Freedom Partners
Background
Freedom Partners, or Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce (FCPP), describes itself as a major political operation spearheaded by billionaire Charles Koch to organize his billionaire allies and distribute funds to influence elections and public policy.
In May 2019, a superceding Koch organization, dubbed “Stand Together,” announced that Freedom Partners would cease to exist and that “all of our efforts to improve education, business, communities, and government policy,” which had been rebranded under the name the “Seminar Network,” would go forward using the Stand Together brand. The Washington Post also reported that as part of a re-organization of the Koch network in 2019, all of the political and policy advocacy activities of Freedom Partners would be shifted under the umbrella of Koch’s Americans for Prosperity.1James Hohmann. “The Daily 202: The Koch network is reorganizing under a new name and with new priorities,” The Washington Post, May 20, 2019. Archived June 12, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/3a2Ma
Pre-2019 Background
Freedom Partners described itself as a “a non-profit, non-partisan, 501(c)(6) “chamber of commerce” located in Arlington, Virginia.” It holds a stated goal of “protecting freedom and expanding opportunity” for Americans.2“About,” Freedom Partners. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/hWcnz
Freedom Partners was originally established in November 2011 under the name “Association for American Innovation,” however “was later renamed to better reflect the organization’s mission.” It was subsequently re-branded in part as the “Seminar Network.”
According to an archived version of its website, Freedom Partners touted that “Only by getting the government out of the way will individuals be able to build a free and strong society.” Some of their key focus areas have included health care reform, federal spending, energy policy, and “cronyism.”3“About Us,” Freedom Partners. Archived November 13, 2013. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/4o2TC
Freedom Partners served as the parent group to a wide range of interconnected groups and corporate entities controlled by the Koch Family. It claimed to oppose “government policies that spend too much, tax too much, and deliver too little,” and to support “like-minded organizations that share our commitment to freedom.”4“About,” Freedom Partners. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/hWcnz
Nearly all of Freedom Partners board members had direct relationships with Koch companies:5“About,” Freedom Partners. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/hWcnz
- Mark Holden is senior vice president of Koch Industries and COO of the Legal Division of Koch Companies Public Sector.
- Kelly Bulloch had a 26-year career at Koch Industries and affiliates.
- Kevin Gentry served as vice president for special projects, at Koch Companies Public Sector.
- Dale Gibbens is vice president of human resources for Koch Industries.
- Randy Lair is former director of operations for Koch Industries and president of Koch Agriculture.
- Brian Hooks is president of the Charles Koch Foundation and Charles Koch Institute.
- Nancy Pfotenhauer is director of the Washington office of Koch Industries and is the former president of the Independent Women’s Forum.
In 2013, Politico described Freedom Partners as “The Koch Brothers’ secret bank,” a little-known group whose existence was largely unknown to many in the political community, raising and spending $250 million as of 2012 to influence politics and policy.6Mike Allen and Jim Vandehei. “The Koch brothers’ secret bank,” Politico, September 11, 2013. Archived May 17 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/dZAR6
A 2013 statement from Koch Industries claimed Freedom Partners “operates independently of Koch Industries, and educates the public about a broad range of issues.” At that time, Freedom Partners had more than 200 members.7“Koch and Freedom Partners,” KochFacts.com, September 12, 2013. Archived March 22, 2016. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/LzXiN
501(c)(6) Status
Freedom Partners/FCPP operates at a 501(c)(6) organization, something that the IRS defines as “business leagues, chambers of commerce, boards of trade, and similar organizations.” HuffPost noted in 2013 that Freedom Partners, then recently formed as the Association for American Innovation, “is expected to ultimately funnel millions of dollars to other dark money groups nationwide.”8“New Koch Brothers Group Revamps Billionaires’ Dark Money Operation,” HuffPost, April 26, 2013. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/mHYK1
According to the Huffington Post, its status as a 501(c)(6) business league “[sets] it apart from many of the dark money groups into which the Kochs and allied donors have in recent years poured hundreds of millions,” noting that tax lawyers say “Adding a business league, which will have members, to the Koch-backed conservative orbit could boost corporate funding, while still allowing some political spending and letting donors remain anonymous.”9“New Koch Brothers Group Revamps Billionaires’ Dark Money Operation,” HuffPost, April 26, 2013. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/mHYK1
“501(c)(4) groups are getting a lot of heat these days, but (c)(6)s are like mom-and-apple-pie organizations,” said Ken Gross, a political law expert at the law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.
Freedom Partners Action Fund
The Freedom Partners Action Fund (FPAF) supported political candidates “with a commitment to breaking down barriers that stand in the way of people realizing their full potential.” An archived, more descriptive “about us” page noted FPAF “will support candidates who promote free markets and a free society” and “will hold accountable candidates who push for intrusive government policies.”10“About Freedom Partners Action Fund,” Freedom Partners Action Fund. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/5E6Py 11“Fighting for free markets and a free society,” Freedom Partners Action Fund. Archived February 4, 2016. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/iCfPR
The Kochs reportedly launched the super PAC during a closed-door meeting in 2014, with the group initially aiming to spend $15 million in the 2014 midterm elections — part of an overall spending effort totaling $290 million.12Darren Goode. “Kochs launch new super PAC,” Politico, June 16, 2014. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/IDFcv
“The Freedom Partners Action Fund will support candidates who share our vision of free markets and a free society and oppose candidates who support intrusive government policies that push the American Dream out of reach for the American people,” Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce President Mark Short told Politico.13Darren Goode. “Kochs launch new super PAC,” Politico, June 16, 2014. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/IDFcv
Data on file at the Federal Election Commission suggests Freedom Partners has spent at least $52,939,469 supporting or opposing specific candidates in elections:14Federal Election Commission search, performed May 18, 2019.
Position and Name | Total Spent (2014 – 2016) |
Oppose | $44,149,655 |
STRICKLAND, TED | $9,981,604 |
MASTO, CATHERINE CORTEZ | $8,392,962 |
MCGINTY, KATHLEEN ALANA | $7,273,805 |
ORMAN, GREGORY JOHN | $3,067,590 |
PRYOR, MARK LUNSFORD | $2,652,420 |
FEINGOLD, RUSSELL DANA | $1,971,388 |
HAGAN, KAY R | $1,889,082 |
LANDRIEU, MARY L | $1,617,192 |
UDALL, MARK E | $1,423,987 |
KUSTER, ANN MCLANE | $1,189,409 |
BAYH, EVAN | $1,066,826 |
MERKLEY, JEFFREY ALAN | $1,020,015 |
RAHALL, NICK J. II | $963,843 |
BRALEY, BRUCE L | $673,036 |
BEGICH, MARK | $652,100 |
GARCIA, JOE | $278,062 |
CLINTON, HILLARY RODHAM / TIMOTHY MICHAEL KAINE | $36,332 |
Support | $8,789,815 |
ERNST, JONI K | $3,839,899 |
COTTON, THOMAS | $1,238,040 |
GARDNER, CORY | $1,213,053 |
JOHNSON, RONALD HAROLD | $874,675 |
SOUTHERLAND, WILLIAM STEVE II | $683,367 |
SULLIVAN, DAN | $628,685 |
CASSIDY, WILLIAM | $223,168 |
BROWN, SCOTT | $50,877 |
TILLIS, THOM R | $15,518 |
GARCIA, MARILINDA | $15,098 |
ROBERTS, PAT | $7,434 |
Grand Total | $52,939,469 |
Freedom Partners Institute
The Freedom Partners Institute was a 501(c)(3) nonprofit group controlled by Freedom Partners. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) reported the Institute was initially incorporated in Delaware in March 2015 and was granted its tax-exempt status by the IRS in July 2015.15Matt Corley. “INTRODUCING THE NEWEST KOCH NETWORK GROUP: FREEDOM PARTNERS INSTITUTE, INC.” Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, January 21, 2016.
The CREW report notes that, as it is set up as an educational charity, the Freedom Partners Institute cannot engage in electoral politics. “Instead, it appears the new group will fund, produce, and promote research that can subsequently be used by other organizations in the Koch network.”16Matt Corley. “INTRODUCING THE NEWEST KOCH NETWORK GROUP: FREEDOM PARTNERS INSTITUTE, INC.” Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, January 21, 2016.
“Though Freedom Partners Institute describes itself as being ‘legally organized and operated separately’ from Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce, the Koch network’s central hub is ‘the sole member of the Institute’ and ‘has the power to elect and remove the Institute’s directors,’ who manage Freedom Partners Institute’s affairs. Elsewhere, the application refers to Freedom Partners Institute being ‘formed and controlled’ by another organization,” the CREW report adds.17Matt Corley. “INTRODUCING THE NEWEST KOCH NETWORK GROUP: FREEDOM PARTNERS INSTITUTE, INC.” Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, January 21, 2016.
The Freedom Partners Institute’s website (FreedomPartnersInstitute.org) no longer appear to be in operation. An archived version of the website offered the following description:18“About,” Freedom Partners Institute. Archived October 27, 2016. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/Islyo
“Freedom Partners Institute is a 501 (c)(3) organization that provides the American public research and information about state and federal policies and how they affect every American. Our goal is to increase public awareness of issues that affect a free and open society so that every American understands the importance of creating opportunity for all, safeguarding our financial future, and protecting free speech.”19“About,” Freedom Partners Institute. Archived October 27, 2016. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/Islyo
According to WHOIS records via CentralOPS, the Freedom Partners Institute website was registered by In Pursuit Of, LLC.20Domain Dossier for freedompartnersinstitute.org via CentralOPS.net. Accessed May 18. 2019. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
Image screenshot via CentralOPS.net.
The Center for Media and Democracy describes In Pursuit Of as the PR company for the Koch network:21David Armiak. “The Koch Brothers’ Freedom Partners Group Spends 5.2 Million in 2017,” Exposed by CMD, November 26, 2018. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/Z9Pg5
“In Pursuit Of provides public relations services, such as ad creation and ad buys, to the Koch political network. James Davis, the former vice president of Freedom Partners, runs the media agency.”
Freedom Partners Shared Services/Center for Shared Services
A 2014 story by The Washington Post described The Center for Shared Services, which became Freedom Partners Shared Services (FPSS), as “a human resources hub for the network.” The group’s original website, the-css.org, no longer appears to be in operation.22Matea Gold. “The players in the Koch-backed 0 million political donor network,” The Washington Post, January 5, 2014. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/ecOGq
According to an archived version of the CSS website:23“About,” Center for Shared Services. Archived January 3, 2013. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/0WWBL
“The Center for Shared Services equips non-profit organizations with the best tools to achieve their missions by providing them with human resources, recruiting, operational, technology, and training services.
We offer advice and information on: compliance, communications, and leadership development training; best practices in management and policy; and recommendations for consultants and vendors to fulfill operational needs, particularly start-up organization needs.”
Politico describes FPSS as “a nonprofit recruiter and administrative support team for other Koch-backed groups, which provides assistance with everything from scouting office space to accounting to furniture and security.”24Kenneth P. Vogel. “Koch World 2014,” Politico, January 24, 2014. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/tQJQP
The Seminar Network
The Seminar Network describes itself as a “growing network of social entrepreneurs” founded by Charles Koch, but it basically took over key operations of Freedom Partners in organizing billionaires and millionaires to help accomplish Koch’s electoral and policy objectives. It became the public-facing name for Koch’s twice a year gathering of wealthy CEOs and heirs to raise millions to coordinate electoral strategies and policy goals spearheaded by Koch.
In 2018, The Intercept and Documented obtained documents outlining some of the key objectives of the Seminar Network, which included withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement, repealing the EPA Waters of the United States.25“The Seminar Network,” homepage, archived May 16, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/RTuIX 26Lee Fang and Nick Surgey. “KOCH DOCUMENT REVEALS LAUNDRY LIST OF POLICY VICTORIES EXTRACTED FROM THE TRUMPADMINISTRATION,” The Intercept, February 25, 2018. Archived May 16, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/pAN4K
Freedom Partners was then listed as among the “network partners” on The Seminar Network website. Other partners include the Charles Koch Foundation, Charles Koch Institute, Americans for Prosperity, Stand Together, Cause of Action, and In Pursuit Of.27“Our Network Partners,” The Seminar Network. Archived May 16, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/LGDTv
i360
i360, which has been described as “the Koch data mine,” is a group that advertises itself as a data science, analytics, technology, and advertising company. It maintains a “comprehensive data resource of all voting Americans” including a database of over 290 million consumers, 199 million of which are active voters.28Mike Allen and Kenneth P. Vogel. “Inside the Koch data mine,” Politico, December 8, 2014. Archived June 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.li/AvF5R The U.S. population, including children who cannot vote, was estimated to be nearly 330 million in 2018.
This data merging and deploying group was founded in 2009 by Michael Palmer, after Palmer worked as chief technology officer for Senator John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign, “to fill the innovation gap between campaigns and organizations that promote free market candidates and causes and their opponents.” i360 developed what it describes as a “closed-loop suite of grassroots technology” to help political and commercial customers target “target and segment their customers with predictive modeling,” and use customer data to build targeted online and TV advertising campaigns.29“About Us,” i360. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/R6Reo It was merged with the Koch voter data operation that had been called Themis, which was part of the Themis Trust and funded by TC4 Trust, another Koch operation, according to tax filings. Demeter Analytics Services, a fully owned subsidiary of FPCC, has also been located at the same address as i360. (Themis is the Goddess of divine law and Demeter is the Goddess of the harvest in Greek mythology.)
The Center for Media and Democracy’s PR Watch noted FPCC is most likely the “funding conduit” for i360, while FPCC in turn acts as a conduit for hundreds of millions of dollars from the Koch brothers and their network. i360 may also have been a replacement for an earlier FCPP group called Themis Trust.30“Kochs’ Freedom Partners Spent 9M in 2014, Invested Massively in Voter Data Lists,” PR Watch, November 18, 2015.
Stance on Climate Change
December 11, 2015
Discussing the U.S Commitments at negotiations for a climate agreement in Paris, Freedom Partners Senior Policy Advisor Andy Koenig issued the following statement in a press release:31“Statement on U.S. Commitments at Paris Negotiations,” Freedom Partners, December 11, 2015. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/CpqRC
“Secretary Kerry’s knee-jerk concession to put Americans on the hook for millions more in foreign aid shows this administration cares more about politics than hardworking taxpayers. Lawmakers should reject the administration’s attempt to bypass Congress for a symbolic deal that would do nothing but increase our debt and commit us to mandates that destroy our economy.”32“Statement on U.S. Commitments at Paris Negotiations,” Freedom Partners, December 11, 2015. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/CpqRC
The Freedom Partners press release also highlights an article from The Wall Street Journal editorial board, introducing it with the comment that “An Agreement In Paris Would Produce Nearly No Discernible Impact On Global Temperatures.”33“Statement on U.S. Commitments at Paris Negotiations,” Freedom Partners, December 11, 2015. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/CpqRC
Funding
The following is based on archived data via the Conservative Transparency project combined with original 990 research by DeSmog.
View the attached spreadsheet for additional information on Freedom Partners funding by year (.xlsx).
Recipient | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | Grand Total |
Americans for Prosperity | $32,300,000 | $11,465,000 | $22,000,000 | $23,250,000 | $48,700,000 | $47,500,000 | $185,215,000 |
Center to Protect Patient Rights | $114,678,000 | $150,000 | $114,828,000 | ||||
Veterans for Economic Freedom Trust | $15,735,000 | $14,000,000 | $12,600,000 | $42,335,000 | |||
Center for Shared Services Trust | $2,738,000 | $10,405,000 | $9,750,000 | $8,950,000 | $31,843,000 | ||
Generation Opportunity | $5,040,000 | $6,000,000 | $14,225,000 | $25,265,000 | |||
Libre Initiative Trust | $3,112,000 | $6,200,000 | $7,600,000 | $16,912,000 | |||
60 Plus Association | $15,660,000 | $250,000 | $160,000 | $16,070,000 | |||
Themis Trust | $5,781,000 | $9,125,000 | $14,906,000 | ||||
Evangchr4 Trust | $5,055,000 | $505,000 | $5,745,000 | $2,050,000 | $1,250,000 | $14,605,000 | |
Public Notice | $5,466,250 | $8,810,000 | $14,276,250 | ||||
American Future Fund | $13,600,000 | $13,600,000 | |||||
The Libre Initiative | $6,500,000 | $5,600,000 | $12,100,000 | ||||
YEM Trust | $5,100,000 | $4,600,000 | $75,000 | $9,775,000 | |||
Concerned Women for America | $8,150,000 | $260,000 | $8,410,000 | ||||
American Energy Alliance | $1,460,000 | $40,000 | $2,367,500 | $2,935,000 | $1,000,000 | $7,802,500 | |
American Commitment | $6,260,000 | $140,000 | $400,000 | $50,000 | $6,850,000 | ||
US Chamber of Commerce | $3,000,000 | $500,000 | $2,000,000 | $5,500,000 | |||
Concerned Veterans for America | $5,245,000 | $5,245,000 | |||||
National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action | $4,895,000 | $4,895,000 | |||||
National Rifle Association | $3,465,000 | $3,465,000 | |||||
Trees of Liberty | $400,000 | $2,050,000 | $2,450,000 | ||||
National Federation of Independent Business | $1,500,000 | $600,000 | $2,100,000 | ||||
Club for Growth | $1,000,000 | $850,000 | $175,000 | $2,025,000 | |||
Public Engagement Group Trust | $1,500,000 | $1,500,000 | |||||
Susan B. Anthony List | $150,000 | $225,000 | $500,000 | $500,000 | $1,375,000 | ||
West Michigan Policy Forum | $1,000,000 | $250,000 | $1,250,000 | ||||
National Association of Manufacturers | $1,170,000 | $1,170,000 | |||||
Heritage Action for America | $500,000 | $500,000 | $150,000 | $1,150,000 | |||
Citizenlink | $1,010,000 | $1,010,000 | |||||
National Right to Work Committee | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | |||||
Republican Jewish Coalition | $700,000 | $150,000 | $850,000 | ||||
State Tea Party Express | $600,000 | $600,000 | |||||
NFIB – The Voice of Free Enterprise | $575,000 | $575,000 | |||||
Partnership for Ohio’s Future | $500,000 | $500,000 | |||||
WMC Issues Mobilization Council | $500,000 | $500,000 | |||||
Coalition for a Stronger WV | $450,000 | $450,000 | |||||
Texans for Education Opportunity | $330,000 | $330,000 | |||||
Dr. Joseph Warren Institute | $309,400 | $309,400 | |||||
NFIB Research Foundation | $300,000 | $300,000 | |||||
Tea Party Patriots | $200,000 | $100,000 | $300,000 | ||||
Freedom Network Benefits/Rion LLC | $250,000 | $250,000 | |||||
American Values Action | $230,000 | $230,000 | |||||
Rule of Law Defense Fund | $175,000 | $175,000 | |||||
Coalition to Reduce Spending | $100,000 | $50,000 | $150,000 | ||||
Main Street Growth Project | $100,000 | $50,000 | $150,000 | ||||
NFIB Small Business Legal Center | $125,000 | $125,000 | |||||
National Taxpayers Union | $105,000 | $105,000 | |||||
Illinois Chamber of Commerce | $100,000 | $100,000 | |||||
Americans for Limited Government | $100,000 | $100,000 | |||||
Defense Priorities Initiative | $100,000 | $100,000 | |||||
Americans for Tax Reform | $100,000 | $100,000 | |||||
IACE Action | $95,000 | $95,000 | |||||
A New Missouri | $50,000 | $50,000 | |||||
Ohio Freedom Project | $50,000 | $50,000 | |||||
Hoosiers for Quality Education | $50,000 | $50,000 | |||||
Institute to Reduce Spending | $50,000 | $50,000 | |||||
Colorado Women’s Alliance | $50,000 | $50,000 | |||||
Common Sense Issues | $50,000 | $50,000 | |||||
Hispanic Leadership Fund | $25,000 | $25,000 | |||||
US Health Freedom Coalition | $25,000 | $25,000 | |||||
Let Freedom Ring | $25,000 | $25,000 | |||||
Grand Total | $235,715,250 | $60,600,000 | $87,631,900 | $65,470,000 | $77,550,000 | $48,730,000 | $575,697,150 |
Freedom Partners Institute as Donor
Recipient | 2015 | 2016 | Grand Total |
Americans for Prosperity Foundation | $5,000,000 | $5,000,000 | $10,000,000 |
ESLR LLC | $2,500,000 | $2,500,000 | |
Institute for Faith Work & Economics | $500,000 | $300,000 | $800,000 |
Generation Opportunity Institute | $200,000 | $200,000 | |
Government Accountability Institute | $100,000 | $100,000 | |
Media Research Center | $50,000 | $50,000 | |
Foundation for Government Accountability | $30,000 | $30,000 | |
Washington Legal Foundation | $25,000 | $25,000 | |
American Transpareny | $25,000 | $25,000 | |
America’s Future Foundation | $10,000 | $10,000 | |
Grand Total | $5,685,000 | $8,055,000 | $13,740,000 |
Freedom Partners Institute as Recipient
Donor | 2016 |
Buckeye Foundation | $100,000 |
DonorsTrust | $750,000 |
John William Pope Foundation | $350,000 |
Thomas W Smith Foundation | $500,000 |
Grand Total | $1,700,000 |
Independent Contractors
According to 990 forms, Freedom Partners gave over $69 million to independent contractors for services from 2012 to 2017.
Year | |||||||
Service Type and Contractor Name | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | Grand Total |
Consulting | $337,552 | $1,672,787 | $1,537,371 | $2,188,489 | $17,604,833 | $23,341,032 | |
Aegis Strategy LLC | $1,537,371 | $1,197,633 | $2,735,004 | ||||
Georgia-Pacific Television | $990,856 | $990,856 | |||||
Prophet | $1,257,787 | $1,257,787 | |||||
Synthesis | $415,000 | $415,000 | |||||
The Herald Group Llc | $215,375 | $215,375 | |||||
Veracruz Advisory, LLC | $122,177 | $122,177 | |||||
ZMD LLC | $1,995,889 | $1,995,889 | |||||
I360 | $15,608,944 | $15,608,944 | |||||
Direct Mail | $1,350,741 | $1,350,741 | |||||
Arena Communications LLC | $1,350,741 | $1,350,741 | |||||
Events | $250,000 | $1,228,026 | $1,478,026 | ||||
ZMD LLC | $250,000 | $1,228,026 | $1,478,026 | ||||
Legal Services | $799,781 | $916,529 | $1,716,310 | ||||
Pillsbury winthrop shaw Pittman LLP | $680,502 | $590,274 | $1,270,776 | ||||
Weinberg, jacobs & Tolani, LLP | $119,279 | $326,255 | $445,534 | ||||
Market Research | $1,496,879 | $1,496,879 | |||||
Luntz Global LLC | $1,496,879 | $1,496,879 | |||||
Professional | $11,000,000 | $9,000,000 | $9,449,732 | $29,449,732 | |||
Demeter Analytics Services, Inc. | $11,000,000 | $9,000,000 | $9,449,732 | $29,449,732 | |||
Media | $9,298,347 | $9,298,347 | |||||
Georgia-Pacific Television | $1,349,965 | $1,349,965 | |||||
In Pursuit Of | $7,948,382 | $7,948,382 | |||||
Conferences | $1,330,615 | $1,330,615 | |||||
The Broadmoor Hotel | $1,330,615 | $1,330,615 | |||||
Grand Total | $1,137,333 | $2,839,316 | $15,075,646 | $10,537,371 | $ 11,638,221 | $28,233,795 | $69,461,682 |
Transactions with Related Organizations
Freedom Partners is required to disclose dollars it transfers to “related organizations” in its 990 tax forms. The following “transactions” were listed. Note that these totals do not always add up to compensation recorded in the “independent contractors” section of the related tax forms.
Transaction Key | Description |
B | Gift, grant, or capital contribution to related organization(s) |
L | Performance of services or membership or fund-raising solicitations for related organization(s) |
Q | Reimbursement paid by related organization(s) for expenses |
M | Performance of services or membership or fundraising sol1c1tat1ons by related organizat1on(s) |
P | Reimbursement paid by related organization(s) for expenses |
S | Other transfer of cash or property from related organization(s) |
Recipient & Transaction Type | 2012 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | Grand Total |
Cavhoco, Inc. | $1,000,000 | $17,502,228 | $13,750,000 | $8,250,000 | $24,413,504 | $64,915,732 |
B | $1,000,000 | $17,502,228 | $13,750,000 | $8,250,000 | $3,114,564 | $43,616,792 |
S | $21,298,940 | $21,298,940 | ||||
Demeter Analytics Services, Inc. | $11,000,000 | $15,111,185 | $9,752,910 | $15,826,394 | $51,690,489 | |
L | $303,178 | $217,451 | $520,629 | |||
M | $11,000,000 | $11,000,000 | $9,449,732 | $15,608,943 | $47,058,675 | |
P | $4,111,185 | $4,111,185 | ||||
Freedom Partners Action Fund | $89,026 | $277,870 | $366,896 | |||
B | $89,026 | $89,026 | ||||
L | $277,870 | $277,870 | ||||
Freedom Partners Institute, Inc. | $275,743 | $275,743 | ||||
Q | $275,743 | $275,743 | ||||
Capitol Leaders | $192,255 | $192,255 | ||||
Q | $192,255 | $192,255 | ||||
Grand Total | $1,000,000 | $28,502,228 | $28,950,211 | $18,556,523 | $40,432,153 | $117,441,115 |
Freedom Partners Action Fund – Money Raised
According to a search of data on file at the Federal Election Commission, The Freedom Partners Action Fund has raised at least $70,881,150 since 2014, according to FEC data.34Federal Election Commission search, performed May 18, 2019.
View some of the top contributors below or view a complete spreadsheet of Freedom Partners Action Fund funding data (.xlsx).
2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | Grand Total | |
Top Individual Contributors ($100K or More) | ||||||
HENDRICKS, DIANE MS. | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $5,000,000 | ||
GILLIAM, RICHARD B. MR. | $500,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $3,500,000 | |
KOCH, CHARLES MR. | $3,000,000 | $3,000,000 | ||||
MERCER, ROBERT L. MR. | $2,500,000 | $2,500,000 | ||||
DEVOS, RICHARD M. MR. | $500,000 | $250,000 | $500,000 | $1,000,000 | $2,250,000 | |
BERGAN, MARY ALICE MRS. | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | ||||
GRIFFIN, KENNETH C. MR. | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | ||||
FOSTER, PAUL L. MR. | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 | |||
LAUFER, WAYNE L. MR. | $500,000 | $800,000 | $400,000 | $1,700,000 | ||
HAYDEN, JERRY MR. | $300,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,300,000 | |||
SINGER, PAUL MR. | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | ||||
CHILDS, JOHN W. MR. | $700,000 | $125,000 | $125,000 | $950,000 | ||
DEVOS, HELEN MRS. | $250,000 | $500,000 | $750,000 | |||
BRYAN, JOHN D. MR. | $575,000 | $575,000 | ||||
DEASON, DARWIN MR. | $200,000 | $200,000 | $150,000 | $550,000 | ||
GILLIAM, LESLIE F. MRS. | $500,000 | $500,000 | ||||
FARMER, R. T. MR. | $500,000 | $500,000 | ||||
CAMERON, RONALD M. MR. | $500,000 | $500,000 | ||||
MITCHELL, P. MRS. | $500,000 | $500,000 | ||||
HUMPHREYS, DAVID C. MR. | $500,000 | $500,000 | ||||
CURRY, RAVENEL B. MR. III | $500,000 | $500,000 | ||||
WRIGHT, K. A. MRS. | $500,000 | $500,000 | ||||
CHAZEN, STEPHEN I. MR. | $125,000 | $225,000 | $125,000 | $475,000 | ||
GIBBS, GEORGE W. MR. III | $200,000 | $100,000 | $150,000 | $450,000 | ||
WEEKLEY, RICHARD W. MR. | $50,000 | $200,000 | $150,000 | $400,000 | ||
CHAMBERS, TOM D. MR. | $383,890 | $383,890 | ||||
HUBBARD, STANLEY S. MR. | $150,000 | $150,000 | $300,000 | |||
KLESSE, WILLIAM R. MR. | $100,000 | $100,000 | $100,000 | $300,000 | ||
CORRIGAN, FREDRIC W. MR. | $150,000 | $125,000 | $275,000 | |||
STAI, DIAN GRAVES MRS. | $250,000 | $250,000 | ||||
HALVORSON, ELLING MR. | $250,000 | $250,000 | ||||
WEISS, RICHARD T. MR. | $50,000 | $75,000 | $110,000 | $235,000 | ||
ROWLING, ROBERT B. MR. | $200,000 | $200,000 | ||||
HAYDEN, MARILYN MRS. | $100,000 | $100,000 | $200,000 | |||
PEFANIS, HARRY N. MR. | $100,000 | $100,000 | $200,000 | |||
LUDDY, ROBERT L. MR. | $100,000 | $100,000 | $200,000 | |||
WEISS, M. ELIZABETH MRS. | $67,000 | $75,000 | $10,000 | $152,000 | ||
LAMP, DAVE L. MR. | $100,000 | $50,000 | $150,000 | |||
DIEFENTHAL, EDWARD L. MR. | $150,000 | $150,000 | ||||
HUNT, WOODY L. MR. | $50,000 | $100,000 | $150,000 | |||
ROJ, WILLIAM H. MR. | $25,000 | $100,000 | $125,000 | |||
RICE, PHOEBE R. MRS. | $110,008 | $110,008 | ||||
BUNTROCK, DEAN L. MR. | $100,000 | $100,000 | ||||
PEARSON, MARK | $100,000 | $100,000 | ||||
TROESH, DENNIS MR. | $100,000 | $100,000 | ||||
RECORDS, GEORGE J. MR. | $100,000 | $100,000 | ||||
CHALLEY, ROBERT E. MR. | $100,000 | $100,000 | ||||
HOTCHKIS, JOHN F. MR. | $100,000 | $100,000 | ||||
SUTTON, NICK MR. | $100,000 | $100,000 | ||||
ROBSON, ED MR. | $100,000 | $100,000 | ||||
BRESLOW, JOHN MR. | $100,000 | $100,000 | ||||
ELLEGARD, KENNETH E. MR. | $100,000 | $100,000 | ||||
MARKKULA, ARMAS C. JR. | $100,000 | $100,000 | ||||
HOCK, STACY | $100,000 | $100,000 | ||||
HICKS, THOMAS O. MR. | $100,000 | $100,000 | ||||
Top Contributor Organizations ($100K or More) | ||||||
CHARLES G. KOCH 1997 TRUST | $5,000,000 | $3,000,000 | $3,000,000 | $11,000,000 | ||
MOUNTAIRE CORPORATION | $3,000,000 | $3,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $7,000,000 | ||
DAVID H. KOCH 2003 TRUST | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | ||||
ROGER W STONE REVOCABLE TRUST DTD 6/3/2009 | $1,250,000 | $1,250,000 | ||||
CLARENCE L. WERNER REVOCABLE TRUST | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | ||||
I360 | $914,363 | $914,363 | ||||
FREEDOM PARTNERS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INC. | $693,289 | $89,026 | $23,870 | $806,185 | ||
WAYNE LAUFER REVOCABLE TR | $600,000 | $600,000 | ||||
VARIETY STORES INC. | $400,000 | $100,000 | $500,000 | |||
DEAN L BUNTROCK TRUST UAD 11/13/15 | $250,000 | $250,000 | $500,000 | |||
KAREN BUCHWALD WRIGHT REVOCABLE TST | $500,000 | $500,000 | ||||
HUBBARD BROADCASTING INC. | $300,000 | $200,000 | $500,000 | |||
DEAN L. BUNTROCK TRUST | $400,000 | $400,000 | ||||
ROGER & SUSAN STONE FAMILY FOUNDATION | $250,000 | $250,000 | ||||
THE GINN FAMILY TRUST DTD 8/7/85 SAMUEL L. GINN TTEE | $100,000 | $150,000 | $250,000 | |||
KENT C MCCARTHY REVOCABLE TRUST | $250,000 | $250,000 | ||||
THE WILLIAM R JOHNSON JR REV TR | $100,000 | $100,000 | $200,000 | |||
THE FROST 1990 REVOCABLE TRUST | $200,000 | $200,000 | ||||
JAMES A. PATTERSON REV. TRUST ACCOUNT | $200,000 | $200,000 | ||||
EDWARD J. ROBSON FAMILY TRUST | $100,000 | $100,000 | $200,000 | |||
HUNTER-DOOLEY FAMILY TRUST | $125,000 | $50,000 | $175,000 | |||
BB&T SECURITIES LLC | $156,926 | $156,926 | ||||
THE GEORGE W. GIBBS III LIVING TRUST | $150,000 | $150,000 | ||||
THE BRADBURY CO. INC. | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 | $125,000 |
JOHN W CHILDS 2013 REVOCABLE | $125,000 | $125,000 | ||||
ALKIN CO | $100,000 | $100,000 | ||||
INTERNATIONAL BANK OF COMMERCE | $100,000 | $100,000 | ||||
PJ BRIX LLC | $100,000 | $100,000 | ||||
W.D.C. HOLDINGS LLC | $100,000 | $100,000 | ||||
SHANNON 2006 REVOCABLE TRUST | $100,000 | $100,000 |
Freedom Partners Action Fund – Money Spent
Year | ||||||
Entity Type & Recipient | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | Grand Total |
COM | $5,000,000 | $5,000,000 | ||||
AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITY ACTION INC. | $5,000,000 | $5,000,000 | ||||
Individual | $2,233 | $2,233 | ||||
LANGBORGH, BONNIE K. | $1,030 | $1,030 | ||||
JOHNSTON, JIM | $900 | $900 | ||||
KINCAID, CAROLYN | $303 | $303 | ||||
Organization | $2,360,292 | $264,476 | $1,472,899 | $1,230,796 | $2,825,525 | $8,153,988 |
I360 | $35,250 | $644,865 | $1,023,350 | $1,808,269 | $3,511,734 | |
FREEDOM PARTNERS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INC. | $698,223 | $89,026 | $219,267 | $39,000 | $90,150 | $1,135,667 |
MAXIMUM COMPLIANCE LLC | $80,420 | $80,000 | $208,125 | $56,833 | $145,311 | $570,689 |
KAREN BUCHWALD WRIGHT REVOCABLE TST | $500,000 | $500,000 | ||||
PRESSTIGE PRINTING | $310,138 | $310,138 | ||||
ROGER & SUSAN STONE FAMILY FOUNDATION | $250,000 | $250,000 | ||||
FP1 STRATEGIES LLC | $78,500 | $65,695 | $32,000 | $176,195 | ||
JONES DAY | $132,498 | $8,988 | $16,241 | $157,726 | ||
PEOPLE WHO THINK | $141,160 | $141,160 | ||||
MCCARTHY HENNINGS WHALEN INC. | $132,000 | $132,000 | ||||
CMDI | $23,514 | $14,464 | $44,673 | $12,003 | $29,753 | $124,407 |
INNOVATIVE ADVERTISING LLC | $106,248 | $17,500 | $123,748 | |||
INTERNATIONAL BANK OF COMMERCE | $100,000 | $100,000 | ||||
ACCELERATE WEST VIRGINIA | $100,000 | $100,000 | ||||
IN PURSUIT OF | $21,295 | $61,726 | $83,021 | |||
DIRECT MAIL MARKETING GROUP | $77,442 | $262 | $2,069 | $79,774 | ||
SANDLER-INNOCENZI INC. | $23,110 | $22,040 | $29,858 | $75,009 | ||
POOLHOUSE | $53,500 | $53,500 | ||||
USI INSURANCE SERVICES NAT’L | $52,001 | $52,001 | ||||
LUNTZ GLOBAL PARTNERS LLC | $46,790 | $46,790 | ||||
WELLS FARGO INSURANCE SERVICES USA INC. | $29,531 | $15,555 | $45,086 | |||
BB&T MERCHANT SERVICES | $24,513 | $456 | $3,273 | $1,545 | $7,647 | $37,434 |
THINKFILM INC. | $33,000 | $33,000 | ||||
ZMD LLC | $6,629 | $19,427 | $26,056 | |||
POSTAGE FOR DIRECT MAIL FUNDRAISING LLC | $24,554 | $24,554 | ||||
PLANET DIRECT | $20,329 | $20,329 | ||||
ENGAGE | $4,419 | $15,256 | $19,675 | |||
BIGEYE DIRECT | $16,377 | $16,377 | ||||
JAMESTOWN ASSOCIATES LLC | $7,000 | $9,280 | $16,280 | |||
CONSERVATIVE CONNECTOR LLC | $16,240 | $16,240 | ||||
CONRAD DIRECT | $6,855 | $4,861 | $600 | $12,316 | ||
CLEAR WORD COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. | $12,000 | $12,000 | ||||
APUS MEDIA INC. | $11,337 | $11,337 | ||||
SOUTHWEST PUBLISHING & MAILING CORPORATION | $9,388 | $9,388 | ||||
BB&T | $1,984 | $4,787 | $1,853 | $8,625 | ||
ALEXANDER & MACGREGOR INC. | $3,000 | $5,000 | $0 | $8,000 | ||
US POSTAL SERVICE | $1,218 | $925 | $2,155 | $2,150 | $1,260 | $7,708 |
USI INSURANCE SERVICES NATIONAL (WDC) | $7,144 | $7,144 | ||||
PRECISION LISTS LLC | $6,092 | $6,092 | ||||
NOVA LIST COMPANY LLC | $5,942 | $5,942 | ||||
GREENER AND HOOK LLC | $5,741 | $5,741 | ||||
PAGELY INC. | $5,187 | $399 | $5,586 | |||
HSP DIRECT LLC | $5,000 | $5,000 | ||||
US POSTMASTER | $5,000 | $5,000 | ||||
NATIONAL CAPITAL TELESERVICES L.L.C. | $4,925 | $4,925 | ||||
TWITTER INC. | $3,900 | $1,000 | $4,900 | |||
MPM | $4,895 | $4,895 | ||||
BB&T BANK | $427 | $2,962 | $1,177 | $4,566 | ||
ANEDOT | $201 | $2,052 | $1,672 | $3,925 | ||
MDI IMAGING & MAIL LLC | $3,901 | $3,901 | ||||
ST. REGIS MONARCH BEACH | $3,596 | $3,596 | ||||
RED EDGE LLC | $3,164 | $3,164 | ||||
2MAX MEDIA LLC | $3,000 | $3,000 | ||||
GREGORY ALLEN MUNFORD INC. | $3,000 | $3,000 | ||||
FACEBOOK INC. | $2,899 | $2,899 | ||||
AUTHORIZE.NET | $171 | $660 | $507 | $659 | $485 | $2,481 |
CT CORPORATION | $668 | $284 | $380 | $805 | $2,137 | |
TRI-STATE ENVELOPE CORPORATION | $2,048 | $2,048 | ||||
FP1 DIGITAL LLC | $2,000 | $2,000 | ||||
BKD LLP | $977 | $978 | $1,955 | |||
SPECIALTY DATA SOLUTIONS | $1,540 | $1,540 | ||||
US DIGITAL | $887 | $887 | ||||
PREFERRED COMMUNICATIONS | $850 | $850 | ||||
DUPESHOP.COM | $804 | $804 | ||||
JUNTTILA STUDIOS INC. | $750 | $750 | ||||
SUNRISE DATA SERVICES | $750 | $750 | ||||
PSAV | $653 | $653 | ||||
TUCOWS.COM | $641 | $641 | ||||
GODADDY.COM | $112 | $333 | $150 | $595 | ||
WP ENGINE INC. | $290 | $290 | $580 | |||
MAILCHIMP | $210 | $180 | $180 | $570 | ||
DONORBUREAU LLC | $502 | $502 | ||||
ARCADIO LLC | $450 | $450 | ||||
SIR SPEEDY | $439 | $439 | ||||
HARLAND CLARKE CORP. | $439 | $439 | ||||
TRAY | $395 | $395 | ||||
STAPLES | $388 | $388 | ||||
RENAISSANCE INDIAN WELLS | $344 | $344 | ||||
STAPLES (ARLINGTON) | $335 | $335 | ||||
OUTBRAIN INC. | $217 | $217 | ||||
PRIME MEDIA PARTNERS LLC | $0 | $0 | ||||
PAC | $52,500 | $52,500 | ||||
WEST MAIN STREET VALUES PAC INC. | $50,000 | $50,000 | ||||
MAVERICK PAC USA | $2,500 | $2,500 | ||||
Grand Total | $2,415,026 | $264,476 | $1,472,899 | $1,230,796 | $7,825,525 | $13,208,721 |
Freedom Partners/Seminar Network/Stand Together Chamber of Commerce 990 Forms
Freedom Partners Institute / Capitol Leaders 990 Forms
Key People
The following is based on information presented in Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce’s 990 forms and the Freedom Partners website:
Name | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | Title |
Emily Seidel | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Director & Executive VP | |||
Kevin Gentry | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Director | |
Mark Holden | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | President, Chairman | |
Nestor Weigand Jr. | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Director | |
Michael Lanzara | Y | Y | Y | Y | VP Member Relations | ||||
Dale Gibbens | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Director | |||
Kelly Bulloch | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Director | |||
Brian Hooks | Y | Y | Y | Y | Director | ||||
Nicholas Dunn | Y | Y | VP of Development | ||||||
Randy Lair | Y | Y | Y | Y | Director | ||||
Robert Heaton | Y | Y | CFO/Treasurer | ||||||
Cy Nobles | Y | Y | Y | Director | |||||
Daniel Sacks | Y | VP of Member Relations | |||||||
Kimberly Wolff | Y | Sr VP of Strategic Development | |||||||
Mark McConnell | Y | VP of Gift Planning | |||||||
Nancy Pfotenhauer | Y | Y | Y | Director | |||||
Wayne Gable | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Director | |||
Dustin Perry | Y | Y | Y | Y | Treasurer | ||||
James Davis | Y | Y | Y | Y | Sr. VP Communications | ||||
Josh Fisher | Y | Y | Y | Y | VP-Financial Planning/Analysis | ||||
Marc Short | Y | Y | Y | Y | President | ||||
Julie Strauss | Y | Y | Y | Secretary | |||||
Richard Ribbentrop | Y | Y | Y | Y | Sr VP Policy | ||||
Paul Morrell | Y | VP Communications | |||||||
Douglas Pileri | Y | Y | Executive Vice President | ||||||
David Silverman | Y | VP of Development | |||||||
Daniel Jorjani | Y | Y | Dep Gen Counsel/Vp Compliance | ||||||
Heather Love | Y | Y | Treasurer | ||||||
Jonathan Black | Y | Y | Director of Research | ||||||
Richard Fink | Y | Y | Director | ||||||
Michael Roman | Y | Vice President of Research | |||||||
Alan Cobb | Y | Vice President | |||||||
Andrew Koenig | Y | Project Director | |||||||
Angela Redding | Y | Project Manager |
Staff in Trump Administration
ProPublica tracked appointees who were formerly employed by Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce and who went on to work in the Trump Administration: 35“Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce,” ProPublica “Trump Town.” Accessed May 18, 2019. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
- Edward Ajaeb — Analyst. Went to Office of National Drug Control Policy.
- Brittany Baldwin — Deputy Director of Writing. Went to White House Office.
- Luke Alexander Beckmann — Analyst. Went to Homeland Security.
- Samantha Dravis — Legal Counsel. Went to Environmental Protection Agency.
- Stephen J. Ford — Director of Writing. Went to Office of the Vice President.
- Andrew D. “Andy” Koenig— Vice President of Policy, Senior Policy Advisor. Went to White House Office.
- Gary Michael Lawkowski — Legal Counsel. Went to Interior.
- Michael P. McKeown — Went to Homeland Security.
- Michael A. “Mike” Roman — Vice-President. Went to White House Office.
- Bethany Scully — Deputy Director Member Relations. Went to White House Office.
- Marc Short — President. Went to White House Office.
- Cooper James Smith — Research Associate. Went to Housing and Urban Development.
Other People
- Nathan Nascimento — Freedom Partners Vice President of Policy.36“Freedom Partners Applauds Trump Administration for Long-Overdue Permitting of Keystone XL Pipeline,” Freedom Partners, March 24, 2017. Archived May 17, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/qke58
Actions
March 24, 2017
Freedom Partners applauded the Trump administration for approving the Keystone XL pipeline:37“Freedom Partners Applauds Trump Administration for Long-Overdue Permitting of Keystone XL Pipeline,” Freedom Partners, March 24, 2017. Archived May 17, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/qke58
“After years of needless delay and obstruction, we applaud the Trump administration for finally green-lighting the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline” Freedom Partners Vice President of Policy Nathan Nascimento said in a statement.
“The Obama administration’s senseless opposition to this pipeline was one of the starkest examples of putting partisan politics ahead of jobs and the economy. It’s encouraging to see the Trump administration is putting American jobs before politics.”38“Freedom Partners Applauds Trump Administration for Long-Overdue Permitting of Keystone XL Pipeline,” Freedom Partners, March 24, 2017. Archived May 17, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/qke58
November 2014
National Journal reported that Freedom Partners Action Fund teamed up with Americans for Prosperity to spend a combined $100 million during the 2014 election cycle.39“The Koch Network Spent 0 Million This Election Cycle,” National Journal, November 14, 2017. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/ZNdIG
“The pair worked in tandem this year: AFP bombarded the TV airwaves early in key Senate races to coincide with the botched implementation of Obamacare, softening up many Democratic incumbents before many of their campaigns had even kicked into gear. The groups’ staggering spending figures will be credited with helping Republicans create what is shaping up to be a wave election for the party,” National Journal wrote.40“The Koch Network Spent 0 Million This Election Cycle,” National Journal, November 14, 2017. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/ZNdIG
“The biggest decision strategically that we made was going so early with our ad effort,” said AFP President Tim Phillips. “When we launched last year, it was probably unprecedented for an off-year cycle. I don’t recall anyone spending tens of millions in early September through Memorial Day in an off-year.”41“The Koch Network Spent 0 Million This Election Cycle,” National Journal, November 14, 2017. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/ZNdIG
June 2014
Freedom Partners reportedly spearheaded a new energy initiative that was introduced at a Koch Brothers summit in Laguna Beach, California. The Daily Beast obtained an email sent by Kevin Gentry, Vice President of the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation, to Freedom Partners members:42Peter Stone. “Koch Brothers Make Climate Activists New Target,” Daily Beast, June 13, 2014. Archived May 19, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/AKZUb
Members were invited to take part in a “significant new Freedom Partners initiative” to “drive the national narrative around energy and the tremendous benefits of reliable affordable energy for all Americans, especially for the less fortunate.”
“New multi million dollar campaign by environmentalists is arguably an effort to distract from the failures of Obamacare. But you and I know energy is a critically important issue for the United States,” Gentry wrote in the email.43Peter Stone. “Koch Brothers Make Climate Activists New Target,” Daily Beast, June 13, 2014. Archived May 19, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/AKZUb
April 8, 2014
Freedom Partners launched a $1.1 million advertising campaign against Representative Bruce Braley (D-IA) and Senator Mark Udall (D-CO), The Daily Caller reported.44Alexis Levinson. “NEW ADS ATTACK BRALEY, UDALL ON OBAMACARE,” The Daily Caller, April 7, 2014. Archived May 18. 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/RUpJf
“Congressman Bruce Braley voted for Obamacare,” says a female narrator in the Iowa ad, as brooding piano music plays in the background. “The government spent millions of taxpayer dollars to promote it. Now, health insurance companies stand to make billions, and Bruce Braley, he takes tens of thousands from his friends in the health insurance industries. For Iowans, it’s cancelled policies and higher costs. That’s not right.”45Alexis Levinson. “NEW ADS ATTACK BRALEY, UDALL ON OBAMACARE,” The Daily Caller, April 7, 2014. Archived May 18. 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/RUpJf
A campaign spokesman for Bruce Braley described the ad as “misleading.”46Alexis Levinson. “NEW ADS ATTACK BRALEY, UDALL ON OBAMACARE,” The Daily Caller, April 7, 2014. Archived May 18. 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/RUpJf
“The Koch brothers and their oil billionaire allies are once again attacking Bruce Braley with misleading ads because just like Bruce’s GOP opponents they support policies that would hurt Iowa’s economy, like blocking an increase in the minimum wage, undermining Medicare and Social Security, and sending us back to the days when insurance companies could kick people off their insurance when they got sick. Bruce Braley fights for Iowa’s working families because that’s where he comes from, and he’ll keep fighting for Iowa in the US Senate,” he said.47Alexis Levinson. “NEW ADS ATTACK BRALEY, UDALL ON OBAMACARE,” The Daily Caller, April 7, 2014. Archived May 18. 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/RUpJf
February 5, 2014
Mother Jones reported that a confidential document was left behind at one of the Koch Brothers’ donor conferences. In addition to highlighting a number of previously unknown donors, “The document suggests a close collaboration between officials of Koch Industries, AFP, and Freedom Partners, whose staff and board are stacked with numerous current and former Koch Industries employees.”48Daniel Schulman and Andy Kroll. “The Koch Brothers Left a Confidential Document at Their Donor Conference,” Mother Jones, February 5, 2014. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/PNpse
Freedom Partners spokesman James Davis said he was “uncertain” about the document and did not respond to further questions.49Daniel Schulman and Andy Kroll. “The Koch Brothers Left a Confidential Document at Their Donor Conference,” Mother Jones, February 5, 2014. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/PNpse
The materials showed Michael Lanzara and Jeff Noble, who at the time had transitioned to work at Freedom Partners after working in Koch Companies Public Sector, were scheduled to meet with potential donors alongside staff from Americans for Prosperity (AFP). Those with ties to Freedom Partners involved in the meetings included:50Daniel Schulman and Andy Kroll. “The Koch Brothers Left a Confidential Document at Their Donor Conference,” Mother Jones, February 5, 2014. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/PNpse
- Michael Lanzara
- Kevin Gentry
- Jeff Noble
- Brett Hinkey
- Marc Short
- Nathan Nascimento
- James Davis
Related Organizations
- i360
- Concerned Veterans for America
- Americans for Prosperity
- Koch Industries
- Charles Koch Foundation
- Charles Koch Institute
- The Seminar Network
- In Pursuit Of
- The Libre Initiative
- Cause of Action
- Stand Together
Controlled Entities
The below corporations have all at one time shared the address 2200 WILSON BLVD STE 102-533 ARLINGTON VA 22201, according to tax returns. Demeter Analytics Services Inc. has been listed at both 2300 CLARENDON BLVD SUITE 800 ARLINGTON VA 22201 and at the Wilson Blvd address, sometimes inside the same tax return (see “independent contractors” and “related organizations” in Freedom Partners 2016 990 form, for example). i360, a “comprehensive data resource” serving Koch, has an address of 2300 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 800.
The following hierarchy is based on “direct controlling entities” listed in Freedom Partners tax returns:
- Freedom Partners
- American Strategies Group LLC (ASG)*
- Cavhoco, Inc.
- KNSLT, Inc.
- DBLDBL, Inc.
- Thoco
- Demeter Analytics
- Thoco
- Cavhoco, Inc.
- American Strategies Group LLC (ASG)*
*Politico reports ASG is set up with a corporate structure known as a “disregarded entity,” which “exists only as a part of its parent group ― in this case Freedom Partners ― for the purposes of mitigating legal risk and separating revenue streams for accounting and tax compliance purposes.”51The Koch intelligence agency,” Politico, November 18, 2015. Archived July 19, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/EJvwY
Contact & Address
According to its most recent tax filing, Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce was listed at the following address:
2200 Wilson Blvd Ste 102-533
Arlington, VA 22201-3324
(571) 898-2958
Social Media
- Freedom Partners on Facebook
- @FreedomPartners on Twitter
- Freedom Partners on YouTube
- Freedom Partners on LinkedIn
Other Resources
- “Freedom Partners,” SourceWatch.
- “Freedom Partners Shared Services,” SourceWatch.
- “Freedom Partners,” Wikipedia.
- Freedom Partners Action Fund profile on OpenSecrets.
Resources
- 1James Hohmann. “The Daily 202: The Koch network is reorganizing under a new name and with new priorities,” The Washington Post, May 20, 2019. Archived June 12, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/3a2Ma
- 2“About,” Freedom Partners. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/hWcnz
- 3“About Us,” Freedom Partners. Archived November 13, 2013. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/4o2TC
- 4“About,” Freedom Partners. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/hWcnz
- 5“About,” Freedom Partners. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/hWcnz
- 6Mike Allen and Jim Vandehei. “The Koch brothers’ secret bank,” Politico, September 11, 2013. Archived May 17 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/dZAR6
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- 10“About Freedom Partners Action Fund,” Freedom Partners Action Fund. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/5E6Py
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- 12Darren Goode. “Kochs launch new super PAC,” Politico, June 16, 2014. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/IDFcv
- 13Darren Goode. “Kochs launch new super PAC,” Politico, June 16, 2014. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/IDFcv
- 14Federal Election Commission search, performed May 18, 2019.
- 15Matt Corley. “INTRODUCING THE NEWEST KOCH NETWORK GROUP: FREEDOM PARTNERS INSTITUTE, INC.” Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, January 21, 2016.
- 16Matt Corley. “INTRODUCING THE NEWEST KOCH NETWORK GROUP: FREEDOM PARTNERS INSTITUTE, INC.” Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, January 21, 2016.
- 17Matt Corley. “INTRODUCING THE NEWEST KOCH NETWORK GROUP: FREEDOM PARTNERS INSTITUTE, INC.” Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, January 21, 2016.
- 18“About,” Freedom Partners Institute. Archived October 27, 2016. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/Islyo
- 19“About,” Freedom Partners Institute. Archived October 27, 2016. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/Islyo
- 20Domain Dossier for freedompartnersinstitute.org via CentralOPS.net. Accessed May 18. 2019. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
- 21David Armiak. “The Koch Brothers’ Freedom Partners Group Spends 5.2 Million in 2017,” Exposed by CMD, November 26, 2018. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/Z9Pg5
- 22Matea Gold. “The players in the Koch-backed 0 million political donor network,” The Washington Post, January 5, 2014. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/ecOGq
- 23“About,” Center for Shared Services. Archived January 3, 2013. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/0WWBL
- 24Kenneth P. Vogel. “Koch World 2014,” Politico, January 24, 2014. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/tQJQP
- 25“The Seminar Network,” homepage, archived May 16, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/RTuIX
- 26Lee Fang and Nick Surgey. “KOCH DOCUMENT REVEALS LAUNDRY LIST OF POLICY VICTORIES EXTRACTED FROM THE TRUMPADMINISTRATION,” The Intercept, February 25, 2018. Archived May 16, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/pAN4K
- 27“Our Network Partners,” The Seminar Network. Archived May 16, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/LGDTv
- 28Mike Allen and Kenneth P. Vogel. “Inside the Koch data mine,” Politico, December 8, 2014. Archived June 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.li/AvF5R
- 29“About Us,” i360. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/R6Reo
- 30“Kochs’ Freedom Partners Spent 9M in 2014, Invested Massively in Voter Data Lists,” PR Watch, November 18, 2015.
- 31“Statement on U.S. Commitments at Paris Negotiations,” Freedom Partners, December 11, 2015. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/CpqRC
- 32“Statement on U.S. Commitments at Paris Negotiations,” Freedom Partners, December 11, 2015. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/CpqRC
- 33“Statement on U.S. Commitments at Paris Negotiations,” Freedom Partners, December 11, 2015. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/CpqRC
- 34Federal Election Commission search, performed May 18, 2019.
- 35“Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce,” ProPublica “Trump Town.” Accessed May 18, 2019. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
- 36“Freedom Partners Applauds Trump Administration for Long-Overdue Permitting of Keystone XL Pipeline,” Freedom Partners, March 24, 2017. Archived May 17, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/qke58
- 37“Freedom Partners Applauds Trump Administration for Long-Overdue Permitting of Keystone XL Pipeline,” Freedom Partners, March 24, 2017. Archived May 17, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/qke58
- 38“Freedom Partners Applauds Trump Administration for Long-Overdue Permitting of Keystone XL Pipeline,” Freedom Partners, March 24, 2017. Archived May 17, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/qke58
- 39“The Koch Network Spent 0 Million This Election Cycle,” National Journal, November 14, 2017. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/ZNdIG
- 40“The Koch Network Spent 0 Million This Election Cycle,” National Journal, November 14, 2017. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/ZNdIG
- 41“The Koch Network Spent 0 Million This Election Cycle,” National Journal, November 14, 2017. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/ZNdIG
- 42Peter Stone. “Koch Brothers Make Climate Activists New Target,” Daily Beast, June 13, 2014. Archived May 19, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/AKZUb
- 43Peter Stone. “Koch Brothers Make Climate Activists New Target,” Daily Beast, June 13, 2014. Archived May 19, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/AKZUb
- 44Alexis Levinson. “NEW ADS ATTACK BRALEY, UDALL ON OBAMACARE,” The Daily Caller, April 7, 2014. Archived May 18. 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/RUpJf
- 45Alexis Levinson. “NEW ADS ATTACK BRALEY, UDALL ON OBAMACARE,” The Daily Caller, April 7, 2014. Archived May 18. 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/RUpJf
- 46Alexis Levinson. “NEW ADS ATTACK BRALEY, UDALL ON OBAMACARE,” The Daily Caller, April 7, 2014. Archived May 18. 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/RUpJf
- 47Alexis Levinson. “NEW ADS ATTACK BRALEY, UDALL ON OBAMACARE,” The Daily Caller, April 7, 2014. Archived May 18. 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/RUpJf
- 48Daniel Schulman and Andy Kroll. “The Koch Brothers Left a Confidential Document at Their Donor Conference,” Mother Jones, February 5, 2014. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/PNpse
- 49Daniel Schulman and Andy Kroll. “The Koch Brothers Left a Confidential Document at Their Donor Conference,” Mother Jones, February 5, 2014. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/PNpse
- 50Daniel Schulman and Andy Kroll. “The Koch Brothers Left a Confidential Document at Their Donor Conference,” Mother Jones, February 5, 2014. Archived May 18, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/PNpse
- 51The Koch intelligence agency,” Politico, November 18, 2015. Archived July 19, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/EJvwY