Players Guide 2010

Independent political groups — both new and existing — have committed themselves to spending heavily to influence the outcome of the 2010 elections. Some are taking advantage of a recent Supreme Court decision by funneling money from business corporations or labor unions into the election process. Many of these groups avoid making public disclosure of their donors. Who are these groups and who’s behind them?
Below is a list of some major groups that have been — or say they will be — active in this campaign cycle. This is not a comprehensive list, and additional groups will be added as the campaign season unfolds.
We selected these groups based on how much money they have spent, or say they plan to spend, or how much media attention they have attracted. Most of them have pledged to spend tens of millions of dollars in the 2010 elections.
Our "Cash Attack" coverage of 2010 political ads by corporations and unions is supported by a grant from the Carnegie Corporation.