Yet based on the names of these groups alone, the average voter rarely has enough information to determine the agenda of a particular PAC -- especially leadership PACs and super PACS.For instance, last year, conservative political operatives created a super PAC known simply as American Crossroads -- a group that raised $28 million thanks, in part, to backing from Karl Rove, the former strategist for President George W. Bush, and its ability to collect unlimited contributions from individuals and corporations.
And this year, liberal political operatives -- led by former Obama administration officials Bill Burton and Sean Sweeney -- established a super PAC called Priorities USA Action.
"PACs want to sound wholesome and healthful, akin to motherhood and organic apple pie," Larry Sabato, the director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, told OpenSecrets Blog. "That way, it is tougher to attack them because people say, 'Whoa, that name seems nice -- who could be against freedom or strength or a better tomorrow?'"
It is "organic" apple pie now?
