Lending, 73 Spring St Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 1/08/2010 188 Claremont LLC, 73 Spring St Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 1/08/2010 Silver & Silver Properties LLC, 73 Spring St Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 1/08/2010 538-14 Realty LLC, 73 Spring St. Rm 408 NYC

Christopher Murphy, House District 98
$1,000 10/18/2010 Jeffrey S. Kruman, 31 Evergreen Row, Armonk, NY
$1,000 10/18/2010 Paul R. Farago, PO Box 8907, Asheville, NC
$1,000 10/18/2010 Robert Costello, 2135 Sherman ave, Evanston, IL
$1,000 10/18/2010 Irwin A. Zamore, PO Box 8907, Asheville NC
$1,000 10/18/2010 Coolcal LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila, PA

Rep. James Merrill, House District 99
$1,000 1/07/2010 4220 Broadway LLC, 73 Spring St Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 1/06/2010 Silver & Silver Properties LLC, 73 Spring St Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 1/06/2010 538-14 Realty LLC, 73 Spring St Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 1/06/2010 188 Claremont LLC, 73 Spring St Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 1/06/2010 332 E 11 LLC A Partnership, 73 Spring St Rm 408 NYC

John C. Pinckney, House District 101
$1,000 5/17/2010 188 Claremount LLC, 73 Sping St NYC
$1,000 5/17/2010 Silver & Silver Props., 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011 Phila., PA
$1,000 5/14/2010 Coolcal LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 5/17/2010 Kathleen J. Wikstrom, 1112 River Oaks, Benton, AR

Rep. Tracy Edge, House District 104
$1,000 12/12/09 332 East 11 LLC, 73 Spring St Ste 408 NYC
$1,000 12/07/09 538 - 14 Realty, 73 Spring St Ste 408 NYC
$1,000 12/07/09 4220 Broadway LLC, 73 Spring St NYC
$1,000 12/02/09 Silver & Silver Properties, 73 Spring St Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 11/24/09 188 Claremont LLC, 73 Spring St Ste 408 NYC

Rep. Nelson Hardwick, House District 106
$1,000 6/10/2010 Bradford Mgmt of NY, Inc, 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 6/10/2010 470 W 166 LLC, 73 Spring St. Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 6/01/2010 CoolCal LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste. 1011 NYC
$1,000 6/01/2010 123 Lasalle Associates, 73 Spring St. Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 6/01/2010 188 Claremont LLC, 73 Spring St. Rm 408 NYC

Rep. Michael Sottile, House District 112
$1,000 5/29/2010 Coolcal LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Suite 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 5/29/2010 Rich Lending Corp, 73 Spring St., Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 5/29/2010 Stilrich LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Suite 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 5/29/2010 Bradford Mgmt of NY, Inc., 73 Spring St. Ste 408 NYC
$1,000 5/29/2010 Silver & Silver Properties LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 5/29/2010 123 Lasalle Associates, 73 Spring St., Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 5/29/2010 332 E 11 LLC, 73 Spring St., Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 5/29/2010 188 Clarmont LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 6/12/2010 West 14 & 18 LLC, 73 Spring St. Rm 408 NYC

Peter M. McCoy, House District 115
$1,000 10/20/2010 Stilrich LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/20/2010 332 E. 11 LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 10/20/2010 Bradford Mgmt of NY, Inc., 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/20/2010 Cobden LLC, 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/20/2010 188 Claremont LLC, 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/20/2010 123 LaSalle Assocs., 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/20/2010 538-14 Realty LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/20/2010 Guy Calvert, 1930 Cowpers St., Palo Alto, CA
$1,000 10/20/2010 Irwin A Zamore, 10 Old Jackson Ave., 72 Hastings on Hudson, NY
$1,000 10/20/2010 Paul R Farago, PO Box 8907, Ashville, NC

Benjamin Ward, Jr., House District 116
$1,000 4/21/2010 Bradford Mgmt of NY, 73 Spring St., Rm. 408 NYC
$1,000 4/21/2010 Rich Lending Corp., 1420 Walnut St., Ste 101 Phila., PA
$1,000 4/21/2010 Stilrich, LLC, 73 Spring St., NYC

Jermaine Husser, House District 117
$1,000 6/09/2010 123 Lasalle Inc., 73 Spring St. Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 5/28/2010 Kathleen Wikstrom, 1112 River Oaks, Benton, AR
$1,000 5/25/2010 Silver & Silver Prop. LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 5/25/2010 Rich Lending Corp, 73 Spring St Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 5/25/2010 123 LaSalle Ass.-A P’ship, 73 Spring St Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 5/25/2010 332 E. 11 LLC-A P’ship, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 101, Phila. PA
$1,000 5/25/2010 Stilrich LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 5/25/2010 188 Claremont LLC, 73 Spring St. Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 5/25/2010 Coolcal LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA
$1,000 5/25/2010 Bradford Mgmt of NY Inc, 73 Spring St. Rm 408 NYC

William E. “Bill” Crosby, House District 117
$1,000 7/20/2010 Bradford Mgmt of NY, Inc. 1420 Walnut St., Ste.1011, Phila, PA
$1,000 7/20/2010 Spinksville II LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste.1011, Phila, PA
$1,000 7/20/2010 Silver& Silver Props, LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste.1011, Phila, PA
$1,000 7/20/2010 188 Claremont, LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste.1011, Phila, PA
$1,000 7/20/2010 Mango, LLC 1420 Walnut St., Ste.1011, Phila, PA

Rep. Bill Herbkersman House District 118
$1,000 3/22/2010 Stilrich LLC 73 Spring St. Rm. 408 NYC
$1,000 3/22/2010 123 Lasalle Assocs., A Partnership, 73 Spring St. Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 3/22/2010 Rich Lending Corp., 1420 Walnut St., STE.1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 3/22/2010 188 Claremont LLC, 73 Spring St. Rm 507 NYC
$1,000 3/22/2010 332 E.11 LLC, A Partnership, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila. PA

Donald L. “Lee” Edwards, Jr., House District 119
$1,000 10/08/2010 123 LaSalle Assocs. 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/08/2010 Spinksville III, LLC, 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/08/2010 Rich Lending Corp., 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/05/2010 Mango LLC, 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/04/2010 Stillrich LLC, 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/04/2010 Paul Farago, PO Box 8097, Asheville, NC
$1,000 10/04/2010 Bradford Mgmt of NY 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/04/2010 Silver & Silver Props. LLC 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/04/2010 Coolcal LLC 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 10/04/2010 323 E. 11 LLC 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila., PA

Rep. Curtis Brantley, House District 122
$1,000 3/19/2010 332 E. 11 LLC 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA
$1,000 3/19/2010 123 Lasalle Assoc.73 Spring St. NYC
$1,000 3/19/2010 Stilrich, 73 Spring St. NYC
$1,000 3/19/2010 Rich Lending Corp., 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA
$1,000 3/19/2010 188 Claremont, 73 Spring St. NYC
$1,000 4/30/2010 Bradford Mgmt of NY, 73 Spring St. NYC
$1,000 4/28/2010 Robert Schor, 2419 Stuart St., Brooklyn, NY
$1,000 5/24/2010 Silver & Silver Props., LLC 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA
$1,000 5/24/2010 Coolcal LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Phila. PA
$1,000 6/02/2010 Kathleen J. Wikstrom, 1112 River Oaks, Benton, AR
$1,000 6/02/2010 Peter Petruzzi, 1165 Francisco St., San Francisco, CA
$1,000 6/02/2010 Anita Anderson, 1181 Rhode Island St., San Francisco, CA
$1,000 6/02/2010 Paul R. Farago, P. O. Box 8907, Asheville, NC
$1,000 6/08/2010 123 Lasalle, Inc., 73 Spring St. NYC
$1,000 6/08/2010 West 14&18 LLC, 73 Spring St. NYC

Rep. Richard Chalk, House District 123
$1,000 6/15/2010 Spinksville II LLC, 1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 6/15/2010 Rich Lending Corp, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 6/15/2010 Coolcal LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 6/15/2010 Stilrich LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 6/15/2010 Cobden LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011 Phila PA
$1,000 6/01/2010 470 W 166 LLC, 73 Spring St. Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 5/25/2010 123 Lasalle Assocs., 73 Spring St., Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 5/25/2010 188 Claremont LLC, 73 Spring St., Rm 408 NYC
$1,000 5/25/2010 Rich Lending Corp, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila PA
$1,000 5/25/2010 Coolcal LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila. PA

Andrew S. Patrick, House District 123
$1,000 10/04/2010 188 Claremont LLC 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila PA
$1,000 10/01/2010 Joseph Stilwell 26 Broadway, Fl 23, NYC
$1,000 9/30/2010 Paul Farago PO Box 8907, Asheville, NC
$1,000 9/30/2010 Charles Albers 340 S. Palm Ave., Unit 512, Sarasota, FL
$1,000 9/29/2010 Robert & Suzanne Costello, 2135 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL

Rep. Shannon Erickson, House District 124
$1,000 7/07/2010 CoolCal LLC 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011 Phila., PA
$1,000 7/03/2010 123 LaSalle Assocs., 73 Spring St., Rm 408 NYC

Sen. Darrell Jackson, Senate District 21
$1,000 6/02/2010 470 W 166 LLC, 73 Spring St. NYC
$1,000 6/01/2010 Rich Lending Corp. , 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila. PA
$1,000 6/01/2010 Coolcal LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 6/01/2010 322 E. 11 LLC A P’ship, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 6/01/2010 Silver & Silver Props. LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 6/01/2010 188 Claremont LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 6/01/2010 123 Lasalle Assocs. A P’ship, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$1,000 6/02/2010 Robert Schor, 2419 Stuart St., Brooklyn, NY
$1,000 6/02/2010 Stilrich, LLC, 73 Spring St., NYC
$1,000 6/02/2010 Bradford Mgmt. of NY, Inc.73 Spring St., NYC

Treasurer Converse Chellis (candidate for Treasurer)
$3,500 6/02/2010 Mark W Dane, 1500 Lexington Ave, NYC
$3,500 6/02/2010 123 Lasalle Assocs., 1420 Walnut St, Phila., PA
$3,500 6/02/2010 188 Claremont LLC, 1420 Walnut St, Phila PA
$3,500 6/02/2010 Yvonne Rich, 2111 West Rd, Mountain Home, AR

Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom
$3,500 10/22/2010 Stilrich LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA
$3,500 10/22/2010 Mango LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA

Sen. Robert Ford (candidate for Governor)
$3,500 6/10/2010 Yvonne Rich, 2111 West Rd., Mountain Home, AZ
$3,500 6/07/2010 123 Lasalle Assocs., 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$3,500 6/07/2010 123 Lasalle, Inc., 73 Spring St., Rm 408, NYC
$3,500 6/07/2010 Rich Lending Corp, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA
$3,500 6/04/2010 188 Claremont, LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

Ken Ard, Candidate, Lt. Governor
$3,500 10/01/2010 Spinksville III LLC 73 Spring St. NYC
$3,500 10/01/2010 Paul Farago PO Box 8907, Asheville, NC

Rich's Voucher Lobbying Groups in South Carolina

2010-10-15T10:54:00.000-07:00

South Carolinians for Responsible Government

In 2003, a voucher lobbying group called “South Carolinians for Responsible Government” was registered with the Secretary of State by Todd McCauley, then a field representative for Howard Rich's "U.S. Term Limits" organization. McCauley was replaced as president of SCRG in 2005 by Randy Page, after sending several letters to the editor of The State newspaper under a false name.

In May 2006, SCRG's spokesman Denver Merrill dismissed claims that the organization was funded by out-of-state interests, calling the allegation "laughable," according to The State newspaper. However, SCRG's earliest tax filing listed the Chicago telephone number of U.S Term Limits as its own. The group's website, prior to December 2006, was registered to "Americans for Limited Government," an entity chaired by Howard Rich.According to tax records, SCRG received over $1.0 million in funding in 2005, and an additional $3.0 million in 2006. SCRG filed a lawsuit against the State Ethics Commission in 2006 to keep its financial backing a secret. Although the suit was thrown out in November 2006, SCRG has yet to fully disclose the origin of this funding. SCRG received an additional $1.3 million in funding in 2007, according to tax filings.

It is now widely accepted that SCRG is "one of several entities funded by New York millionaire Howard Rich and his associates that has navigated loopholes in state laws in past elections to support candidates who promote their agenda." (Spartanburg Herald-Journal 12/11/08). UPDATE: SCRG received $580,000 from Howard Rich's "Americans for Limited Government" in 2008, according to tax filings.

South Carolina Club for Growth
Howard Rich is director of a national organization called “Club for Growth State Action,” which oversees and supports seven state affiliates, including the pro-voucher South Carolina Club for Growth. The S.C. Club for Growth shares office facilities with South Carolinians for Responsible Government.

The South Carolina Club for Growth's political action committee contributed $18,000 to the campaigns of Howard Rich-backed candidates in 2006, and another $20,000 in 2008.

Voucher Lobbying Groups Targeted at African-Americans

From 2004 to 2006, three voucher groups targeted at African-Americans were formed in South Carolina: the SC Center for Grassroots, Clergy for Educational Options, and the Southern Association of Independent Black Schools. According to the Secretary of State's Office, all three of the groups were formed from the same address (1620 Gervais Street Suite B, Columbia, SC) which was the address of South Carolinians for Responsible Government.

As of 2007, South Carolinians for Responsible Government, the South Carolina Club for Growth, and the Center for Grassroots shared an office at 3020 Devine Street, Columbia.
The latest tax filing available (2007) for the Center for Grassroots and Community Alternatives shows the center received the majority of its funding from the Parents in Charge Foundation (Howard Rich, president) and the Friedman Foundation (Howard Rich, director).

Another recent example is the "South Carolina Association of Independent Schools Serving Minority Children," a pro-voucher organization headed by lobbyist Sherry Street. According to a 2005 newsletter of School Choice Wisconsin, Sherry Street "accepted a job with the the LEAD Foundation in South Carolina lobbying for the Put Parents in Charge tax credit bill." Howard Rich is the president and chairman of the Virginia-based LEAD Foundation. UPDATE: In 2008, the "South Carolina Association of Independent Schools Serving Minority Children" received over $30,000 in funding from Howard Rich's U.S. Term Limits Foundation, according to tax filings.

Conservatives in Action

In 2006, a voucher lobbying group calling itself Conservatives in Action (CIA) appeared in upstate South Carolina. The group supported pro-voucher candidates in South Carolina politcial contests in 2006 and 2008, and sponsored negative attack television advertisements during a 2007 Supreme Court election.

CIA spokesman Taft Matney denied the organization was funded from outside South Carolina, but has consistently declined to reveal the group's membership or funding. Early tax filings for CIA show that the group used the same telephone number as Howard Rich's "U.S. Term Limits" and "Americans for Limited Government" organizations. Subsequent tax filings also demonstrate that CIA received funding from national organizations tied to Howard Rich.

What you can do

First, vote smart. Use the State Ethics Commission website and FollowTheMoney.Org to find out where candidates are getting their funding.

Next, tell your lawmaker that you want our ethics laws fixed to prevent the excessive influence of wealthy individuals through the "LLC Loophole."

Finally, raise awareness by writing a letter to the editor of your newspaper, or just forwarding this website address to a friend.