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==Background==
==Background==
AFP was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] (formerly Citizens for a Sound Economy), for [[501(c)(4)]] advocacy activity, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation (formerly the Citizens for a Sound Economy Foundation).
AFP was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] (formerly Citizens for a Sound Economy), for [[501(c)(4)]] advocacy activity, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation (formerly the Citizens for a Sound Economy Foundation). [[Dick Armey]], who had become chair of CSE in 2003 after retiring from Congress,<ref name="armey">{{cite web | url = http://www.freedomworks.org/press-releases/dick-armey-to-lead-citizens-for-a-sound-economy | title = Dick Armey to lead Citizens for a Sound Economy | date = January 8, 2003 }}</ref> stayed as chairman of FreedomWorks, while [[David H. Koch]] stayed as Chairman of Americans for Prosperity Foundation. Like CSE, AFP was founded with the support of [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles G. Koch]] of [[Koch Industries]].<ref name="Zernike">{{cite journal|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/20/us/politics/20koch.htm |title=Secretive Republican Donors Are Planning Ahead |journal=[[New York Times]] |date=October 19, 2010 |first=Kate |last=Zernike |authorlink=Kate Zernike}}</ref><ref name="Mayer">{{cite web|last=Mayer |first=Jane |url=http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all |title=The billionaire Koch brothers’ war against Obama |publisher=The New Yorker |date=2009-01-07 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123859296|title=Who's Raising Money For Tea Party Movement?|first=Peter|last=Overby|date=February 19, 2010|quote=David Koch has directly taken credit for founding Americans for Prosperity, saying, "Five years ago my brother Charles and I provided the funds to start the Americans for Prosperity."}}</ref> Citizens for a Sound Economy (CSE) had been established in 1984 by David H. Koch and Charles G. Koch. "CSE received almost $5 million from various Koch foundations between 1986 and 1990, and David Koch and several Koch Industries employees serve[d] as directors of CSE and the CSE Foundation."<ref>Draffan, George (2000), [http://www.endgame.org/corpcon2.html#CitizensforaSoundEconomy The Corporate Consensus: A Guide to the Institutions of Global Power]</ref>


===Mission===
===Mission===
AFP describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as public policy advocates of lower taxes and limited government.<ref name=about/>
AFP describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government.<ref name=about/>


==Leadership and structure==
==Leadership and structure==
Like [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] before it, Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity (a [[501(c)(4)]] organization<ref name=AFPdonate/> established in 2004) and Americans for Prosperity Foundation (a [[501(c)(3)]] organization<ref name=AFPdonate>Americans for Prosperity, [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/donate Contribute]</ref> established in 1984 as the Citizens for a Sound Economy Foundation. Americans for Prosperity is led on the national level by its president, Tim Phillips, a former partner in the public affairs and public relations firm, [[Century Strategies]] with [[Ralph E. Reed, Jr.|Ralph Reed]] (of Christian Coalition fame).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Century_Strategies |title=Century Strategies |publisher=SourceWatch |date= |accessdate=2010-08-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Kiel |first=Paul |url=http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/2006/02/13/the_daily_muck_28/index.php |title=TPMCafe &#124; Talking Points Memo &#124; The Daily Muck |publisher=Tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com |date=2006-02-13 |accessdate=2010-08-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alternet.org/politics/142068/utilizing_public_airwaves,_media_mogul_murdoch_is_big_muscle_behind_fraudulent_astro_turfers/?page=entire |title=Utilizing Public Airwaves, Media Mogul Murdoch Is Big Muscle Behind Fraudulent Astro Turfers |publisher=Alternet.org |date=2009-08-20 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref>
Like [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] before it, Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity (a [[501(c)(4)]] organization<ref name=AFPdonate/> established in 2004) and Americans for Prosperity Foundation (a [[501(c)(3)]] organization<ref name=AFPdonate>Americans for Prosperity, [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/donate Contribute]</ref> established in 1984 as the Citizens for a Sound Economy Foundation. Americans for Prosperity is led on the national level by its president, Tim Phillips.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Century_Strategies |title=Century Strategies |publisher=SourceWatch |date= |accessdate=2010-08-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Kiel |first=Paul |url=http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/2006/02/13/the_daily_muck_28/index.php |title=TPMCafe &#124; Talking Points Memo &#124; The Daily Muck |publisher=Tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com |date=2006-02-13 |accessdate=2010-08-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alternet.org/politics/142068/utilizing_public_airwaves,_media_mogul_murdoch_is_big_muscle_behind_fraudulent_astro_turfers/?page=entire |title=Utilizing Public Airwaves, Media Mogul Murdoch Is Big Muscle Behind Fraudulent Astro Turfers |publisher=Alternet.org |date=2009-08-20 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref>
Other national staff include: [[Phil Kerpen]], director of policy; and [[Erik Telford]], director of AFP's RightOnline new media program.
Other national staff include: [[Phil Kerpen]], director of policy; and [[Erik Telford]], director of AFP's RightOnline new media program.
Art Pope,<ref>[http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/v-print/story/394092.html "The knight of the right" by Rob Christensen, Jan 29,2006 The News & Observer]{{dead link|date=October 2010}}</ref><ref>[http://www.newsobserver.com/news/v-print/story/393824.html "Advocate to some, bully to others, Pope brews discord" by Rob Christensen, Jan 29,2006 The News & Observer]{{dead link|date=October 2010}}</ref> [[James C. Miller]], [[James E. Stephenson]], and Frayda Levy serve on the board of directors.
Art Pope,<ref>[http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/v-print/story/394092.html "The knight of the right" by Rob Christensen, Jan 29,2006 The News & Observer]{{dead link|date=October 2010}}</ref><ref>[http://www.newsobserver.com/news/v-print/story/393824.html "Advocate to some, bully to others, Pope brews discord" by Rob Christensen, Jan 29,2006 The News & Observer]{{dead link|date=October 2010}}</ref> [[James C. Miller]], [[James E. Stephenson]], and Frayda Levy serve on the board of directors.


From 2003 to 2007 AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]] (Koch Industries' chief lobbyist from 1996 to 2001), who left to become an adviser for the [[John McCain presidential campaign, 2008|2008 John McCain presidential campaign]].
From 2003 to 2007 AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]], who left to become an adviser for the [[John McCain presidential campaign, 2008|2008 John McCain presidential campaign]].


AFP's web site lists 28 staffed state chapters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.afphq.org/about/staff |title=Americans for Prosperity - State Staff |publisher=Afphq.org |date=2010-09-08 |accessdate=2010-10-26}}</ref>
AFP's web site lists 28 staffed state chapters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.afphq.org/about/staff |title=Americans for Prosperity - State Staff |publisher=Afphq.org |date=2010-09-08 |accessdate=2010-10-26}}</ref>


==Funding==
==Funding==
⚫
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of its expenditure, $2.1 million went to national office operations with just over $2.9 million allocated to the state-based chapters.
According to [[Media Matters]], Americans for Prosperity Foundation has received grants totaling over $5 million between 2004 and 2009, with over $4 million coming from the [[Claude R. Lambe Charitable Foundation]], one of the [[Koch Family Foundations]].<ref>[http://mediamattersaction.org/transparency/organization/Americans_for_Prosperity_Foundation/funders Media Transparency]</ref>
⚫
It was reported in early 2011 that AFP's budget grew to $40 million in 2010 from $7 million in 2007.<ref name=NYT01>Lipton, Eric, [http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/22/us/22koch.html?_r=1 "Billionaire Brothers’ Money Plays Role in Wisconsin Dispute"], ''The New York Times'', February 21, 2011 (February 22, 2011 p. A16 NY ed.). Retrieved 2011-02-22.</ref>

[[Koch Industries]] reports that, in 2009, less than 10 percent of AFP and AFP Foundation’s funding was Koch-related.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://web.archive.org/web/20110722041826/http://www.kochind.com/ViewPoint/publicPolicy.aspx |title=Advancing Market-Based Public Policy |publisher=Koch Industries |accessdate=2011-03-30}}</ref>

⚫
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. While the AFP Foundation ran at a loss that year, it had reserves. Of its expenditure, $2.1 million went to national office operations with just over $2.9 million allocated to the state-based chapters.
⚫
It was reported in early 2011 that AFP's budget grew to $40 million in 2010 from $7 million three years prior.<ref name=NYT01>Lipton, Eric, [http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/22/us/22koch.html?_r=1 "Billionaire Brothers’ Money Plays Role in Wisconsin Dispute"], ''The New York Times'', February 21, 2011 (February 22, 2011 p. A16 NY ed.). Retrieved 2011-02-22.</ref>

In a August 2010 article in ''[[The New Yorker]]'', [[Jane Mayer]] reported that the brothers, [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles G. Koch]], and [[Koch Industries]] are providing financial and organizational support to the [[tea party movement]] through Americans for Prosperity.<ref name="nyerhit">{{cite news|author=Mayer, Jane|date=August 30, 2010|title=Covert Operations|url=http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all|work=The New Yorker|publisher=Condé Nast|accessdate=2011-01-31}}</ref>


Based on its financial operations and programs, the independent [[Charity Navigator]] nonprofit review organization gave Americans For Prosperity Foundation a three-star rating out of four stars, and a 58 out of a possible 60 points.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511 |title=Charity Navigator, rating of AFP Foundation, accessed Aug 2011 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2011-08-11}}</ref>
Based on its financial operations and programs, the independent [[Charity Navigator]] nonprofit review organization gave Americans For Prosperity Foundation a three-star rating out of four stars, and a 58 out of a possible 60 points.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511 |title=Charity Navigator, rating of AFP Foundation, accessed Aug 2011 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2011-08-11}}</ref>


==Events==
==Events==
AFP hosted an event in Washington D.C. entitled "Defending the American Dream Summit" on October 5, 2007. The topic was government spending and taxation. Presidential candidates who attended included [[Rudy Giuliani]], [[Mike Huckabee]], [[John McCain]], [[Ron Paul]], [[Sam Brownback]], [[Mitt Romney]], and [[Fred Thompson]]. Other speakers included [[John Stossel]], [[Steve Lonegan]], [[Dinesh D'Souza]], [[Art Laffer]], [[John Fund]], [[Steve Moore]], [[Herman Cain]], Dr. Barry Poulson, and AFP founder [[David H. Koch]].
AFP hosted an event in Washington D.C. entitled "Defending the American Dream Summit" on October 5, 2007. The topic was government spending and taxation. Presidential candidates who attended included [[Rudolph Giuliani]], [[Mike Huckabee]], [[John McCain]], [[Ron Paul]], [[Sam Brownback]], [[Mitt Romney]], and [[Fred Thompson]]. Other speakers included [[John Stossel]], [[Steve Lonegan]], [[Dinesh D'Souza]], [[Art Laffer]], [[John Fund]], [[Steve Moore]], [[Herman Cain]], and Dr. Barry Poulson.


A second Summit was held October 11, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://c-span.org/Watch/Media/2008/10/11/HP/A/10468/Americans+for+Prosperity+Foundation+Conference.aspx |title=Americans for Prosperity Conference |publisher=C-span.org |date=2008-10-11 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> The 2009 Summit was held October 3, in Washington, DC to address health care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://c-span.org/Watch/Media/2009/10/03/HP/A/23977/Americans+for+Prosperity+Foundation+Defending+the+American+Dream+Summit.aspx |title=Defending the America Dream Summit |publisher=C-span.org |date=2009-10-03 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Speakers included [[Newt Gingrich]], [[Jim DeMint]], [[Mike Pence]], [[Paul Ryan (politician)|Paul Ryan]], and [[Michele Bachmann]].<ref>[http://www.washingtontimes.com/events/2009/oct/02/15981/ Defending the American Dream Summit]{{dead link|date=October 2010}}</ref>
A second Summit was held on October 11, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://c-span.org/Watch/Media/2008/10/11/HP/A/10468/Americans+for+Prosperity+Foundation+Conference.aspx |title=Americans for Prosperity Conference |publisher=C-span.org |date=2008-10-11 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> The 2009 Summit was held on October 3, in Washington, DC and was concerned with health-care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://c-span.org/Watch/Media/2009/10/03/HP/A/23977/Americans+for+Prosperity+Foundation+Defending+the+American+Dream+Summit.aspx |title=Defending the America Dream Summit |publisher=C-span.org |date=2009-10-03 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Speakers included [[Newt Gingrich]], [[Jim DeMint]], [[Mike Pence]], [[Paul Ryan (politician)|Paul Ryan]], and [[Michele Bachmann]].<ref>[http://www.washingtontimes.com/events/2009/oct/02/15981/ Defending the American Dream Summit]{{dead link|date=October 2010}}</ref>


Another event related to activism against carbon emission cuts is the ''Hot Air Tour'' featuring [[webcast]]s from the [[United Nations]] meetings [[COP15]] in Copenhagen 2009<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotairtour.org/ |title=Hot Air Tour |publisher=Hot Air Tour |date= |accessdate=2010-08-29}}</ref> and [[COP16]] in Cancun 2010. AFP's goal at these events is to "send a message to the bureaucrats that energy rationing will kill jobs, raise taxes, and crush our freedoms.".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast |title=Hot Air Tour Live from Cancun |publisher=Americans for Prosperity |date= |accessdate=2011-01-25}}</ref>
Another event related to activism against carbon emission cuts was the ''Hot Air Tour'' featuring [[webcast]]s from the [[United Nations]] meetings [[COP15]] in Copenhagen in 2009<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotairtour.org/ |title=Hot Air Tour |publisher=Hot Air Tour |date= |accessdate=2010-08-29}}</ref> and [[COP16]] in Cancun in 2010. AFP's goal at these events was to "send a message to the bureaucrats that energy rationing will kill jobs, raise taxes, and crush our freedoms.".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast |title=Hot Air Tour Live from Cancun |publisher=Americans for Prosperity |date= |accessdate=2011-01-25}}</ref>


In July 2008, Americans for Prosperity hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers in [[Austin, Texas]]. Eric Telford was the impresario of the conference that ran opposite the [http://www.NetrootsNation.org/ Netroots Nation] conference in Austin in July 2008 and was regarded as a growing conservative answer to the online left.<ref name=Vargas>{{cite news |first=Jose Antonio|last=Vargas |title=In Texas, the Right Boots Up to Gain Strength Online |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/17/AR2008071702662_pf.html |publisher=''[[The Washington Post]]'' |date=July 18, 2008 |accessdate=April 17, 2009}}</ref> The conference brought together conservative activists to develop strategies to counter left-wing bloggers and develop conservative New Media techniques.<ref name=Vargas/><ref>{{cite news| url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121634010883763999.html?mod=googlenews_wsj | work=The Wall Street Journal | title=In Online Politicking, Republicans Play Catch-Up | first=Amy | last=Schatz | date=July 18, 2008}}</ref> The meeting was held in conjunction with the Texas AFP chapter's conference.
In July 2008, Americans for Prosperity hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers in [[Austin, Texas]]. Eric Telford was the impresario of the conference which took place in June 2008, at the same time as the [http://www.NetrootsNation.org/ Netroots Nation] conference in Austin and was regarded as a growing conservative answer to the online left.<ref name=Vargas>{{cite news |first=Jose Antonio|last=Vargas |title=In Texas, the Right Boots Up to Gain Strength Online |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/17/AR2008071702662_pf.html |publisher=''[[The Washington Post]]'' |date=July 18, 2008 |accessdate=April 17, 2009}}</ref> The conference brought together conservative activists to develop strategies to counter left-wing bloggers and develop conservative New Media techniques.<ref name=Vargas/><ref>{{cite news| url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121634010883763999.html?mod=googlenews_wsj | work=The Wall Street Journal | title=In Online Politicking, Republicans Play Catch-Up | first=Amy | last=Schatz | date=July 18, 2008}}</ref> The meeting was held in conjunction with the Texas AFP chapter's conference.


In 2011, Phillips helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic| Madison, Wisconsin]], where the governor's budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. Phillips' counterprotest supported the governor's cuts saying they were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits". The report said Phillips did not the disclose the source of AFP's funding when he addressed a crowd of counterprotesters. Phillips was quoted as saying that "his group is already working with activists and state officials in Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania."<ref name=NYT01/>
In 2011, Phillips helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic| Madison, Wisconsin]], where the governor's budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. Phillips' counterprotest supported the governor's cuts saying they were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits". Phillips was quoted as saying that "his group is already working with activists and state officials in Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania."<ref name=NYT01/>


==Programs==
==Programs==
===No Climate Tax Pledge===
===No Climate Tax Pledge===
Americans for Prosperity circulated a pledge to government officials that states they will not increase taxes to deal with [[climate change]].<ref>[http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2008/jul/22/group_against_taxes_seeks_pledges_candidates/ Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], Lawrence Journal, July 22nd, 2008</ref>
Americans for Prosperity circulated a pledge to government officials affirming that they will not increase taxes to deal with [[climate change]].<ref>[http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2008/jul/22/group_against_taxes_seeks_pledges_candidates/ Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], Lawrence Journal, July 22nd, 2008</ref>


As of August 2010, more than 600 lawmakers and candidates, primarily Republicans, had signed the pledge. Prominent signers include Senators [[Pat Roberts]] and [[Roger Wicker]]; U.S. Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[John Carter (Texas)|John Carter]], [[Jeff Flake]], [[Jim Jordan]], [[Doug Lamborn]], [[Lynn Westmoreland]], [[Phil Gingrey]], [[Tom Price (U.S. politician)|Tom Price]], [[Fred Upton]], [[Candice Miller]], [[Bill Huizenga]], [[Justin Amash]], [[Tim Walberg]], and [[Rocky Raczkowski]]; and candidates [[Jack Hoogendyk]], [[Dan Benishek]], [[Pete Olson]], and [[Greg Davis (Mississippi politician)|Greg Davis]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noclimatetax.com/pledge-signatories/ |title=Pledge Takers |publisher=No Climate Tax |date= |accessdate=2010-08-29}}</ref>
As of August 2010, more than 600 lawmakers and candidates, primarily Republicans, had signed the pledge. Prominent signers include Senators [[Pat Roberts]] and [[Roger Wicker]]; U.S. Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[John Carter (Texas)|John Carter]], [[Jeff Flake]], [[Jim Jordan]], [[Doug Lamborn]], [[Lynn Westmoreland]], [[Phil Gingrey]], [[Tom Price (U.S. politician)|Tom Price]], [[Fred Upton]], [[Candice Miller]], [[Bill Huizenga]], [[Justin Amash]], [[Tim Walberg]], and [[Rocky Raczkowski]]; and candidates [[Jack Hoogendyk]], [[Dan Benishek]], [[Pete Olson]], and [[Greg Davis (Mississippi politician)|Greg Davis]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noclimatetax.com/pledge-signatories/ |title=Pledge Takers |publisher=No Climate Tax |date= |accessdate=2010-08-29}}</ref>
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==Activities==
==Activities==


During the 2010 election cycle, Americans for Prosperity claims to have spent $40 million dollars on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing.<ref name="LATimes2011-02"/> One beneficiary was [[Morgan Griffith]] (R-VA). Of the six Republican members who were elected to the United States Senate for the first time, Americans for Prosperity supported five of their campaigns.<ref name="LATimes2011-02"/> Of twelve Republicans newly appointed to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, nine signed a pledge distributed by Americans for Prosperity to oppose greenhouse gas regulation.<ref name="LATimes2011-02"/>
During the 2010 election cycle, Americans for Prosperity claims to have spent $40 million dollars on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing.<ref name="LATimes2011-02"/> One beneficiary was [[Morgan Griffith]] (R-VA). Americans for Prosperity supported the campaigns of five of the six Republican members who were elected to the United States Senate for the first time in 2010.<ref name="LATimes2011-02"/> Of twelve Republicans newly appointed to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, nine signed a pledge distributed by Americans for Prosperity to oppose greenhouse gas regulation.<ref name="LATimes2011-02"/>


In June 2011, Americans for Prosperity placed a handful of fake eviction notices on people's doors in the [[Delray, Detroit|Delray]] neighborhood of [[Detroit]]. The group's state director said that the intent was to get peoples' attention and to startle residents into lobbying against the building of the [[Detroit River International Crossing]] bridge because, as the flyer stated, "their properties could be taken by the Michigan Department of Transportation to make way for the New International Trade Crossing bridge project."<ref>
In June 2011, Americans for Prosperity placed a handful of fake eviction notices on people's doors in the [[Delray, Detroit|Delray]] neighborhood of [[Detroit]]. The group's state director said that the intent was to get peoples' attention and to startle residents into lobbying against the building of the [[Detroit River International Crossing]] bridge because, as the flyer stated, "their properties could be taken by the Michigan Department of Transportation to make way for the New International Trade Crossing bridge project."<ref>
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==Criticism==
==Criticism==
In August 2010, the AFP and its sister foundation Americans for Prosperity Foundation were criticized by the Democratic Party and the Obama White House as a de facto political action group in violation of their tax-exempt status.<ref>[http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/08/09/remarks-president-a-dnc-finance-event-austin-texas Remarks by the President at a DNC Finance Event in Austin, Texas]</ref> The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee filed a complaint against the Americans for Prosperity, a [[501(c)|501(c)(4) organization]], for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute political campaign intervention. A spokesman for the AFPF said the DCCC complaint was a "nuisance complaint to intimidate" that was without merit.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704147804575456083141366918.html | work=The Wall Street Journal | title=Democrats Criticize Group Over Attack Ads, Tax Violations | first=John D. | last=McKinnon and Martin Vaughan | date=August 28, 2010}}</ref> Phillips, AFP President, said the insinuation that AFP is taking money from foreign sources is “ludicrous.”<ref name=yahoo>{{cite web|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-cashing-obama-attacks-them.html|title=Americans for Prosperity cashing in on Obama attacks on them|first=Alex|last=Pappas|work=Daily Caller|publisher=Yahoo! Inc|accessdate=December 2011}}</ref> He also noted that following the President’s statement, AFP has seen increased financial contributions, saying that “they know if the president of the United States is attacking you because you’re opposing his agenda, you’re probably doing something that’s effective.”<ref name=yahoo/>
In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House complained that AFP and its sister foundation Americans for Prosperity Foundationas are a de facto political action group and that this violates their tax-exempt status.<ref>[http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/08/09/remarks-president-a-dnc-finance-event-austin-texas Remarks by the President at a DNC Finance Event in Austin, Texas]</ref> The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee filed a complaint against the AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFPF said the DCCC complaint was a "nuisance complaint to intimidate" and was without merit.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704147804575456083141366918.html | work=The Wall Street Journal | title=Democrats Criticize Group Over Attack Ads, Tax Violations | first=John D. | last=McKinnon and Martin Vaughan | date=August 28, 2010}}</ref> Phillips, the AFP president, said the insinuation that AFP is taking money from foreign sources is “ludicrous.”<ref name=yahoo>{{cite web|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-cashing-obama-attacks-them.html|title=Americans for Prosperity cashing in on Obama attacks on them|first=Alex|last=Pappas|work=Daily Caller|publisher=Yahoo! Inc|accessdate=December 2011}}</ref> He also noted that following the President’s statement, AFP had seen an increase in financial contributions, saying that “they know if the president of the United States is attacking you because you’re opposing his agenda, you’re probably doing something that’s effective.”<ref name=yahoo/>


==See also==
==See also==

Revision as of 02:25, 22 February 2012

Americans for Prosperity
Formation2004
Typenon-profit political advocacy group
PurposeAFP is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process.[1]
HeadquartersWashington, D.C., U.S.
President
Tim Phillips
Vice President
Phil Kerpen
Websitewww.americansforprosperity.org

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a Washington, D.C.–based political advocacy group. According to their literature, they promote economic policy that supports business, and restrains regulation by government. AFP was a major supporter of Republican candidates in the 2010 election cycle and is heavily involved in political activities aimed at reducing regulation of the oil and gas industry.[2] It was formerly part of Citizens for a Sound Economy, which split into AFP and FreedomWorks in 2004.

Background

AFP was founded in 2004 when Citizens for a Sound Economy (CSE) split into FreedomWorks (formerly Citizens for a Sound Economy), for 501(c)(4) advocacy activity, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation (formerly the Citizens for a Sound Economy Foundation).

Mission

AFP describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government.[1]

Leadership and structure

Like Citizens for a Sound Economy before it, Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity (a 501(c)(4) organization[3] established in 2004) and Americans for Prosperity Foundation (a 501(c)(3) organization[3] established in 1984 as the Citizens for a Sound Economy Foundation. Americans for Prosperity is led on the national level by its president, Tim Phillips.[4][5][6] Other national staff include: Phil Kerpen, director of policy; and Erik Telford, director of AFP's RightOnline new media program. Art Pope,[7][8] James C. Miller, James E. Stephenson, and Frayda Levy serve on the board of directors.

From 2003 to 2007 AFP was led by Nancy Pfotenhauer, who left to become an adviser for the 2008 John McCain presidential campaign.

AFP's web site lists 28 staffed state chapters.[9]

Funding

In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of its expenditure, $2.1 million went to national office operations with just over $2.9 million allocated to the state-based chapters. It was reported in early 2011 that AFP's budget grew to $40 million in 2010 from $7 million in 2007.[10]

Based on its financial operations and programs, the independent Charity Navigator nonprofit review organization gave Americans For Prosperity Foundation a three-star rating out of four stars, and a 58 out of a possible 60 points.[11]

Events

AFP hosted an event in Washington D.C. entitled "Defending the American Dream Summit" on October 5, 2007. The topic was government spending and taxation. Presidential candidates who attended included Rudolph Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Ron Paul, Sam Brownback, Mitt Romney, and Fred Thompson. Other speakers included John Stossel, Steve Lonegan, Dinesh D'Souza, Art Laffer, John Fund, Steve Moore, Herman Cain, and Dr. Barry Poulson.

A second Summit was held on October 11, 2008.[12] The 2009 Summit was held on October 3, in Washington, DC and was concerned with health-care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation.[13] Speakers included Newt Gingrich, Jim DeMint, Mike Pence, Paul Ryan, and Michele Bachmann.[14]

Another event related to activism against carbon emission cuts was the Hot Air Tour featuring webcasts from the United Nations meetings COP15 in Copenhagen in 2009[15] and COP16 in Cancun in 2010. AFP's goal at these events was to "send a message to the bureaucrats that energy rationing will kill jobs, raise taxes, and crush our freedoms.".[16]

In July 2008, Americans for Prosperity hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers in Austin, Texas. Eric Telford was the impresario of the conference which took place in June 2008, at the same time as the Netroots Nation conference in Austin and was regarded as a growing conservative answer to the online left.[17] The conference brought together conservative activists to develop strategies to counter left-wing bloggers and develop conservative New Media techniques.[17][18] The meeting was held in conjunction with the Texas AFP chapter's conference.

In 2011, Phillips helped lead a counterprotest in Madison, Wisconsin, where the governor's budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. Phillips' counterprotest supported the governor's cuts saying they were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits". Phillips was quoted as saying that "his group is already working with activists and state officials in Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania."[10]

Programs

No Climate Tax Pledge

Americans for Prosperity circulated a pledge to government officials affirming that they will not increase taxes to deal with climate change.[19]

As of August 2010, more than 600 lawmakers and candidates, primarily Republicans, had signed the pledge. Prominent signers include Senators Pat Roberts and Roger Wicker; U.S. Representatives Michele Bachmann, John Carter, Jeff Flake, Jim Jordan, Doug Lamborn, Lynn Westmoreland, Phil Gingrey, Tom Price, Fred Upton, Candice Miller, Bill Huizenga, Justin Amash, Tim Walberg, and Rocky Raczkowski; and candidates Jack Hoogendyk, Dan Benishek, Pete Olson, and Greg Davis.[20]

Patients United Now

In May 2009, Americans for Prosperity launched Patients United Now, a website self-described as a project offering information for those opposed to "a government takeover of the United States health care system." On the site, they state their support for "health care reform focused on delivering affordable, quality choices to all Americans" and believe that a government takeover of healthcare can lead to "delaying - and denying - critical treatments."[21]

A subsequent series of television ads opposing the Democratic health care reform proposals was launched by the Patients United Now organization. In one TV ad, a Canadian woman "Shona Holmes" is featured saying she got a runaround for brain tumor surgery and ultimately was treated in the U.S. Columnist David Lazarus of the Los Angeles Times wrote that a single-payer Canadian style insurance system is not part of any leading reform proposal as the ad suggests.[22] However, Amy Menefee, a spokeswoman for Patients United Now, replied, saying "The point of the ad is to show the extremes where things could go. This would be a bigger role for government than we've ever seen. It's a power grab in this area of the economy."[22]

Activities

During the 2010 election cycle, Americans for Prosperity claims to have spent $40 million dollars on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing.[2] One beneficiary was Morgan Griffith (R-VA). Americans for Prosperity supported the campaigns of five of the six Republican members who were elected to the United States Senate for the first time in 2010.[2] Of twelve Republicans newly appointed to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, nine signed a pledge distributed by Americans for Prosperity to oppose greenhouse gas regulation.[2]

In June 2011, Americans for Prosperity placed a handful of fake eviction notices on people's doors in the Delray neighborhood of Detroit. The group's state director said that the intent was to get peoples' attention and to startle residents into lobbying against the building of the Detroit River International Crossing bridge because, as the flyer stated, "their properties could be taken by the Michigan Department of Transportation to make way for the New International Trade Crossing bridge project."[23]

According to Politico, in August 2011 Americans for Prosperity "sent absentee voter applications instructing voters to return the paperwork two days late in at least two recall elections."[24] In addition, the PO Box that was listed on the "Ballot Application" is the address of an anti-abortion group, Wisconsin Family Action, as opposed to an official state address.[24] AFP responded, claiming that the misleading date was the result of a mistake and "was only intended for voters in the two districts where Democrats are set to face recalls on a later date, August 16th."[25]

In 2011, AFP said that it will review payments it had made to Mark Block's Prosperity USA, which is alleged to have made improper payments to the Herman Cain presidential campaign, 2012.[26][27][28] As a tax-exempt charity, Prosperity USA is not allowed to donate money or services to a political campaign.[29]

Criticism

In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House complained that AFP and its sister foundation Americans for Prosperity Foundationas are a de facto political action group and that this violates their tax-exempt status.[30] The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee filed a complaint against the AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFPF said the DCCC complaint was a "nuisance complaint to intimidate" and was without merit.[31] Phillips, the AFP president, said the insinuation that AFP is taking money from foreign sources is “ludicrous.”[32] He also noted that following the President’s statement, AFP had seen an increase in financial contributions, saying that “they know if the president of the United States is attacking you because you’re opposing his agenda, you’re probably doing something that’s effective.”[32]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "About AFP". Retrieved 21 November 2011.
  2. ^ a b c d Hamburger, Tom (2011-02-06). "Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power". Los Angeles Times. Tribune Company. Retrieved 2011-02-06. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ a b Americans for Prosperity, Contribute
  4. ^ "Century Strategies". SourceWatch. Retrieved 2010-08-29.
  5. ^ Kiel, Paul (2006-02-13). "TPMCafe | Talking Points Memo | The Daily Muck". Tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com. Retrieved 2010-08-29.
  6. ^ "Utilizing Public Airwaves, Media Mogul Murdoch Is Big Muscle Behind Fraudulent Astro Turfers". Alternet.org. 2009-08-20. Retrieved 2010-10-21.
  7. ^ "The knight of the right" by Rob Christensen, Jan 29,2006 The News & Observer[dead link]
  8. ^ "Advocate to some, bully to others, Pope brews discord" by Rob Christensen, Jan 29,2006 The News & Observer[dead link]
  9. ^ "Americans for Prosperity - State Staff". Afphq.org. 2010-09-08. Retrieved 2010-10-26.
  10. ^ a b Lipton, Eric, "Billionaire Brothers’ Money Plays Role in Wisconsin Dispute", The New York Times, February 21, 2011 (February 22, 2011 p. A16 NY ed.). Retrieved 2011-02-22.
  11. ^ "Charity Navigator, rating of AFP Foundation, accessed Aug 2011". Charitynavigator.org. Retrieved 2011-08-11.
  12. ^ "Americans for Prosperity Conference". C-span.org. 2008-10-11. Retrieved 2010-10-21.
  13. ^ "Defending the America Dream Summit". C-span.org. 2009-10-03. Retrieved 2010-10-21.
  14. ^ Defending the American Dream Summit[dead link]
  15. ^ "Hot Air Tour". Hot Air Tour. Retrieved 2010-08-29.
  16. ^ "Hot Air Tour Live from Cancun". Americans for Prosperity. Retrieved 2011-01-25.
  17. ^ a b Vargas, Jose Antonio (July 18, 2008). "In Texas, the Right Boots Up to Gain Strength Online". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 17, 2009. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  18. ^ Schatz, Amy (July 18, 2008). "In Online Politicking, Republicans Play Catch-Up". The Wall Street Journal.
  19. ^ Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates, Lawrence Journal, July 22nd, 2008
  20. ^ "Pledge Takers". No Climate Tax. Retrieved 2010-08-29.
  21. ^ "About Patients United Now". Patientsunitednow.com. Retrieved 2010-10-21.
  22. ^ a b "Healthcare debate framed by fear-mongering ads". Los Angeles Times. 2009-08-09. Retrieved 2010-10-21.
  23. ^ John Gallagher, Conservative group: Fake eviction notices were 'meant to startle people' Detroit Free Press Jun. 7, 2011
  24. ^ a b Opoien, Jessica. "Unofficial absentee ballot mailings raise voter intimidation issues in Wisconsin recall elections". Retrieved November 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  25. ^ Sargent, Greg. "Americans for Prosperity sent misleading absentee ballot far more widely than previously known". Washington Post. Retrieved 21 November 2011.
  26. ^ Stone, Peter H. "Koch-related group is reviewing financial transactions with Cain aide's charity." iWatch News, 3 November 2011.
  27. ^ Bice, Daniel. "State firm's cash to Herman Cain may breach federal campaign, tax laws." Journal Sentinel, 30 October 2011.
  28. ^ Benjamin, Mark. "The Other Cain Scandal: Campaign Transactions May Have Broken Federal Law." Time Magazine, 1 November 2011.
  29. ^ Eggen, Dan. "Herman Cain campaign’s financial ties to Wisconsin charity questioned." Washington Post, 31 October 2011.
  30. ^ Remarks by the President at a DNC Finance Event in Austin, Texas
  31. ^ McKinnon and Martin Vaughan, John D. (August 28, 2010). "Democrats Criticize Group Over Attack Ads, Tax Violations". The Wall Street Journal.
  32. ^ a b Pappas, Alex. "Americans for Prosperity cashing in on Obama attacks on them". Daily Caller. Yahoo! Inc. Retrieved December 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  33. ^ Walker, Keith (April 14, 2011). "Tito the Builder considering state politics". insidenova. Retrieved April 18, 2011.
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