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.
 
Howard Rich has 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.

2012 Update

Contributions from Howard Rich and associates in 2012:

Joshua Putnam – House District 10

$1000  06/01/2012,  Michael Dokupil,  PMB 410, Houston, TX

$1000  06/01/2012,  123 Lasalle, Inc, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA

$1000  06/01/2012,  West 14 & 18 LP, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA

$1000  05/03/2012,  Rich & Rich Assocs. , 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA

$1000  05/02/2012,  Coolcal LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA

$1000  05/02/2012,  Stilrich LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA

$1000  05/02/2012,  Spinksville III LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA

$1000  05/02/2012,  188 Claremont LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA

$1000  05/01/2012,  Paul R. Farago, PO Box 8907, Asheville, NC

$1000  04/30/2012,  Cobden LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA

Samuel Rivers, Jr. – House District 15

$1000  06/20/2012,  Michael Dokupil,  4212 San Felipe St. PMB 410, Houston, TX

$1000  06/18/2012,  Paul Farago,  P O Box 8907,  Ashville, NC

$1000  06/14/2012,  Cobden LLC,  1420 Walnut St. Ste. 1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  06/06/2012,  Silver & Silver Props. LLC,  1420 Walnut St. Ste. 1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  06/05/2012,  Robert Schor,  2419 Sturt St.,  Brooklyn, NY

$1000  06/05/2012,  Charles Albers,  340 S. Palm Ave,  Sarasota, FL

Eric Bedingfield – House District 28

$1000  11/09/2012,  West 14 & 18 LP, 1420 Walnut St. Ste. 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  11/09/2012, 188 Claremont LLC,  1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  11/09/2012,  Stilrich LLC,  1420 Walnut St. Ste. 1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  11/09/2012,  Michael E Dokupil,  4212 San Felipe St. PMB 410,  Houston, TX

$1000  11/09/2012,  Paul R Farago,  PO BOX 8907, Asheville, NC

William Chumley – House District 35

$1000  06/01/2012,  Michael and Susanna Dokupil, 4212 San Felipe St., Houston, TX

$1000  06/01/2012,  Paul Farago,  P.O. 8907,  Asheville, NC

$1000  06/01/2012,  Cobden LLC,  1420 Walnut St. Ste.1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  06/01/2012,  51 First Avenue LLC,  1420 Walnut St. Ste.1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  06/01/2012,  538-14 Realty LLC,  1420 Walnut St. Ste.1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  06/01/2012,  332 E. 11 LLC,  1420 Walnut St. Ste.1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  06/01/2012,  470 West 166 LLC,  1420 Walnut St. Ste.1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  06/01/2012,  123 Lasalle, Inc,  1420 Walnut St. Ste.1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  06/01/2012,  West 14 & 18 LP,  1420 Walnut St. Ste.1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  06/01/2012,  Silver & Silver Prop. LLC,  1420 Walnut St. Ste.1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  06/01/2012,  Mango LLC,  1420 Walnut St. Ste.1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  06/01/2012,  188 Claremont LLC,  1420 Walnut St. Ste.1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  06/01/2012,  Cool Cal LLC,  1420 Walnut St. Ste.1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  06/01/2012,  Spinksville III LLC,  1420 Walnut St. Ste.1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  06/01/2012,  StilRich LLC,  1420 Walnut St. Ste.1011,  Phila., PA

Heather Crawford – House District 68

$1000  11/05/2012, Rich & Rich Assocs., 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA

$1000  11/05/2012,  Cobden LLC,  1420 Walnut St, Phila., PA

Nelson Hardwick – House District 106

$1000  06/04/2012, Michael E. Dokupil,  4212 San Felipe St., Houston, TX

$1000  06/04/2012,  Paul R. Farago, P.O. Box 8907,  Asheville, NC

$1000  06/04/2012,  188 Claremont LLC,  1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011,  Phila., PA

Rex Rice – Senate District 2

$1000  10/23/2012,  332 E. 11 LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Suite 1011, Philadelphia, PA

$1000  10/23/2012, Paul Forago, P. O. Box 8907, Ashville, NC

$1000  10/23/2012,  John Kirtley,  339 S. Plant Ave.,  Tampa, FL

$1000  10/23/2012,  Michael Dokupil,  4212 San Felipe St. PMB 410,  Houston, TX

$1000  10/23/2012,  Charles Albers, 340 S. Palm Ave., Unit 512, Sarasota, FL

$1000  10/23/2012,  Ronald Silverstein,  604 Neptune Ave., Brooklyn, NY

$1000  10/23/2012,  Ashborough Investors LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Suite 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/23/2012,  Coolcal LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/23/2012,  51 First Avenue LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Suite 1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  10/23/2012,  538-14 Realty LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  10/23/2012,  Bayrich LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  10/23/2012,  Mango LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/23/2012,  Cobden LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  10/23/2012,  Rich & Rich Assocs., 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/23/2012,  Dayrich LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Suite 1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  10/23/2012,  Spinksville III LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  10/23/2012,  Rich Acquisitions,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  10/23/2012,  Newrich LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/23/2012,  Silver & Silver Props. LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/23/2012,  Springrich Ltd. P’ship,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/23/2012,  Spooner LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/23/2012,  Stilrich LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/23/2012,  470 West 166 LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/20/2012,  7513 Parker Circle LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/20/2012,  188 Claremont LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

Kevin Bryant – Senate District 3

$1000  05/28/2012,  Michael & Susanna Dokupil, 3617 Albans, Houston, TX

$1000  05/28/2012,  Vanguard Prime MMF., 1420 Walnut St. Ste. 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/14/2012,  Paul Farago,  PO Box 8907,  Asheville, NC

$1000  05/14/2012,  Robert Schor,  2419 Stuart St.,  Brooklyn, NY

$1000  05/14/2012,  Cobden LLC,  1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  05/14/2012,  Spinksville LLC,  1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  05/14/2012,  Silver & Silver,  1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  05/14/2012,  Coolcal LLC,  1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  05/14/2012,  188 Claremont LLC,  1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011,  Phila., PA

Thomas Corbin – Senate District 5

$1000  05/24/2012,  Charles Albers,  340 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL

$1000  05/24/2012,  Michael Dokupil,  4212 San Felipe St, Houston, TX

$1000  05/24/2012,  Spinksville III,  1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/24/2012,  Cobden,  1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/24/2012,  Stilrich,  1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/24/2012,  188 Claremont,  1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/24/2012,  Coolcal,  1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/24/2012,  Silver & Silver Props. ,  1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/24/2012,  Paul Farago,  P.O. Box 8907,  Asheville, NC

$1000  05/14/2012,  Robert Barnett,  2728 Kings Hwy,  Brooklyn, NY

Mike Fair – Senate District 6

$1000  10/09/2012,  Paul Farago,  PO Box 8907, Asheville, NC

$1000  10/09/2012,  Rich & Rich Assocs., 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/09/2012,  Cobden LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/09/2012,  Mango LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/09/2012,  Spinksville III LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/09/2012,  188 Claremont LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/09/2012,  470 West 166 LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/09/2012,  7513 Parker Circle LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

David Thomas – Senate District 8

$1000  05/25/2012,  West 14 & 18 LP,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/25/2012,  470 West 166 LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/25/2012,  332 E. 11 LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/25/2012,  51 First Avenue LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/25/2012,  Mango LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/25/2012,  Bradford Mgmt of NY, Inc.,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/25/2012,  Rich & Rich Assocs.,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/25/2012,  Michael E. Dokupil,  4212 San Felipe St., PMB 410, Houston, TX

$1000  05/25/2012,  123 LaSalle, Inc.,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/25/2012,  Ashborough Investors LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/25/2012,  538-14 Realty LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/25/2012,  Stilrich LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/25/2012,  Cobden LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/25/2012,  CoolCal LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/25/2012,  Ronald Silverstein, 1940 West 5th St.,  Brooklyn, NY

$1000  05/25/2012,  Paul R. Farago,  P. O. Box 8907,  Asheville, NC

$1000  05/25/2012,  Charles E. Albers,  340 S. Palm Ave., Unit 512,  Sarasota, FL

$1000  05/25/2012,  Spinksville III LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/25/2012,  Silver & Silver Props. LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/24/2012,  188 Claremont LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

Jennings G. McAbee Sr. - Senate District 10

$1000  10/30/2012,  51 Forest Ave, LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Suite 1013, Phila., PA

$1000  10/30/2012, Cool Cal, LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Phila.. PA

$1000  10/30/2012, Mango Corp., 1402 Walnut St., Phila.. PA

$1000  10/30/2012, Ashborough Corp., 1420 Walnut St., Phila.. PA

$1000  10/30/2012, Corbin, LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Phila.. PA

$1000  10/30/2012, Rich & Rich, 1420 Walnut St., Phila.. PA

$1000  10/30/2012, Spinksville, LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Phila.. PA

$1000  10/28/2012, Charles Atbers [Albers], 340 South Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL

$1000  10/28/2012, 7513 Parker Crucel, LLC, 1220 Walnut St., Phila., PA

$1000  10/28/2012, 188 Clairmont, LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Phila.. PA

$1000  10/28/2012, 470 West 166, LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Suite 1012, Phila.. PA

$1000  10/27/2012, Paul Favago [Farago], Box 8907, Ashville, NC

$1000  10/27/2012, Robert Schor, 2419 Stuart St., Brooklyn, NY

$1000  10/23/2012, Tucker 49, LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA

$1000  10/23/2012, Stilrich, LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA

Kerry Wood – Senate District 11

$1000  10/31/2012,  123 Lasalle Associates, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/31/2012,  Streetrich LLC, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/31/2012,  51 First Ave LLC, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/31/2012,  West 14 & 18 LP, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/30/2012,  332 E 11 LLC, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/24/2012,  Charles Albers,  340 S Palm Ave, Unit 512,  Sarasota, FL

$1000  10/24/2012,  John Kirtley,  339 S. Plant Ave,  Tampa, FL

$1000  10/24/2012,  7513 Parker Circle LLC ,  1420 Walnut St Ste 1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  10/24/2012,  Robert Schor,  2419 Stuart St,  Brooklyn, NY

$1000  10/24/2012,  Paul Farago, PO Box 8907, Asheville, NC

$1000  10/24/2012,  Cobden LLC, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/24/2012,  470 West 166 LLC, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/24/2012,  188 Claremont LLC, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/24/2012,  Mango LLC, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/24/2012,  Ashborough Investors LLC, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/24/2012,  Rich and Rich Associs. , 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/24/2012,  Spinksville III LLC, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/24/2012,  Stilrich LLC, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/24/2012,  Coolcal LLC, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/24/2012,  Silver & Silver LLC, 1420 Walnut St Ste 1011, Phila., PA

Lee Bright – Senate District 12

$1000  05/01/2012,  Silver & Silver Properties, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/01/2012,  Spinksville III LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/01/2012,  Stillrich LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/01/2012,  Coolcal LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/01/2012,  Cobden LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/01/2012,  Paul Farago,  PO Box 8907,  Ashville NC

$1000  04/30/2012,  188 Claremont LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  04/29/2012,  Floyd Zaremba, 2286 Brigham St. Apt. 6C, Brooklyn, NY

$1000  04/03/2012,  Charles Albers, 340 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL

Joe Thompson – Senate District 15

$1000  10/29/2012, Coolcal LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/29/2012,  Bayrich LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA   

$1000  10/27/2012,  Asborough Investors LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/26/2012,  John Kirtley, 339 S. Plant Ave., Tampa, FL

$1000  10/26/2012,  Paul R. Farago, PO Box 8907, Asheville, NC

$1000  10/26/2012,  7513 Parker Circle LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Suite 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/26/2012,  Charles E. Albers, 340 S. Palm Ave. unit 512, Sarasota, FL

$1000  10/26/2012,  Ronald Silverstein, 604 Neptune Ave., Brooklyn, NY

$1000  10/26/2012,  Michael E Dokupil, 4212 San Felipe St. PMB 410, Houston, TX

$1000  10/25/2012,  188 Claremont LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/25/2012,  332 E. 11 LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/25/2012,  538-14 Realty LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/25/2012,  470 West 166 LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/25/2012,  123 LaSalle Associates, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/25/2012,  51 First Avenue LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/22/2012,  Cobden LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Suite 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/22/2012,  Mango LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/22/2012,  Dayrich LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila. PA

$1000  10/21/2012,  Springrich Ltd P’ship, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/21/2012,  Wild Rose Ventures LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/21/2012,  Tucker 49 LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/21/2012,  Stilrich LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/21/2012,  Spinksville, LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/21/2012,  Streetrich LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila. PA

$1000  10/19/2012,  Silver & Silver Props. LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/19/2012, Spooner LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila. PA

$1000  10/19/2012,  Rich Acquisitions LLC, 1420 Walnut Street Suite 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/19/2012,  Rich & Rich Assocs., 1420 Walnut Street Suite 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/19/2012,  Rich & Rich LLC, 1420 Walnut Street Suite 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/19/2012,  Newrich LLC, 1420 Walnut Street Suite 1011, Phila., PA

Shane Massey, Senate District 25

$1000  05/09/2012,  Michael Dokupil,  4212 San Felipe St., Houston, TX

$1000  05/02/2012,  Spinksville III, LLC,  1420 Walnut St.,  Phila., PA

$1000  05/01/2012,  Charles Albers,  340 S. Palm Ave.,  Sarasota, FL

$1000  05/01/2012,  Paul Farago,  P.O. Box 8907,  Asheville, NC

$1000  05/01/2012,  Robert Barnett,  2728 Kings Highway,  Brooklyn, NY

Greg Hembree, Senate District 28

$1000  10/31/2012,  7513 Parker Circle LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA

$1000  10/31/2012,  Silver & Silver Props. LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA

$1000  10/26/2012,  Paul Farago,  PO Box 8907, Ashville, NC

$1000  10/26/2012,  Robert Schor,  2419 Stuart St,  Brooklyn, NY

$1000  10/26/2012,  Spinksville III LLC,  1420 Walnut St Ste. 1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  10/26/2012,  188 Claremont LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA

$1000  10/26/2012,  Coolcal LLC,  1420 Walnut St.,  Phila., PA

$1000  10/26/2012,  Mango LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA

$1000  10/26/2012,  Ashborough Investors LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA

$1000  10/26/2012,  Rich & Rich Assocs.,  1420 Walnut St., Phila., PA

           

Tony Barwick, Senate District 35

$1000  10/19/2012,  188 Claremont LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/19/2012,  332 E. 11 LLC A Partnership, 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/19/2012,  51 First Avenue LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/19/2012,  Silver & Silver Props., LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/19/2012,  Cobden LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  10/19/2012,  Dayrich LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/19/2012,  Stilrich LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  10/19/2012,  Spooner LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/19/2012,  Spinksville III LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/19/2012,  Springrich Ltd. P’ship, 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/19/2012,  Howard Rich Sole Prop., 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/19/2012,  West 14 & 18 LP,  1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  10/19/2012,  Mango LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  10/19/2012,  Rich and Rich Assoc., 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila. PA

$1000  10/19/2012,  Newrich LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011,  Phila. PA

$1000  10/19/2012,  538-14 Realty LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila. PA

$1000  10/19/2012,  Coolcal LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/19/2012,  Ashborough Investors LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/19/2012,  Ronald Silverstein, 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/19/2012,  7513 Parker Circle LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/19/2012,  470 West 166 LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  10/19/2012,  Paul R Farago, PO Box 8907, Asheville, NC

$1000  10/19/2012,  Charles E Albers,  340 S Palm Ave, Unit 512,  Sarasota, FL

$1000  10/19/2012,  Michael E Dokupil,  4212 San Felipe St PMB 410,  Houston, TX

$1000  10/19/2012,  John Kirtley,  339 S. Plant Avenue,  Tampa, FL

Larry Grooms – Senate District 37

$1000  08/06/2012,  Michael Dokupil,  4212 San Felipe St. PMB 410,  Houston, TX

$1000  08/06/2012,  Paul Farago,  P O Box 8907,  Asheville, NC

$1000  08/06/2012,  188 Claremont LLC,  1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  08/06/2012,  Stilrich LLC,  1420 Walnut St, Ste 1011,  Phila., PA

$1000  08/06/2012,  West 14 & 18 LP,  1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila., PA

Michael Rose – Senate District 38

$1000  05/25/2012,  Spinksville III LLC  1420 Walnut St. Ste. 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/25/2012,  Stilrich LLC, 1420 Walnut St/ Ste 1011, Phila. PA

$1000  05/25/2012,  Silver & Silver, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/25/2012,  Cobden LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/25/2012,  West 14 & 18 LP, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/25/2012,  Rich & Rich Assocs., 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila. PA

$1000  05/25/2012,  123 LaSalle, Inc., 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/25/2012,  188 Claremont LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/25/2012,  Coolcal LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila. PA

$1000  05/25/2012,  Michael E Dokupil, 4212 San Felipe St. PMB 410, Houston, TX

$1000  05/24/2012,  Bradford Mgmt of NY, Inc., 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/24/2012,  Mango LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/24/2012,  538-14 Realty LLC, 1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/24/2012,  Ashborough Investors LLC, 1430 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/24/2012,  Charles E. Albers, 340 S. Palm Ave, Unit 512, Sarasota, FL

$1000  05/24/2012,  Floyd Zaremba, 2286 Brigham St. Apt 6C, Brooklyn, NY

$1000  05/24/2012,  Paul Farago, PO Box 8907, Asheville, NC

$1000  05/24/2012,  51 First Avenue LLC, 2530 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/24/2012,  470 West 166 LLC,  1420 Walnut St. Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/24/2012,  332 E. 11 LLC A Partnership,  1420 Walnut St. Ste 101, Phila., PA

Paul Thurmond – Senate District 41

$1000  10/11/2012,  Mango LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  09/26/2012,  Codben LLC, 1420 Walnut St.; Ste 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  09/11/2012,  Ashborough Investors LLC,  1420 Walnut St.; Ste 1011, Phila., PA

Robert Ford – Senate District 42

$1000  05/31/2012,  Cobden LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/22/2012,  332 E. 11 LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/17/2012,  51 First Avenue LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/03/2012,  538-14 Realty, LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/01/2012,  Sprinksville III, LLC, 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 1011, Phila., PA

$1000  05/01/2012,  Paul R Farago,  PO Box 8907,  Asheville, NC

$1000  04/30/2012,  Ronald Silverstein,  PO Box 21302,  Brooklyn, NY

$1000  04/03/2012,  Charles E Albers,  340 S Palm Ave, Unit 312,  Sarasota, FL

Rich's Voucher Lobbying Groups in South Carolina

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," $890,500 from Howard Rich's "Legislative Education Action Drive," and $52,500 from Howard Rich's "Parents in Charge Foundation" in 2008, according to tax filings. In 2009, SCRG received $321,000 from Howard Rich's "Americans for Limited Government," $245,000 from Howard Rich's "Legislative Education Action Drive," and $55,000 from Howard Rich's "Parents in Charge Foundation."
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.