Alabama Attorney General Race Sees Surge in Dark Money
Recent developments in the Alabama Attorney General race have revealed a notable increase in dark money, particularly affecting Katherine Robertson’s campaign finances.
In late June, First Principles Action Inc., a nonprofit based in Nashville, made a substantial $1 million donation to Robertson. On Monday evening, her campaign reported an additional $100,000 contribution from the same organization.
Robertson’s campaign also submitted its monthly financial reports for July, concluding the month with over $1.1 million in funds, not accounting for the extra $100,000 received.
This significant funding places her campaign among the highest in what is shaping up to be the costliest Attorney General race in Alabama’s history.
Meanwhile, former state Supreme Court Judge Jay Mitchell’s campaign has also provided monthly updates, reporting over $250,000 in contributions for the month. His total cash flow at the month’s end reached $1.6 million.
Mitchell’s contributions were sourced more traditionally, involving individual donors, well-recognized political action committees, and some of the state’s most reputable large contributors. Notably, he received $200,000 from the Alabama PAC’s Business Council, along with $638,000 transferred from his previous campaign account and an unusual donation from the Chicago-based law firm Keller Post Munroe LLC.
In contrast, a significant portion of Robertson’s funding is shrouded in mystery, predominantly coming from a single source. This raises questions about the origins of the funds. First Principles Action was established a year ago, and, as previously noted, little information is available on its background. It’s led by Peter Bisbee, a former executive director of the Republican Prosecutors General Association, and is located in a Nashville office building that hosts various other businesses.
While the source of these funds is unclear, some speculation suggests they may be linked to organizations managed by billionaire Leonard Leo, who has been influential in reshaping the federal courts with conservative judges. The implications of Leo’s involvement during Bisbee’s tenure are well-documented.
Donations from First Principles to Robertson are entirely legal under Alabama law, which permits nonprofits to contribute freely to state campaigns. Attempts by Alabama lawmakers to amend these laws and limit such obscure funding have generally been unsuccessful.
