Philly Council considers tougher standards on anonymous campaign ads

A change to Philadelphia’s code of ethics would add new reporting requirements for independent groups that can influence the outcome of an election. 

 

 

The election landscape has changed significantly in the past few years, giving independent political committees that are not affiliated with a candidate a major influence in elections with the use of “dark money.”

A bill under consideration in City Council would address the issue, said Michael Cooke, the Board of Ethics’ director of enforcement.

“It would impose new reporting requirements  on any person, including a political committee, other than a candidate’s political committee, or a not-for-profit organization that makes or incurs expenditures for electioneering communications in excess of $5,000 within the 50 days prior to the election,” Cooke said.

The goal of the bill is to make sure everyone knows the source behind ads touting — or disparaging — candidates.  After passage by a City Council committee, the bill now goes to the full Council for consideration.