DOCSLIB.ORG

The Koch Brothers and Koch Industries – Part 2

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Koch Brothers and Koch Industries – Part 2 The Koch Brothers and Koch Industries – Part 2 Like Art Pope, David and Charles inherited their wealth from their father, Fred. Initially, the wealth came from business that was limited to oil and chemical engineering but has grown considerably. Koch (pronounced “Coke”) Industries currently consists of twelve corporations, and numerous subsidiaries. As most of these companies deal with oil, gas, refineries or transportation of, These corporations, many are world-wide, include: Flint Hills Resources, LLC operates fuel refineries in Minnesota, Texas and Alaska. The company also produces & markets petrochemicals, ethanol, biofuels and asphalt; and owns 50% interests in a lubricants base oil facility in Louisiana. Koch Pipeline Company, LP operates more than 4,000 miles of pipelines that transport crude oil, refined petroleum products, ethanol, natural gas liquids and chemicals. Georgia-Pacific LLC , based in Atlanta and its subsidiaries are among the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of paper and wood products. Koch Fertilizers, again, among the world’s largest producers and marketers of fertilizer with the capability to market and distribute more than 13 million tons of fertilizer products annually. 1 Part 2 Koch Chemical Technology Group, LLC and its subsidiaries help deliver cleaner air and water worldwide by specializing in process and pollution control equipment. Koch Membrane Systems, Inc. includes Koch Heat Transfer Company, John Zink Hamworthy Combustion, Otimized Process Designs, and Koch Knight. You can explore each of these companies’ web sites. Koch Supply & Trading are companies around the world that trade crude oil; refined petroleum products, gas liquids, natural gas, liquefied natural gas and emission allowances; industrial metals; and other commodities. Koch Minerals, LLC , and its subsidiaries are among the world’s largest dry-bulk commodity handlers, annually marketing and trading more than 40 million product, as well as petroleum and natural gas properties. The Matador Cattle Company , a division of Koch Agriculture Company operates three ranches in Montana, Texas and Kansas totaling more than 440,000 acres and 11,000 cattle. Koch Business Solutions, LP , provides consulting and transactional services in areas of human resources, information technology, finance, accounting and facilities for Koch companies worldwide. The company has 800 employees and three main locations: Atlanta, Wichita and Green Bay, Wisconsin with many employees working remotely from within other Koch sites. 2 Part 2 Koch Companies Public Sector, LLC is the Corporate Law Department for Koch Industries and is located in Wichita, Ks. Invista , one of the world’s largest integrated producers of chemical intermediates. Through its innovations in the nylon, spandex, polyester and specialty materials industries, you may find Invista’s products in your clothing, carpets, cars and computers---just to name a few. Invista is also located in Wilmington, NC ! At 4600 US 421 North , they manufacture epoxy resin, various polyester fiber polyposis, and a crystalline solid, DMT (Dimethyl Terephthalate). NOTE: According to the 11-7-13 Star News, DMT production sill cease by end of 2013. Production of Terate HT polyols, a product used in the manufacturing of insulation will remain. These products are shipped worldwide. On River Road, near the Port, are multiple large holding tanks. From their family owned conglomerate the Koch brother’s own personal wealth is estimated at $31 BILLION, EACH, which gives them their political muscle. To protect their interest, the Koch’s, like Art Pope, are against laws that protect our environment. They are for, and push for, fracking and off-shore drilling . They don’t believe in global warming. Climate-change policy directly affects Koch Industries bottom line. According to EPA statistics, a major source of carbon-dioxide emissions, the kind of pollution that most 3 Part 2 scientists believe causes global warming. In 2011, according to the E.P.A.’s greenhouse-gas-pollution database, Koch, which has oil refineries in 3 states, emitted over 24 million tons of carbon dioxide, as much as is typically emitted by 5 million cars. Starting in 2008, a year after the Supreme Court ruled that the EPA could regulate greenhouse gasses as a form of pollution, the Koch-funded AFP devised the “No Climate Tax Pledge”. This proved to be a successful campaign to prevent lawmakers from addressing climate change. Two successive efforts to control greenhouse-gas emissions by implementing cap-and-trade energy bills died in the Senate. By now, 411 current office holders nationwide has signed the pledge. Signatories include the entire Republican leadership in the House of Rep., and a quarter of US senators. The 2010 mid-term elections were a high watermark for the pledge. The Koch’s gave generously to efforts to help shift the majority in the House from Democratic to Republican. Koch’s Industries political action committee spent $1.3 million on congressional campaigns that year. When Republicans took control of the House, a huge block of climate-change opponents was empowered. 165 members of the House that year had signed the “No Climate Tax” pledge. 4 Part 2 The No Climate Tax Pledge has made inroads at the state levels. Signatures now include Oklahoma superintendent of schools, the Idaho Treasurer and 3 justices of the peace in Arkansas! You may have received Senator Kay Hagan’s 9-20-13 e-mail, “Koch brothers in NC”. In this, she spoke about the Koch’s efforts to spread their special interest agenda in NC. Their shadowy front-group, Americans for Prosperity, has already spent almost half a million dollars in NC over the past 5 months, and yesterday (9-19) they announced they plan to spend even more. The group spent more than $36 million on elections in 2012. And this time around, looks like they’ve got their sights set on NC”. This same information also appeared on Politico’s website. The May 11, 2013 Politico article stated: “Getting dramatic economic change at the federal level is very difficult, said Tim Phillips, (president of the Pope and Koch- backed Americans for Prosperity). A few years ago, the idea we had was to create model states. NC was a great opportunity to do that – more so than any other state in the region. If you could turn around a state like that, you could get real reform.” Well, we know what they’ve done to our State. To name a few laws enacted, thanks impart to ALEC, the American Legislative Exchange Council: Numerous gun laws, Voting laws, eliminating public financing for judicial races, cuts to education and teachers, attempts to establish Christianity as the official state 5 Part 2 religion, and McCroy canned members of the State Board of Elections just as the board announced an investigation into contributions made to the governor’s campaign. The director of NC Futures Fund (Dean Debnam), a tax-exempt nonprofit which bankrolled a number of liberal outside groups in 2012, said he was meeting with donors and national groups to expand the donor base and has doubled his staff since November. We don’t have a base that’s equivalent to the Koch brothers or an Art Pope; “But, there’s a great amount of concern and people are putting money at a level that they haven’t done before.” Our NCDP Chair, Randy Voller is also working hard in getting more money to offset what’s ahead. The November,2012 election was a major setback for the Kochs, but they have vowed there would be no backing down. They would learn from their mistakes, test new strategies and prepare for the 2014 elections, with control of Congress at stake. Recently, PR Watch.org , published an article, based on the reporting on Koch-funded “ Freedom Partners ” which secretly distributed $250 million during the 2012 election season, posted its first federal tax report, on several entities that were previously unknown. These monies are considered “Dark Money”. Freedom Partners lists 5 entities which owned 100% of: The American Entrepreneur Fund LLC which has assets of $885,316 and whose activities are listed as simply as “projects” 6 Part 2 - The American Enterprise Group LLC with assets of $424,975 and whose activities are list a “management” - The American Strategies Group , with assets of $97,714 whose activities are listed as “public outreach” - American Strategic Innovations LLC with assets of $4,976 whose job was also listed as “research”. All of these entities, whose assets totaled more than $1.4 million as of October, 2012, share the same street address in Arlington, VA. All are registered in Delaware. In IRS lingo, these corporations are listed as “disregarded” NOT because then no longer exist, BUT because of a technical tax definition for certain companies that are similar to sole proprietorships, or controlled by just a few people. They are Small Business’. The Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce’s tax filing also lists the names and amounts of all of the entities it funded between last 2011 and the eve of the 2012 elections. Following are only the top 5 groups which the Koch’s Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce funneled millions.(Do not confuse with U.S. Chamber of Commerce.) Center to Protect Patient Rights (CPPR) – cash totaling $114,678,000 which is at the center of a probe by the California Elections Board on “dark money” spent through shell groups to influence 2 ballot initiatives and concerns. 7 Part 2 PR Dist LLC , described only as “ Americans for Prosperity”, $31,600,000. The 60 Plus Association , Inc., $15,660,000. American Future Fund , $13,600,000. Concerned Women for American Legislative Action Committee , $8,150,000. Koch Industries has repeatedly issued denouncements that it has any role in gun policies. The Center for Media and Democracy (CMD) has documented how extreme gun policies of the NRA have flourished while Koch Industries has had a seat on the led ALEC’s (American Legislative Exchange Committee) Private Enterprise Advisory Council.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Oil Slick Spin Cycle
    A f c o u ^ ° ) V y j U f* - i p ffljBg o the National Associa- tion of Manufacturers, Koch Indus- tries is among 700 companies and trade groups that make up the AIR QUALITY STANDARDS COALITION, which opposes the EPA's regulations. Run by NAM, the coalition includes Ford, General Motors, and Exxon, and reportedly boasts a $2 million war chest. O IL S L I C K How to choke off clean air with independent expenditures. AQSC’s spokesman C. BOYDEN GRAY David H. Koch, 56, Wichita, Kan. Party: R and Libertarian. (#87) was Bush's W hite House counsel, When the Environmental Protection Agency announced is chair of Citizens for a Sound last November it would update Clean Air Act standards Economy, and is a lawyer at the to ban dust particle emissions that reportedly cause r law firm Wilmer, Cutler & Picker­ 40,000 p Tiatur - deaths annually big industries sharpened ing, where his clients include their knives. (Final EPA regulations are due by July.) Oil Geneva Steel. companies, automakers, and the nation’s largest manufac­ turers claim it will cost them billions to comply. Among them is David Koch, chairman of Koch Industries, whose oil subsidiary is being sued by the government for Clean Water Act violations, for a reported $55 million. Although Koch gave $339,000 to federal campaigns in 1995-96, it’s only one way he sought influence. He also gives through a .7:; - tangled v. eb of think tanks, PR agencies, and trade associa­ I health study linking a tions, all of which want Congress to gut the Clean Air Act.
    [Show full text]
  • Accelerated Attacks on Clean Energy by Koch Bros
    Checks and Balances Project Documents: Accelerated Attacks on Clean Energy by Koch Bros. $192 Million to 72 Groups Associated with Opposition to Clean Energy Solutions and Climate Change Denial from 1997-2013 $108 Million to At Least 19 Groups to Fight State Renewable Energy Policies 2011-2013 (Over 18 months, Checks and Balances Project conducted the first in-depth investigation into Koch Industries, Inc. AND what we call the Koch Advocacy Network. Over 350 low-profile regulatory disclosures and more than 8,000 legal disclosure forms drawn from over 60 public agencies, databases and courts were examined. Research was completed prior to the 2016 election.) In August 2015 President Obama singled out the “massive lobbying efforts backed by fossil fuel interests, or conservative think tanks, or the Koch brothers pushing for new laws to roll back renewable energy standards or prevent new clean energy businesses from succeeding.” The President described these anti-clean energy efforts as “rent seeking and trying to protect old ways of doing business and standing in the way of the future.”1 Charles Koch responded that, “We are not trying to prevent new clean energy businesses from succeeding” and warned against “subsidizing uneconomical forms of energy — whether you call them ‘green,’ ‘renewable’ or whatever.” He continued, “And there is a big debate on whether you have a real disease or something that’s not that serious. I recognize there is a big debate about that. But whatever it is, the cure is to do things in the marketplace, and to let individuals and companies innovate, to come up with alternatives that will deal with whatever the problem may be in an economical way so we don’t squander resources on uneconomic approaches.” 2 The defense outlined by Charles mirrors the strategy of the network he oversees.
    [Show full text]
  • Coalition Letter
    Monday, April 15th 2019 Dear Members of Congress: On behalf of our organizations and the millions of American individuals, families, and business owners they represent, we urge you to focus on comprehensive reforms to prioritize, streamline and innovate the fnancing and regulation of our nation’s infrastructure projects rather than considering any increases to the federal gas tax. As part of any potential infrastructure package, Congress has an opportunity this year to institute major reforms to our federal funding and regulatory systems. Reforms are badly needed to improve outcomes, target spending toward critical projects, and streamline much needed maintenance and construction projects. Te goal this year should be a more modern and efcient national infrastructure system that will allow people and goods to move where they need to both safely and economically, contributing to an efective and well-functioning system of free enterprise. A 25-cent per gallon increase in the federal gas tax, a current proposal from some on and of Capitol Hill, would more than double the current rate and would amount to an estimated $394 billion tax increase over the next ten years. Before asking Americans for more of their hard earned money at the gas pump, lawmakers must consider how federal gas tax dollars are currently mishandled. More than 28 percent of funds from the Highway Trust Fund are currently diverted away from roads and bridges. Still more taxpayer dollars are wasted on infated costs due to outdated regulatory burdens, a complex and sluggish permitting system, and overly restrictive labor requirements. Tese reforms can be achieved by focusing on three core outcomes: 1) spending smarter on projects of true national priority, 2) reforming outdated and costly regulations, and 3) protecting Americans from new or increased tax burdens.
    [Show full text]
  • The Challenge of Success
    Discovery january 2012 THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF KOCH COMPANIES The challenge of success For many Koch companies – and for Georgia-Pacic’s gypsum and wood And then there is the age-old problem of Koch Industries overall – 2011 was a products businesses – both of which rely overcoming success. record year. on new building construction – suered Charles Koch, KII’s chairman and CEO, Flint Hills Resources led the way, helped as the construction slump in the United has repeatedly warned about complacency by record results from Pine Bend and a States continued. or smugness aer achieving record results. signicant increase in South Texas crude Similarly, INVISTA’s residential oor- He did so in his 2007 book, e Science oil production that beneted its Corpus ing business struggled. With new home of Success, and in his very rst Founder’s Christi reneries. construction in the U.S. at historic lows, Day video, recorded eight years ago. demand for carpet ber is depressed. FHR’s lubricants business also had a record “It is all too easy,” Koch said recently, “to year, and results for the asphalt and chemi- Prolonged drought in the Midwest and assume that things will keep going your cals businesses improved signicantly. wildres in Texas were serious issues for way, or that markets will remain strong Koch Pipeline was busy expanding its e Matador Cale Company. and your competitive advantages will system, especially in South Texas, where And results for Koch Supply & Trading never erode. the Eagle Ford Shale play is boosting and Koch Minerals were nowhere near “Even worse is becoming arrogant or domestic production and bringing new the record highs seen a few years ago.
    [Show full text]
  • Infor, Inc. Form 10-K Annual Report Filed 2017-06-26
    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FORM 10-K Annual report pursuant to section 13 and 15(d) Filing Date: 2017-06-26 | Period of Report: 2017-04-30 SEC Accession No. 0001193125-17-212858 (HTML Version on secdatabase.com) FILER Infor, Inc. Mailing Address Business Address C/O INFOR, INC. C/O INFOR, INC. CIK:1556148| IRS No.: 010924667 | Fiscal Year End: 0430 641 AVENUE OF THE 641 AVENUE OF THE Type: 10-K | Act: 34 | File No.: 333-183494-06 | Film No.: 17929398 AMERICAS AMERICAS SIC: 7372 Prepackaged software NEW YORK NY 10011 NEW YORK NY 10011 (678) 319-8000 Copyright © 2017 www.secdatabase.com. All Rights Reserved. Please Consider the Environment Before Printing This Document Table of Contents UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K ☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 2017 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Commission file number: 333-183494-06 INFOR, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE 01-0924667 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification Number) 641 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10011 (Address of principal executive offices, including zip code) (646) 336-1700 (Registrants telephone number, including area code) Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the act: None Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the act: None Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
    [Show full text]
  • Koch Industries, Inc. Completes Purchase of Molex Incorporated
    Dec. 9, 2013 Contacts: Susan Armitage Melissa Cohlmia VP, Corporate Communications Director, Corporate Communication Molex Incorporated Koch Companies Public Sector, LLC 630-527-4561 316-828-3756 [email protected] [email protected] KOCH INDUSTRIES, INC. COMPLETES PURCHASE OF MOLEX INCORPORATED WICHITA, KANSAS/LISLE, ILLINOIS – Koch Industries, Inc. has completed its $7.2 billion acquisition of Molex Incorporated (NASDAQ: MOLX, MOLXA), a global electronic components company. The acquisition was finalized through the merger of Koch Industries’ wholly owned subsidiary, Koch Connectors, Inc., with and into Molex. As a result of the merger, Molex is now an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Koch Industries, Inc., retaining its name and headquarters in Lisle, Illinois. The company will continue to be operated by its current management team. Under the merger agreement, all of the outstanding shares of Molex, including the Common Stock, the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock were converted into a right to receive $38.50 per share in cash, plus an adjustment of $0.18 per share representing a pro rata portion of the regular quarterly cash dividend. “We’re pleased to welcome Molex’s 36,000 talented leaders and employees to Koch,” said Charles Koch, chairman and chief executive officer of Koch Industries. “Molex is a great company that creates real value for its customers and society and matches up well with our culture and core capabilities.” Dave Robertson, president and COO of Koch Industries said, “This acquisition represents a new platform for growth and innovation for us. We’re looking forward to applying our Market-Based Management® philosophy at Molex to help identify and capture additional opportunities.” Koch Industries/Molex Page Two “Now that the transaction has closed, we are eager to move forward with our new owners,” said Martin Slark, chief executive officer of Molex.
    [Show full text]
  • Greenp Eace.Org /Kochindustries
    greenpeace.org/kochindustries Greenpeace is an independent campaigning organization that acts to expose global environmental problems and achieve solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Published March 2010 by Greenpeace USA 702 H Street NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20001 Tel/ 202.462.1177 Fax/ 202.462.4507 Printed on 100% PCW recycled paper book design by andrew fournier page 2 Table of Contents: Executive Summary pg. 6–8 Case Studies: How does Koch Industries Influence the Climate Debate? pg. 9–13 1. The Koch-funded “ClimateGate” Echo Chamber 2. Polar Bear Junk Science 3. The “Spanish Study” on Green Jobs 4. The “Danish Study” on Wind Power 5. Koch Organizations Instrumental in Dissemination of ACCF/NAM Claims What is Koch Industries? pg. 14–16 Company History and Background Record of Environmental Crimes and Violations The Koch Brothers pg. 17–18 Koch Climate Opposition Funding pg. 19–20 The Koch Web Sources of Data for Koch Foundation Grants The Foundations Claude R. Lambe Foundation Charles G. Koch Foundation David H. Koch Foundation Koch Foundations and Climate Denial pg. 21–28 Lobbying and Political Spending pg. 29–32 Federal Direct Lobbying Koch PAC Family and Individual Political Contributions Key Individuals in the Koch Web pg. 33 Sources pg. 34–43 Endnotes page 3 © illustration by Andrew Fournier/Greenpeace Mercatus Center Fraser Institute Americans for Prosperity Institute for Energy Research Institute for Humane Studies Frontiers of Freedom National Center for Policy Analysis Heritage Foundation American
    [Show full text]
  • Marc Short Chief of Staff, Vice President Pence
    MARC SHORT CHIEF OF STAFF, VICE PRESIDENT PENCE u Life in Brief Quick Summary Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA Lifelong conservative GOP operative who rose through party ranks to become a trusted Mike Current Residence: Arlington, VA Pence confidante. Utilizes expansive network of Koch allies, White House staff, and congressional Education ties to push Administration priorities • BA, Washington & Lee, 1992 • MBA, University of Virginia, 2004 • Polished and pragmatic tactician who plays a behind-the-scenes role advising Vice President Family: Pence and other senior leaders • Married to Kristen Short, who has • Early conservative political views shaped By his worked for Young America’s Foundation, father, Dick Short, a wealthy GOP donor well- Freedom Alliance, and the Charles G. connected to Virginia GOP circles Koch Foundation • Extensive experience with Freedom Partners and • Three school-aged children the Koch Brothers exposed him to large network of GOP donors and influencers Work History • Earned reputation as smart strategist on the Hill • Chief of Staff to the Vice President of the working closely with then-Rep. Mike Pence United States, 2019-Present • Provided GOP estaBlishment credentials and • Senior Fellow at UVA Miller Center of congressional experience to Trump White House PuBlic Affairs, 2018-19 to advance Administration’s early agenda, • Contributor for CNN, 2018-19 including on 2017 tax cuts and Neil Gorsuch’s • Partner at Guidepost Strategies, 2018-19 confirmation to the Supreme Court • White House Director of Legislative •
    [Show full text]
  • Discovery Volume 27 | Number 2 | April 2021
    A PUBLICATION OF KOCH COMPANIES Discovery Volume 27 | Number 2 | April 2021 202020202020 HINDSIGHT HINDSIGHTHINDSIGHT Discovery PERSPECTIVE FROM CHARLES KOCH TRANSFORMATIONS IN A PANDEMIC When we announced our intention to acquire Georgia-Pacific in 2005, it caught many people by surprise. After all, Koch was considered an oil company and had no background in pulp and paper. But as I explained in my booklet on virtuous cycles last year [see page 14], we believed GP fit with our process industries capabilities. More than 15 years of ownership have validated that belief. Steve Feilmeier, our new CFO at the time, had a bit of fun Charles Koch, chairman and CEO, KII. explaining all this to the media and analysts: “Two things are for certain: death and taxes. But the next most certain thing seems to be toilet paper. We believe demand should be fairly At the same time, the need for coronavirus testing technology steady, regardless of what is going on in the economy.” soared, as did requests for PPE and medical equipment. Never in my life did I imagine people would hoard toilet Millions of people forced to stay home decided it was a good paper. But last spring, as fears of COVID-19 prompted time to remodel or repair. A spike in online orders for home lockdown orders, it seemed like every roll on every shelf delivery heightened demand for packaging and boxes. These vanished overnight. Canned soup disappeared, too, along developments greatly accelerated demand for the products with diapers, bottled water, hand sanitizer and disinfectant. and services of GP, Molex and Koch Disruptive Technologies.
    [Show full text]
  • The Coming $100 Million Senate Race $75 Million Senate Race in 2016; Money Floods In; Hill, Braun May Enter by BRIAN A
    V22, N38 Friday, June 9, 2017 The coming $100 million Senate race $75 million Senate race in 2016; money floods in; Hill, Braun may enter By BRIAN A. HOWEY INDIANAPOLIS – In 1998, the U.S. Senate race between Democrat Evan Bayh and Republican Paul Helmke ended up in the $4 million range. In 2010, Republican Dan Coats and Democrat Brad Ellsworth spent $9 million. And in 2012, Sen. Dick Lugar, Treasurer Richard Mourdock and Republicans Eric Holcomb and Marlin Stutzman, and it and Democrat Joe Donnelly saw a combined $51 million topped $75 million. course through their campaigns, including $32,844,0452 With the Senate balance in the 2018 mid-terms from outside groups. potentially hanging on U.S. Sen. Donnelly’s reelection, Howey Politics Indiana added up the total cost Hoosiers are probably looking at a $100 million race. U.S. of the 2016 showdown between Republican Todd Young Continued on page 3 and Democrat Evan Bayh, along with Democrat Baron Hill Director Comey’s rebuke By BRIAN A. HOWEY INDIANAPOLIS – It was a stark assessment from the fired FBI Director James Comey: The president of the United States is a liar. In the May 9 dismissal by President Trump, Comey told the Senate Intelligence Committee in sensational testi- “Despite so many false state- mony Thursday, “The administration then chose to defame me and more importantly the FBI, by saying the organi- ments and lies, total and com- zation was poorly plete vindication ... and WOW, led. Those were lies, plain and simple.” At Comey is a leaker.” least five other times, Comey questioned - President Trump tweeting the truthfulness of his reaction to the James President Trump.
    [Show full text]
  • The Evolution of the Digital Political Advertising Network
    PLATFORMS AND OUTSIDERS IN PARTY NETWORKS: THE EVOLUTION OF THE DIGITAL POLITICAL ADVERTISING NETWORK Bridget Barrett A thesis submitted to the faculty at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts at the Hussman School of Journalism and Media. Chapel Hill 2020 Approved by: Daniel Kreiss Adam Saffer Adam Sheingate © 2020 Bridget Barrett ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ii ABSTRACT Bridget Barrett: Platforms and Outsiders in Party Networks: The Evolution of the Digital Political Advertising Network (Under the direction of Daniel Kreiss) Scholars seldom examine the companies that campaigns hire to run digital advertising. This thesis presents the first network analysis of relationships between federal political committees (n = 2,077) and the companies they hired for electoral digital political advertising services (n = 1,034) across 13 years (2003–2016) and three election cycles (2008, 2012, and 2016). The network expanded from 333 nodes in 2008 to 2,202 nodes in 2016. In 2012 and 2016, Facebook and Google had the highest normalized betweenness centrality (.34 and .27 in 2012 and .55 and .24 in 2016 respectively). Given their positions in the network, Facebook and Google should be considered consequential members of party networks. Of advertising agencies hired in the 2016 electoral cycle, 23% had no declared political specialization and were hired disproportionately by non-incumbents. The thesis argues their motivations may not be as well-aligned with party goals as those of established political professionals. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES .................................................................................................................... V POLITICAL CONSULTING AND PARTY NETWORKS ...............................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • How the Gun Industry
    MARKETING DEATH HOW THE GUN INDUSTRY USES THE NRA TO BOOST PROFITS AND UNDERMINE PUBLIC SAFETY While the country mourns the lives of multiple mass shooting victims and sufferers of gun violence, the radical gun lobby known as the National Rifle Association has not wavered in its stance against commonsense gun safety laws. The NRA claims to represent regular gun owners, but as of 2015, most of them disagreed with the NRA’s positions against universal background checks and assault weapons bans. Instead, the group is incentivized to take extreme policy views and spread rhetoric that helps pad the wallets of the gun industry. The NRA is financially backed by the gun industry and has multiple sitting board members with ties to gun and ammunition manufacturing. Today’s NRA does not speak for everyday gun- owners and sportsmen, but mainly represents the interests of the $13.5 billion-a-year gun industry. The NRA’s board of directors is filled with gun manufacturing executives, lawyers, and lobbyists. NRA First Vice President and CEO of Brownells, Inc., Pete Brownell, leads the “world’s largest supplier” of gun accessories and gunsmithing tools, which included the so-called “cop killer” bullets the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms proposed to ban. Brownell, who has donated at least $1 million to the NRA, said that having gun industry leaders as NRA directors “ensures the NRA’s focus is honed on the overall mission of the organization.” Another NRA board member, CEO of Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Ronnie Barrett, created the first .50 caliber military-style rifle for civilian use and has testified to his rifles’ “usefulness against commercial planes.” In addition to the NRA directors who benefit from gun sales, the group’s board is packed with extremists who are out of step with typical American gun owners, and in many cases, even mainstream American values.
    [Show full text]