NHCAA – Granite Grok

US News.com Says Jeanne Shaheen Pressured IRS

Not exactly a bastion of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy, US News connects the dots between public rhetoric and policy efforts by Democrat Senators that specifically mention right wing groups, with the ongoing partisan actions taken by the IRS against conservative and TEA party groups.

From “Senate Democrats pushed for Tea party snooping before criticizing it…”

“From Max Baucus to Chuck Schumer to Jeanne Shaheen, key Senate Democrats publicly pressured the IRS to target groups that held differing political views and who, in their view, had the temerity to engage in the political process. The IRS listened to them and acted. And other Democrat senators like Kay Hagan and Mark Pryor said and did nothing about it.”

It’s Time for the IRS to visit the NHCAA

by Steve MacDonald

I just mentioned this, about Shaheen asking the IRS to go after 501(c) (4) groups, and look what falls into my lap.

Historically, the IRS has stayed out of politically charged battles over campaign spending. But lately the agency appears to be giving nonprofits a closer look. IRS rules permit 501(c)(4) social welfare groups to engage in politics, but not if it’s their “primary purpose.”

An Exempt Organizations Division work plan for fiscal 2011 outlines a new project examining the activities of 501(c)(4) groups. A recent IRS move to strip a nonprofit known as Emerge America and its local affiliates of their tax-exempt status has alarmed some in the nonprofit sector. The agency’s explanation to the group, which helps elect Democratic female candidates, hints that overly partisan organizations may not pass the “primary purpose” test.

I think the IRS is being used to harass legitimate non-profit activities, but…I also think that Sarah Warner’s New Hampshire Citizens Alliance for Action PAC fails to pass the smell test. They have only ever advocated for Carol Shea-Porter for Congress making it their primary political purpose. Based on his article they are in violation of the law.

Anyone out there interested in bringing this to the IRS’ attention? (Please?)

Will Jeanne Shaheen Send The IRS After the NHCAA?

by Steve MacDonald

The NHCAA is the New Hampshire Citizens Alliance for Action. They are a 501 (c)(4), and the political-action arm of the New Hampshire Citizen Alliance (NHCA). The NHCA is a 501(c)(3) and the local chapter of USA Action which, if it was in a vat and you scooped some out, it would provide you with a frothing cup of primordial progressive/socialist poison.

I point this out {the 501 (c)(4) part at least} because according to a letter signed by New Hampshire’s own Senator Shaheen, sent to the Internal Revenue Service, several Democrat Senators have expressed a concern about whether 501(c)(4) groups are engaging in any campaign activity which (according to the Senators) is expressly prohibited by their 501 (c)(4) status.