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John Bertram Oakes

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Polmandc: Cleaned up using AutoEd

{{Infobox person
| name = John Bertram Oakes
| image = John Bertram Oakes.jpg
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = April 23, 1913
| birth_place = [[Elkins Park, Pennsylvania]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|2001|4|5|1913|4|23}}
| death_place = [[Manhattan]], New York
| nationality =
| other_names =
| alma mater = [[Princeton University]] [[The Queen's College, Oxford]]
| known_for =
| relatives = [[Adolph Ochs]] (uncle)
| occupation = Journalist
}}

'''John Bertram Oakes''' (April 23, 1913 – April 5, 2001) was an [[iconoclasm|iconoclastic]] and influential U.S. journalist known for his early commitment to the environment, civil rights, and [[opposition to the Vietnam War]]. He was born in [[Elkins Park, Pennsylvania]], the second son of [[George Washington Ochs Oakes]] and Bertie Gans. He is regarded as the creator of the modern [[op-ed]] page and was editor of the ''New York Times'' editorial page from 1961 to 1976.

His uncle was ''[[New York Times]]'' publisher [[Adolph Ochs]]. Oakes attended [[Princeton University]] (A.B., 1934), where he was [[valedictorian]] of his class and graduated magna cum laude. He then became a [[Rhodes Scholar]] (A.B., A.M., Queens College, Oxford, 1936).

==The New Deal Era==
On his return to the United States in 1936, he joined the ''Trenton Times'' as a reporter. A supporter of [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]]'s [[New Deal]], he moved to Washington in 1937, where he became a political reporter for ''[[The Washington Post]]''. In Washington, he covered the U.S. Congress, the Dies Un-American Activities Committee and F.D.R.'s 1940 campaign.

==Military service==
When the United States joined [[World War II]] in 1941, Oakes entered the Army as a private in the infantry. He was recruited to join the O.S.S. (the [[Office of Strategic Services]]), and served two years in Europe capturing and "turning" enemy agents still in communication with the Nazis. In recognition of his service there he received the Bronze Star, the Croix de Guerre, the Medaille de Reconnaissance and the Order of the British Empire. He ended the war with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

==Career at the ''Times''==
Immediately after his discharge in 1946, he joined the "family paper" as editor of the Sunday ''New York Times'' "Review of the Week." Three years later, he became a member of the [[editorial board]]. While an editorial page writer, in 1951 he convinced the paper’s editors to let him write a monthly column on the then relatively neglected subject of the environment. He also wrote for other areas of the paper, such as the [[The New York Times Book Review|book review]] and [[The New York Times Magazine|the Sunday magazine]]. His memorable profile of [[Joseph McCarthy]] ("This Is the Real,the Lasting Damage," March 7, 1954) became the basis of an [[Eleanor Roosevelt]] [http://www.gwu.edu/~erpapers/myday/displaydoc.cfm?_y=1954&_f=md002798 newspaper column] and was subsequently widely reprinted.

His career on the editorial board, first as a writer (1949–1961) and then as editorial page editor (1961–1976) spanned the Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Ford administrations. As editorial page editor, he appointed the first woman in fifty years ([[Ada Louise Huxtable]]), and the first African American ([[Roger Wilkins]]), to the editorial board.

Oakes was famously out of step with his more conservative cousin, [[Arthur Ochs Sulzberger]], who became publisher in 1963, two years after Oakes' appointment to run the editorial page. Their most noteworthy confrontation occurred in 1976, when the ''Times'' had to decide who it would endorse as New York's junior senator in the upcoming Democratic party primary. Sulzberger wanted [[Daniel Patrick Moynihan]], but Oakes preferred [[Bella Abzug]]. Sulzberger overruled Oakes, but allowed him to write a printed rebuttal. But according to [[Harrison Salisbury]], writing in ''[[Without Fear or Favor]]'', Sulzberger judged Oakes' response to be too emotional and divisive. Oakes eventually had to content himself with an unprecedented one-sentence dissent, which appeared as a "Letter to the Editor"—essentially a letter to himself—on the ''Times'' editorial page on September 11, 1976, and which in its entirety read: "As Editor of the Editorial Page of ''The Times'', I must express disagreement with the endorsement in today's editorial columns of Mr. Moynihan over four other candidates in the New York State Democratic primary contest for the United States Senate." According to the ''Village Voice'' article on Oakes' death (May 1, 2001), "the ''Times'' was credited with giving Moynihan his one percent margin of victory." Shortly afterward, Sulzberger replaced Oakes as editorial page editor with [[Max Frankel]], who described his approach to politics, in contrast to Oakes', as "more fun." Journalist [[John L. Hess]] said on Oakes' death in 2002 that after his departure, "the editorials never recovered."

On his retirement from the editorial page, he became a contributing columnist to the op-ed page, writing primarily on domestic politics, foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and the environment.

==Areas of focus==
In 1961, the year Oakes was appointed editor of the editorial page, Harper and Brothers published his book "The Edge of Freedom: A Report on Neutralism and New Forces in Sub-saharan Africa and Eastern Europe." But his principal areas of concern were human rights and civil liberties, manifested by anti-McCarthyism and consistent support of the civil rights movement; strong and early criticism of the [[Vietnam War]] (1963), making the ''Times'' one of the few papers to take such a stand and leading to personal attacks on him by President [[Lyndon B. Johnson]], [[Dean Rusk]] and others; and advocacy of conservation and protection of natural resources. In 1966, he was awarded the [[George Polk Award]] for bringing to the editorial page "a brilliance, an intensity and a perceptiveness" that made it "the most vital and influential journalistic voice in America."

He was nothing if not persistent. After pushing the idea for ten years with a succession of publishers, he initiated the first modern [[op-ed]] (so called because it appeared "opposite the editorial page"; the belief that the phrase stands for "opinion"-"editorial" is incorrect) page on September 21, 1970, on which the op-ed page of other American newspapers is modeled. As he wrote in introducing the page, his basic motive was to provide a window on the ideas and opinions of non-journalists. The appearance of ''Times'' columnists on the new op-ed page (limited to one or two per day in the early years) reflected merely the need to create more space for "Letters to the Editor" on the editorial page––as he later wrote, "again in the interests of broadening the opportunity for expression of outside opinion in the ''Times''." In a 2010 interview, op-ed editor David Shipley referred to the page as Oakes' "brainchild."<ref>{{cite news|title='New York Times' Op-Ed Page Turns 40|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130024987|newspaper=NPR|date=September 21, 2010}}</ref>

The John B. Oakes Award for Distinguished Environmental Journalism was established in 1994 by the [[Natural Resources Defense Council]] as an annual prize for print journalists; it is now administered by the [[Columbia University School of Journalism]].

Two weeks before Oakes’ death in 2001 he was awarded a second [[George Polk Award]], for his "lifetime achievements." Wrote Hess, in his obituary, "If people think of the ''Times'' today as a great newspaper and a liberal one, it’s largely an illusion, but Oakes believed in it and tried to make it true." Oakes died on April 5, 2001 in Manhattan.<ref>{{cite news|last=McFadden|first=Robert D.|title=John B. Oakes, Impassioned Editorial Page Voice of The Times, Dies at 87|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/04/06/nyregion/john-b-oakes-impassioned-editorial-page-voice-of-the-times-dies-at-87.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm|newspaper=The New York Times|date=April 6, 2001}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* ''[[The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York]]'', by [[Robert A. Caro]], Knopf, 1974.
* ''The Kingdom and the Power: Behind the Scenes at The New York Times: The Institution That Influences the World'', by [[Gay Talese]], World Publishing, 1969.
* ''The Trust: The Private and Powerful Family behind The New York Times'', Susan E. Tifft and Alex S. Jones, Little, Brown and Company, 1999.
* ''[https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1001&context=cmj_facpub A Profitable Public Sphere: The Creation of the New York Times Op-Ed Page]'', Michael J. Socolow, Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, 2010.

==External links==
* [http://www.slate.com/id/2268829/#add-comment Slate.com on Oakes' role in creating op-ed page]
* [http://www.columbia.edu/cu/lweb/digital/collections/nny/oakesjb/index.html Columbia University Oral History Research Offices, John B. Oakes papers]
* [https://journalism.columbia.edu/oakes John B. Oakes Award, Columbia University School of Journalism]
* [http://www.villagevoice.com/news/0117,cotts,24140,6.html ''Village Voice'' article about death of Oakes]
* [http://archives.nypl.org/mss/17797 John B. Oakes papers], Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library.
* [http://arcat.library.wisc.edu/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?DB=local&PAGE=bbSearch John B. Oakes papers at Wisconsin State Historical Society]
* [http://www.aps-pub.com/proceedings/1463/308.pdf September 2002 obituary in Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society]
* [http://www.brooklyn.liu.edu/polk/2000.html George Polk Award citation]

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Oakes, John Bertram}}
[[Category:1913 births]]
[[Category:2001 deaths]]
[[Category:Princeton University alumni]]
[[Category:Jewish American writers]]
[[Category:The New York Times editors]]
[[Category:American male journalists]]
[[Category:20th-century American journalists]]
[[Category:American Rhodes Scholars]]
[[Category:George Polk Award recipients]]
[[Category:Alumni of The Queen's College, Oxford]]
[[Category:United States Army officers]]
[[Category:Sierra Club awardees]]

Bayrock Group

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{{Infobox company
| name = Bayrock Group
| logo =
| type = Private
| foundation = {{Start date|2001}}
| founder = [[Tevfik Arif]]
| location_city = [[New York City]]
| location_country = USA
| location =
| locations =
| area_served =
| key_people = [[Tevfik Arif]] ([[Chairman]]) [[Felix Sater]] ([[Chief Operating Officer|COO]]) Julius Schwarz (Executive VP)
| industry = [[Real estate development]]
| products =
| services =
| market cap =
| revenue =
| operating_income =
| net_income =
| assets =
| equity =
| owner =
| num_employees =
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| footnotes =
| intl =
}}

'''Bayrock Group''' is an international [[real estate development]] and investment company based in New York. It was founded by [[Kazakhstan|Kazakh]] businessman [[Tevfik Arif]] in 2001.

==History and personnel==
The Bayrock Group was founded in 2001 by [[Tevfik Arif]], a former Soviet official from Kazakhstan who became an international businessman. He founded Bayrock after he moved some of his businesses to the United States.<ref name="Sorbello">{{cite news|last1=Sorbello|first1=Paolo|title=Football Leaks: The Kazakh Connection|url=http://thediplomat.com/2017/01/football-leaks-the-kazakh-connection/|work=The Diplomat|date=3 January 2017}}</ref>

Arif hired Russian businessman [[Felix Sater]] as managing director of Bayrock in 2003.<ref name="FT2"/> Sater became Bayrock's Chief Operating Officer,<ref name="Forbes"/> and assisted with several projects, including management of the [[Trump SoHo]] project.<ref name="FT2"/> Sater left Bayrock in 2008<ref name="Henry"/> after a ''New York Times'' article revealed his criminal past.<ref name="Horwitz"/><ref name="Bagli">{{cite news|last1=Bagli|first1=Charles V.|title=Real Estate Executive With Hand in Trump Projects Rose From Tangled Past|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/17/nyregion/17trump.html?_r=2|work=The New York Times|date=17 December 2007}}</ref> In 1998, Sater had pled guilty to stock racketeering and fraud as part of a [[American Mafia|US]] and [[Russian mafia]]-connected $40 million stock [[pump and dump]] scheme.<ref name="Henry"/> He worked with the [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] and the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]], allegedly offering information on a black market for [[FIM-92 Stinger|Stinger]] missiles.<ref name="Henry"/><ref>Kennedy, Marlene. [http://www.courthousenews.com/2014/03/24/66422.htm "Convictions Won't Keep Civil RICO Suit Alive"], ''[[Courthouse News Service]]'', New York City, 24 March 2014. Retrieved on 14 March 2016.</ref> Sater later worked as a senior advisor to Trump.<ref name="Henry"/>

Julius Schwarz joined Bayrock in 2005.<ref name="Kramer"/> He was Executive Vice President until March 2011.

By 2014, Bayrock was largely inactive, with the exception of a few lawsuits.<ref name="Henry"/>

==Corporate structure==
According to ''[[Forbes]]'', Bayrock is "a series of commonly controlled, but not wholly owned, [[Limited liability company|limited liability companies]]."<ref name="Forbes">{{cite news|last1=Erb|first1=Kelly Phillips|title=Trump & Kids Named, But Not Charged, In $250 Million Tax Evasion Case|url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2016/07/28/trump-kids-named-but-not-charged-in-250-million-tax-evasion-case/print/|work=Forbes|date=28 July 2016}}</ref> Bayrock Group is arranged in tiers, with Bayrock Group LLC having a [[controlling interest|majority]] or plurality interest in around 12 subsidiary [[holding company|holding companies]]. The holding companies in turn have majority interests in companies on lower tiers. The lower tier subsidiaries correspond to individual real estate projects, with '''Bayrock Spring Street''' corresponding to Trump SoHo, '''Bayrock Camelback''' to the Phoenix hotel project, and '''Bayrock Merrimac''' to the Trump Fort Lauderdale hotel.<ref name="Kramer">{{cite news|last1=Kramer|first1=Reuben|title=Former Exec Says Developer Pulled a Fast One|url=http://www.courthousenews.com/2009/09/18/Former_Exec_Says_Developer_Pulled_a_Fast_One.htm|work=Courthouse News Service|date=18 September 2009}}</ref> Other Bayrock subsidiaries include '''Bayrock Whitestone''' and '''Bayrock Ocean Club'''.

Bayrock Group has had strategic partnerships with Icelandic investment company [[FL Group]] and the [[Alexander Mashkevitch]]-affiliated [[Eurasian Resources Group]]. A Bayrock Group investor presentation from 2007 referred to Mashkevitch's "Eurasia Group" as a strategic partner in equity financing.<ref name="Henry">{{cite news|last1=Henry|first1=James S.|title=The Curious World of Donald Trump’s Private Russian Connections|url=http://www.the-american-interest.com/2016/12/19/the-curious-world-of-donald-trumps-private-russian-connections/|work=The American Interest|date=19 December 2016}}</ref>

==Projects and properties==
After moving the Bayrock Group to the 24th floor of [[Trump Tower]],<ref name="Helderman"/> Arif developed a relationship with billionaire businessman [[Donald Trump]]. Bayrock went on to collaborate with [[The Trump Organization]] on projects in Turkey, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Arizona, Colorado, New York, and Florida.<ref name="FT2">{{cite news|last1=Silverman|first1=Gary|title=US election: Trump’s Russian riddle|url=https://www.ft.com/content/549ddfaa-5fa5-11e6-b38c-7b39cbb1138a|work=Financial Times|date=14 August 2016}}</ref>

===Loehmann's Seaport Plaza===
Arif began developing property in Brooklyn, initially redeveloping Loehmann's Seaport Plaza, a three-story, {{convert|280,000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} waterfront shopping center on Emmons Avenue in [[Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kates|first1=Brian|last2=Schapiro|first2=Rich|title=Trump pal busted for allegedly running hooker ring on yacht|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/trump-pal-busted-allegedly-running-hooker-ring-yacht-article-1.191136|work=NY Daily News|date=1 October 2010}}</ref> The property's tenants include [[Loehmann's]] and [[Nine West|Nine West Shoes]].

===Trump International Hotel & Residence===
In 2003, Bayrock purchased a site out of bankruptcy in the Camelback Corridor of [[Phoenix, Arizona]]. Bayrock announced plans for the [[Trump International Hotel & Residence]], a $200 million, 190-foot Trump International Hotel. Plans for the project included 97 private residential units starting at $950,000 and 188 hotel/condo rooms. While the site was approved by the [[Phoenix City Council]] and the Planning Commission in 2005, the project was curbed by public opposition<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ruelas|first1=Richard|title=How Phoenix residents dumped Donald Trump's hotel plans|url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-best-reads/2016/03/18/how-phoenix-residents-dumped-donald-trump-hotel-plans/81229026/|work=The Arizona Republic|date=18 March 2016|language=en}}</ref> and never finished.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Buchholz|first1=Jan|title=Camelback parcel once eyed by Donald Trump to be sold|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2010/08/16/story1.html|work=Phoenix Business Journal|date=15 August 2010}}</ref>

Bayrock subsequently defaulted on a $36 million loan from [[Hypo Real Estate|Hypo Real Estate Capital Group]], who sold the site in 2010.

===Moscow high-rise===
{{see also|Business projects of Donald Trump in Russia}}
In 2005, Donald Trump extended the Bayrock Group a one-year deal to develop a project in Moscow. Sater located Russian investors and a potential site for the high-rise, a closed pencil factory named for [[Sacco and Vanzetti]].<ref name="Helderman"/> Sater said, "We looked at some very, very large properties in Russia," on the scale of "...a large Vegas high-rise."<ref>{{cite news | last1 =Twohey | first1 =Megan | last2 = Eder | first2 =Steve | title =For Trump, Three Decades of Chasing Deals in Russia | newspaper =The New York Times | date = 16 January 2017 | url =https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/16/us/politics/donald-trump-russia-business.html?_r=0 | access-date =8 February 2017}}</ref> Bayrock organized a potential deal in Moscow between Trump International Hotel and Russian investors in 2007,<ref>{{cite news | last1 = Belton | first1 = Catherine | last2 = Stott | first2 = Michael | title = Trump's Russian connections | newspaper = [[Financial Times]] | location = London | date =13 December 2016 | url = https://ig.ft.com/sites/trumps-russian-connections/ | access-date =8 February 2017 }}</ref> but the deal never came to fruition.<ref name="Helderman">{{cite news|last1=Helderman|first1=Rosalind S.|last2=Hamburger|first2=Tom|title=Former Mafia-linked figure describes association with Trump|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/former-mafia-linked-figure-describes-association-with-trump/2016/05/17/cec6c2c6-16d3-11e6-aa55-670cabef46e0_story.html|work=Washington Post|date=17 May 2016}}</ref>

===Trump SoHo===
[[File:Trump Soho.JPG|thumb|upright|Trump SoHo, 2014]]
The [[Trump SoHo]] is a $450 million, 46-story, 39-unit hotel condominium located at 246 Spring Street in [[SoHo]], New York City. The hotel was a joint venture between Bayrock, The Trump Organization, and the Sapir Organisation, a company owned by Georgian real estate developer [[Tamir Sapir]]. Trump provided a licensing deal for the hotel in exchange for a 18% equity stake in the project.<ref name="Nance"/><ref name="Henry"/> The project was funded by Kazakh businessman [[Alexander Mashkevitch]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Berzon|first1=Alexandra|last2=Cullison|first2=Alan|last3=Rothfeld|first3=Michael|title=Donald Trump Long Sought a Real-Estate Foothold in Russia|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/donald-trump-long-sought-a-real-estate-foothold-in-russia-1470077158|work=Wall Street Journal|date=1 August 2016}}</ref>

In 2007, Bayrock traded future profits from Trump SoHo and other projects in exchange for $50 million in financing from Icelandic company [[FL Group]]. The arrangement led Bayrock's finance director to file racketeering lawsuits, alleging that money was diverted to people outside the company, including Salvatore Lauria, an associate of Sater's.<ref name="FT2"/>

Sater was a managing director of Bayrock and a senior advisor to Trump when construction of Trump SoHo began in 2006. Sater played a major role throughout the process of the building's construction.<ref>Mosk, Matthew; Ross, Brian (10 December 2015). [http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/memory-lapse-trump-seeks-distance-advisor-past-ties/story?id=34600826 "Memory Lapse? Trump Seeks Distance From 'Advisor' With Past Ties to Mafia"], ''[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC News]]'', New York. Retrieved on 28 February 2016.</ref>

===Trump International Hotel and Tower (Fort Lauderdale)===
Bayrock worked with Trump to develop the [[Trump International Hotel and Tower (Fort Lauderdale)|Trump International Hotel and Tower]] in [[Fort Lauderdale, Florida]].<ref name="Nance">{{cite book|last1=Nance|first1=Malcolm|title=The Plot to Hack America: How Putin's Cyberspies and WikiLeaks Tried to Steal the 2016 Election|date=2016|publisher=Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.|isbn=978-1-5107-2333-7|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XPZODQAAQBAJ&lpg=PT48&dq=%22Tevfik%20Arif%22&pg=PT48#v=onepage&q&f=false|language=en}}</ref>



===Europe projects===
Bayrock Group developed seven waterfront hotel resorts in Europe. The hotels are managed by the Turkish luxury hotel chain Rixos Hotels.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Bayrock Group LLC|title=Bayrock Group Increases Stake in Midtown Miami Mixed-Use Development|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bayrock-group-increases-stake-in-midtown-miami-mixed-use-development-52778072.html|publisher=PR Newswire|language=en|date=27 July 2007}}</ref> The resorts in [[Turkey]] on the [[Mediterranean Sea]] include Rixos Hotel Tekirova near [[Tekirova]]; Rixos Hotel Belek in [[Belek]]; Rixos Hotel Labada near [[Çamyuva]]; and Rixos Hotel Beldibi in [[Beldibi, Konyaaltı|Beldibi]].

==Lawsuits involving Bayrock==
{{see also|Legal affairs of Donald Trump}}
===Arizona suit (2007)===
Trump International Hotel & Residence investor Ernest Mennes filed a lawsuit in [[United States District Court for the District of Arizona|U.S. District Court in Arizona]] in 2007. The suit alleged that Bayrock had skimmed money its planned Trump development in [[Phoenix, Arizona|Phoenix]].<ref name="Horwitz"/> It further alleged that Sater had called Mennes in 2006, threatening that if he revealed Sater's criminal past, that his cousin would "electrically shock Mr. Mennes' testicles, cut off Mr. Mennes' legs, and leave Mr. Mennes dead in the trunk of his car."<ref name="Helderman"/> The case was settled by Bayrock<ref name="Horwitz">{{cite news|last1=Horwitz|first1=Jeff|title=Q&A on Trump real estate adviser accused of a $40M stock fraud scheme and ties to the mob|url=http://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2015/12/04/misconduct-allegations-follow-trump-associate-with-mob-past|agency=AP|date=4 December 2015}}</ref> and Mennes was barred from discussing the matter.<ref name="Helderman"/>

===''Kriss v. Bayrock''===
In the federal case ''Kriss et al. vs. Bayrock Group LLC et al.'', two former Bayrock employees, former director of finance Jody Kriss and Michael Chudi Ejekam, filed a suit in the [[United States District Court for the Southern District of New York|U.S. District Court in New York]] in 2010.<ref>{{cite news|title=Did CIA Help a Swindler Walk?|url=http://www.courthousenews.com/2013/05/14/57593.htm|work=Courthouse News Service|date=14 May 2013}}</ref> The suit alleged that Sater's role in the company was hidden and that the company was "substantially and covertly mob-owned and operated."<ref name="Horwitz"/><ref>Putzier, Conrad (14 April 2016). [http://therealdeal.com/2016/04/14/bayrock-group-named-in-tate-george-fraud-case/ "Bayrock Group named in Tate George fraud case",] ''The Real Deal''.</ref>

===Trump SoHo lawsuits===
In 2011, the [[Rockwell Group]], an interior design firm, sued Bayrock and Sapir Organization for over $1.5 million in damages after Bayrock failed to pay for interior design work at Trump SoHo. Bayrock countersued two days later, filing a complaint with the [[New York Supreme Court]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Trump Soho developers sue project's architect|url=https://therealdeal.com/2011/05/24/bayrock-group-led-by-julius-schwarz-and-sapir-organization-led-by-alex-sapir-sue-the-rockwell-group-and-head-david-rockwell-over-trump-soho-architecture-at-246-spring-street/|work=The Real Deal New York|date=24 May 2011}}</ref>

===''Qui tam'' case (2015)===
Attorneys Frederick Oberlander and Richard Lerner brought a ''[[qui tam]]'' case against Bayrock in 2015.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Behar|first1=Richard|title=Donald Trump And The Felon: Inside His Business Dealings With A Mob-Connected Hustler|url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/richardbehar/2016/10/03/donald-trump-and-the-felon-inside-his-business-dealings-with-a-mob-connected-hustler/#e47ad2d1e02e|work=Forbes|date=25 October 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Bautista|first1=Christian Brazil|title=Felix Sater says he’s being shaken down with $250M suit over Trump projects |url=http://rew-online.com/2016/10/11/ex-trump-associate-claims-hes-being-shaken-down-with-250m-tax-fraud-suit/|work=Real Estate Weekly|date=11 October 2016}}</ref> The suit alleged that Arif, Satter, and Julius Schwarz had been in control of Bayrock for nearly a decade<ref name="Forbes"/> and had "engaged in a series of tax frauds and then took steps to hide the fraud."<ref name="Forbes"/>

==References==
{{reflist|33em}}

[[Category:American companies established in 2001]]
[[Category:Companies based in Manhattan]]
[[Category:Privately held companies based in New York City]]
[[Category:Real estate and property developers]]

Edward Luttwak

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{{refimprove|date=December 2011}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Edward N. Luttwak
| image = Edward Luttwak.jpg
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1942|11|04}}
| birth_place = [[Arad, Romania|Arad]], [[Kingdom of Romania|Romania]]
| death_date = 
| death_place =
| nationality =
| other_names =
| occupation =
| known_for =
}}'''Edward Nicolae Luttwak''' (born November 4, 1942) is an American military strategist, political scientist, and historian who has published works on [[military strategy]], history, and [[international relations]]. He also provides consulting services to governments and international enterprises including various branches of the U.S. government and the U.S. military.
He is chairman of the board of Aircraft Purchase Fleet Limited (APFL), an [[Aircraft lease|aviation lessor]], and the head of a [[Conservation movement|conservation]] ranch in the [[Amazon rainforest|Amazon]].

==Early life and education==
Luttwak was born into a [[History of the Jews in Romania|Jewish]] family in [[Arad, Romania|Arad]], [[Kingdom of Romania|Romania]], and raised in Italy and England. After elementary school in [[Palermo]], [[Sicily]], he attended [[Carmel College (Oxfordshire)|Carmel College]] and Quintin Grammar in England, where he also received basic training in the [[British Army]], and then the [[London School of Economics]] where he graduated in analytical economics in 1964.

After working in London, Paris, and [[Jerusalem]], he moved to the United States in 1972 for graduate studies at [[Johns Hopkins University]], where he received a doctorate in 1975. He had held an academic post before moving to the United States, at the [[University of Bath]]. Subsequently, he only taught part-time as a research or visiting professor at Johns Hopkins and at [[Georgetown University]] starting in 1975. He has long been associated with the [[Center for Strategic and International Studies]] in [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref>[http://www.idcitalia.com/downloads/bio/luttwak_edward.pdf Professional Profile: Edward Luttwak]. Idcitalia.com. Accessed March 11, 2012.</ref>

==Career==
He has served as a consultant to the [[Office of the Secretary of Defense]], the [[United States National Security Council|National Security Council]], the [[United States Department of State]], the [[United States Navy]], [[United States Army]], [[United States Air Force]], and several NATO defense ministries. Working for OSD/Net Assessment, he co-developed the current maneuver-warfare concept, working for TRADOC, he introduced the "operational level of war" concept into U.S. Army doctrine, wrote the first manual for the Joint Special Operations Agency, and co-developed the Rapid-Deployment Force concept (later [[U.S. Central Command]]) for the Office of the Secretary of Defense International Security Affairs.

Luttwak has been a frequent lecturer and consultant, and is known for his innovative policy ideas, suggesting for example that major powers' attempts to quell regional wars actually make conflicts more protracted.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Luttwak |first=Edward |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=July–August 1999 |title=Give War a Chance |journal=Foreign Affairs |volume=78 |issue=4 |pages=36–44 |id= |url= |accessdate= |quote= |doi=10.2307/20049362 }}</ref> His book ''[[Coup d'État: A Practical Handbook]]'' has been reprinted numerous times, and translated into 18 languages. His ''[[Strategy (book)|Strategy: The Logic of War and Peace]]'' is widely used as a textbook in war colleges and universities, has also been translated in several languages, including Chinese, Hebrew, Japanese (forthcoming), and Turkish.{{fact|date=February 2013}}

''[[The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire from the First Century AD to the Third]]'' is controversial among professional historians. Luttwak is seen as an outsider and non-specialist in the field. However, his book is recognized as seminal because it raised basic questions about the [[Roman army]] and its defense of the Roman frontier. Although many professional historians argue against his views on Roman strategy, some at book length, his 1976 book has undoubtedly increased interest in the study of Roman frontiers and strategy (for a summary of his thesis and criticism: [[Defence-in-depth (Roman military)]].) Since the 1980s he has published articles on Byzantium and his book, ''The Grand Strategy of the Byzantine Empire'', was published in late 2009.

Luttwak is frequently cited by Italian media on political subjects.{{fact|date=February 2013}} He has also co-authored two books in [[Italian language|Italian]] with [[Susanna Creperio Verratti]] (a political philosopher and journalist): ''Che cos’è davvero la democrazia'' ("What Democracy Really Is"), 1996 and ''Il libro delle Libertà'' ("The Book of Liberties"), 2000.

He served on the editorial boards of ''[[Geopolitique]]'' (France), the ''[[Journal of Strategic Studies]]'', ''[[The European Journal of International Affairs]]'', and the ''[[Washington Quarterly]]''. He speaks English, French, [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]], Italian, and Spanish.

He received the ''America Award'' of the [[Italy-USA Foundation]] in 2011.

==Criticism==

===Predictions===
In his 2002 book ''[[Public Intellectuals: A Study of Decline]]'', U.S. Appeals Court Judge [[Richard A. Posner]] said Luttwak "writes well and with authority (that is, with an air of great confidence) and knows a lot—he is a serious historian and defense analyst". "But writing as a public intellectual, he repeatedly ventures predictions that events falsify. In 1983, he pronounced the [[Soviet invasion of Afghanistan]] a success. He also thought it likely that the Soviet Union would launch a [[limited war]] against China, especially if the West increased its military power (as it did in the 1980s, under [President Ronald] Reagan). Years later, and indeed just a few months before the Berlin Wall came down, Luttwak was worrying that [Soviet President Mikhail] Gorbachev’s policies of ''[[glasnost]]'' and ''[[perestroika]]'' would augment the military power of the Soviet Union. Instead, those policies precipitated the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union".

Besides also citing Luttwak’s prediction, in response to a question, of the impoverishing of all but a small minority of Americans "soon enough", Posner wrote that Luttwak predicted, shortly before the first [[Persian Gulf War]], that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein would evacuate Kuwait "after a week or two of bombing (the bombing continued for six weeks without inducing him to do so) and warned that the use of ground forces ‘could make [[Operation Desert Storm|Desert Storm]] a bloody, grinding combat with thousands of (U.S.) casualties.’ The ground fighting lasted only four days, rather than the minimum of two weeks that Luttwak predicted, and U.S. casualties were minimal. Writing a month into the bombing, Luttwak was no longer predicting heavy casualties but he still opposed a ground campaign. He thought it would lead inevitably to a military occupation of Iraq from which we would be unable to disengage without disastrous foreign policy consequences."<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=gsoqJtai7moC&pg=PA142&lpg=PA142&dq=posner+luttwak&source=bl&ots=P6qT9GdVYg&sig=7JU64dP3FwFMDBhYar2na6NX0uo&hl=en&sa=X&ei=vcY8Urq5D8_j4AOctYCQBw&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=posner%20luttwak&f=false</ref>

Luttwak had made the casualties prediction in a Reuters article on August 23, 1990, in which he was quoted by reporter Jim Wolf as saying, "Don't think that your precision weapons and your gadgets and your gizmos and your [[Stealth aircraft|stealth fighter]]<nowiki/>s are going to make it possible to reconquer Kuwait without many thousands of casualties".

In a 2003 essay in ''[[The Next American Century: Essays in Honor of Richard G. Lugar]]'' (Rowman & Littlefield), [[Kenneth Adelman]], a former director of the [[U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency]], criticized such "fear–mongering" and added, "As it happened, our 'gizmos' worked wonders".<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=B01IuzJJ3MEC&pg=PA147&dq=%22All+those+precision+weapons+and+gadgets+and+gizmos%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WFFAUoG0Dub94APTy4CYBA&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22All%20those%20precision%20weapons%20and%20gadgets%20and%20gizmos%22&f=false</ref>

===Confidence===
Writing in 2007 in ''[[National Review Online]]'', former George W. Bush speechwriter [[David Frum]] said Luttwak “is a very genuinely interesting writer. His book on the grand strategy of the [[Roman Empire]] was terrific, and his ''Coup D'Etat'' is that astounding thing: a great work of political science that is also a hilarious satire. Part of the secret of his success is his tone of total confidence. He makes startling claims in a tone that says, ‘If only you knew my super-secret sources.’” Frum was writing on the occasion of having just seen a column by Luttwak in the UK magazine ''[[Prospect (magazine)|Prospect]]'', titled “The Middle of Nowhere”, in which Luttwak “magisterially and sardonically attacks a whole series of intellectual errors that allegedly dominate expert opinion on the Middle East”.<ref>http://frum.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MTdkY2I2MWNlNzJiODBhNjU4ZTExNWNjMjUxYjg2ZTc=</ref>

==Books==
* ''[[Coup d'État: A Practical Handbook]]'', ISBN 0-674-17547-6. [ London 1968,frequently reprinted since] 1969; Revised Edition: (Cambridge, Mass., 1979),(London, 1979; Sydney, 1979).
* ''A Dictionary of Modern War'' (London, 1971), ISBN 0-7139-0130-6.
* ''The Strategic Balance, 1972'' (New York, 1972), ISBN 0-912050-33-0.
* ''The Political Uses of Sea Power'' (Baltimore, 1974), ISBN 0-8018-1658-0.
* ''The US – USSR Nuclear Weapons Balance'' (Beverly Hills, 1974), ISBN 0-8039-0096-1.
* ''The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire from the First Century AD to the Third'' (Baltimore, 1976), ISBN 0-8018-2158-4.
* ''Strategic Power: Military Capabilities and Political Utility'' (California, 1976), ISBN 0-8039-0659-5.
* ''Sea Power in the Mediterranean: Political Utility and Military Constraints'' (California, 1979), ISBN 0-8191-6010-5
* ''The Israeli Army'' (with [[Dan Horowitz]]) (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1983), ISBN 0-06-012723-6.
* ''The Grand Strategy of the Soviet Union'' (London, 1983), ISBN 0-312-34260-8.
* ''The Pentagon and the Art of War'' (New York, 1984), ISBN 0-671-61770-2.
* ''Strategy and History'' (New Jersey, 1985), ISBN 0-88738-065-4
* ''Strategy: The Logic of War and Peace'' (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1987), ISBN 0-674-00703-4.
* ''The Endangered American Dream: How To Stop the United States from Being a Third World Country and How To Win the Geo-Economic Struggle for Industrial Supremacy'' (New York, 1993), ISBN 0-671-86963-9.
* ''Turbo-Capitalism: Winners and Losers in the Global Economy'' (New York, 1999), ISBN 0-06-019330-1.
* ''Strategy: The Logic of War and Peace'' Rev.Enlarged Edition (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2002), ISBN 978-0-674-00703-1.
* ''The Grand Strategy of the Byzantine Empire'' (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2009), ISBN 978-0-674-03519-5.
* ''The Rise of China vs. the Logic of Strategy'' (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2012), ISBN 978-0-674-06642-7.

==See also==
* [http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/03/what_the_byzantines_can_teach.html "What the Byzantines Can Teach Us about Our National Security”] by Ishmael Jones, ''American Thinker'', March 6, 2010.
* [http://www.infinityjournal.com/article/32/Why_China_Will_Not_Become_the_Next_Global_Power_But_It_Could "Why China Will Not Become the Next Global Power… But It Could”] by Edward Luttwak, ''Infinity Journal'', Fall 2011.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://repository.library.georgetown.edu/handle/10822/552588 Interview about Libya] from the [https://repository.library.georgetown.edu/handle/10822/552494/browse?type=title Dean Peter Krogh Foreign Affairs Digital Archives]
*[http://repository.library.georgetown.edu/handle/10822/552541 Interview about Soviet Union] from the [http://www.library.georgetown.edu/digital/krogh Dean Peter Krogh Foreign Affairs Digital Archives]
* {{cite news |first=Edward |last=Luttwak |url=http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/55210/edward-n-luttwak/give-war-a-chance |title=Give War a Chance |work=[[Foreign Affairs]] |date=July 1999}}
* {{cite news |first=Edward |last=Luttwak |url=http://www.comw.org/pda/fulltext/0512luttwak.pdf |format=PDF |title=Iraq: The Logic of Disengagement |work=Foreign Affairs |date=January 2005}}
* {{cite news |first=Edward |last=Luttwak |url=https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/magazine/themiddleofnowhere/#.UzGoX_mSxyQ |title=The middle of nowhere |work=[[Prospect (magazine)|Prospect]] |date=May 2007}}
* {{cite news |first=Corey |last=Robin |authorlink=Corey Robin |url=http://lists.village.virginia.edu/lists_archive/sixties-l/2776.html|title=The Ex-Cons: Right-Wing Thinkers Go Left!}}, an analysis containing several pages on Luttwak's life and thought.
* Interview with Edward Luttwak, [http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/conversations/Luttwak/luttwak-con0.html Conversation with Edward Luttwak], [[Conversations with History]], March 1987.
* Interview with Edward Luttwak, [http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/people7/Luttwak/luttwak-con0.html The Logic of Strategy and U.S. Foreign Policy], [[Conversations with History]], November 2007.

{{Authority control|VIAF=29509801}}
{{Persondata 
| NAME = Luttwak, Edward
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = American military strategist
| DATE OF BIRTH = November 4, 1942
| PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Arad, Romania]]
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Luttwak, Edward}}
[[Category:1942 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Academics of the University of Bath]]
[[Category:Alumni of the London School of Economics]]
[[Category:American essayists]]
[[Category:American historians]]
[[Category:American people of Romanian-Jewish descent]]
[[Category:American military writers]]
[[Category:Johns Hopkins University alumni]]
[[Category:American military historians]]
[[Category:People from Arad, Romania]]
[[Category:Political analysts]]
[[Category:Military strategists]]

Präsidentschaftsvorwahl in den Vereinigten Staaten

2015-01-27T06:17:36Z

Polmandc: Cleaned up using AutoEd

{{about||the most recent presidential primaries|Democratic Party presidential primaries, 2012|and|Republican Party presidential primaries, 2012}}
The series of '''presidential primary elections and caucuses''' held in each U.S. state and territory is part of the nominating process of [[United States presidential election]]s. This process was never included in the [[United States Constitution]], and thus was created over time by the political parties.
Some states only hold [[primary election]]s, some only hold [[caucuses]], and others use a combination of both. These primaries and caucuses are staggered between January and June before the general election in November. The primary elections are run by state and local governments, while caucuses are private events that are directly run by the political parties themselves. A state's primary election or caucus usually is an [[indirect election]]: instead of voters directly selecting a particular person running for President, it determines how many delegates each party's [[United States presidential nominating convention|national convention]] will receive from their respective state. These delegates then in turn select their party's presidential nominee.

Each party determines how many delegates are allocated to each state. Along with those delegates chosen during the primaries and caucuses, state delegations to both the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] and [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] conventions also include "unpledged" delegates, usually current and former elected officeholders and party leaders, who can vote for whomever they want.

This system of presidential primaries and caucuses is somewhat controversial because of its staggered nature. The major advantage is that candidates can concentrate their resources in each area of the country one at a time instead of campaigning in every state simultaneously. However, those states which traditionally hold their primaries and caucuses in the latter half of the primary season are normally at a tremendous disadvantage because the races are usually over by then. As a result, more states vie for earlier primaries to claim a greater influence in the process.

==Process==
Both major political parties of the U.S.—the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] and the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]]—officially nominate their candidate for President at their respective [[United States presidential nominating convention|national conventions]]. Each of these conventions is attended by a number of [[delegate]]s selected in accordance with the given party's bylaws.

Both parties operate with two types of delegates: pledged and unpledged. The group of unpledged delegates, also known as [[superdelegate]]s, generally comprising current and former elected officeholders and party leaders, are free to vote for any candidate they wish at the convention. The group of pledged delegates, comprising delegates representing the party committee of each state, are expected to vote in accordance with the rules of their state party.

Depending on state law and state party rules, when voters cast ballots for a candidate in a presidential caucus or primary, they may be voting to actually award delegates bound to vote for a particular candidate at the state or national convention, or they may simply be expressing an opinion that the state party is not bound to follow in selecting delegates to the national convention.

In recent elections, the eventual nominees were known well before the actual conventions took place. The last time a major party's nominee was not clear before the convention was in [[United States presidential election, 1976|1976]], when incumbent president [[Gerald Ford]] narrowly defeated [[Ronald Reagan]].

===Types of primaries and caucuses===
[[File:2008 Wash State Democratic Caucus 17B.jpg|thumb|A 2008 Washington state Democratic caucus held in the school lunchroom of Eckstein Middle School in [[Seattle]]. In some states like Washington, voters attend local meetings run by the parties instead of polling places to cast their selections.]]
Franchise in a primary or caucus is governed by rules established by the state party, although the states may impose other regulations.

While most states hold primary elections, a handful of states hold caucuses. Instead of going to a polling place, voters attend local private events run by the political parties, and cast their selections there. The advantage of caucuses is that the state party runs the process directly instead of having the state and local governments run them. The disadvantage is that most election laws do not normally apply to caucuses.<ref name="greenpapers">{{cite web|url=http://www.thegreenpapers.com/Definitions.html|title=Primary/Caucus/Convention Glossary|work=The Green Papers|accessdate=2012-01-28}}</ref>

Nearly all states have a ''binding'' primary or caucus, in which the results of the election legally ''bind'' some or all of the delegates to vote for a particular candidate at the national convention, for a certain number of ballots or until the candidate releases the delegates. Some binding primaries are ''[[Plurality voting system|winner-take-all]]'' contests, in which all of a state's delegates are required to vote for the same candidate. In a ''proportional vote'', a state's delegation is allocated in proportion to the candidates' percent of the popular vote. In many of those states that have proportional vote primaries, a candidate must meet a certain threshold in the popular vote to be given delegates.

A handful of states practice ''non-binding'' primaries or caucuses, which may select candidates to a state convention, which then in turn selects delegates to the national convention. A couple of states like Iowa have an additional step in their ''non-binding'' primaries or caucuses where voters instead elect delegates to ''county'' conventions. The county conventions then in turn elect delegates to the state conventions, and so on.

In many states, only voters registered with a party may vote in that party's primary, known as a [[closed primary]]. In some states, a semi-closed primary is practiced, in which voters unaffiliated with a party ([[Independent (voter)|independents]]) may choose a party primary in which to vote. In an [[open primary]], any voter may vote in any party's primary. In all of these systems, a voter may participate in only one primary; that is, a voter who casts a vote for a candidate standing for the Republican nomination for president cannot cast a vote for a candidate standing for the Democratic nomination, or vice versa. A few states once staged a [[blanket primary]], in which voters could vote for one candidate in multiple primaries, but the practice was struck down by the [[Supreme Court of the United States|U.S. Supreme Court]] in the 2000 case of ''[[California Democratic Party v. Jones]]'' as violating the [[freedom of assembly]] guaranteed by the [[First Amendment to the United States Constitution|First Amendment]].<ref>Bruce E. Cain and Elisabeth R. Gerber, ''Voting at the political fault line: California's Experiment with the Blanket Primary''(2002)</ref>

===Delegate selection rules===
Both the Democratic Party and the Republican Party usually modify their delegate selection rules between presidential elections, including how delegates are allocated to each state and territory.

Under the 2008 Democratic Party selection rules, adopted in 2006, delegates are selected under [[proportional representation]], which requires a candidate have a minimum of 15% of a state's popular vote to receive delegates. In addition, the Democratic Party may reject any candidate under their bylaws. Each state publishes a Delegate Selection Plan that notes the mechanics of calculating the number of delegates per [[congressional district]], and how votes are transferred from local conventions to the state and national convention.<ref>[http://a9.g.akamai.net/7/9/8082/v001/democratic1.download.akamai.com/8082/pdfs/2008delegateselectionrules.pdf Delegate Selection Rules]</ref> For the 2012 Democratic primaries, the number of pledged delegates allocated to each of the 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. is based on two main factors: (1) the proportion of votes each state gave to the Democratic candidate in the last three presidential elections, and (2) the number of electoral votes each state has in the [[United States Electoral College]]. States who schedule their primary or caucus later in the primary season may also get additional bonus delegates.<ref name="greenpapersDEMDelegates">{{cite web|url=http://www.thegreenpapers.com/P12/D-Alloc.phtml|title=Democratic Detailed Delegate Allocation – 2012|work=The Green Papers|accessdate=2012-01-05}}</ref>

The Republican Party's 2008 rules left more discretion to the states in choosing a method of allocating delegates. As a result, states variously applied the statewide winner-take-all method (e.g., [[New York]]), district- and state-level winner-take-all (e.g., [[California]]), or proportional allocation (e.g., [[Massachusetts]]).<ref>[http://www.thegreenpapers.com/P08/R-DSVE.phtml Republican Delegate Selection and Voter Eligibility]</ref> Changes in the rules for the [[Republican Party presidential primaries, 2012|2012 Republican primaries]] will bring proportional representation to more states. Also in 2012, three delegates are allocated for each congressional district. For at-large ones elected statewide, each state gets at least 10, plus additional bonus delegates based on whether it has a Republican governor, it has GOP majorities in one or all chambers of its state legislature, and whether it has GOP majorities in its delegation to the U.S. Congress, among other factors.<ref name="greenpapersGOPDelegates">{{cite web|url=http://www.thegreenpapers.com/P12/R-Alloc.phtml|title=Republican Detailed Delegate Allocation – 2012|work=The Green Papers|accessdate=2012-01-29}}</ref>

Each party's bylaws also specify which current and former elected officeholders and party leaders qualify as unpledged delegates. Because of possible deaths, resignations, or the results of intervening or special elections, the final number of these superdelegates may not be known until the week of the convention.

==Calendar==
Campaigning for President often begins a year or more before the [[New Hampshire primary]], almost two years before the [[United States presidential election|presidential election]].

For 2012, both the [[Florida Republican primary, 2012|Republicans]] and the Democrats moved their Florida primary to January 31, which was an earlier date than past election cycles. In response, other states also changed their primary election dates for 2012, in order to claim a greater influence, creating a cascade of changes in other states. This follows what happened in 2008 when Nevada moved its caucuses to January, causing other states to also move its primaries to earlier dates.

The election dates for 2012, up to and including [[Super Tuesday]] are as follows:
* January 3: [[Iowa caucus]] (both parties)
* January 10: [[New Hampshire primary]] (both parties)
* January 21: [[Nevada Democratic caucuses, 2012|Nevada Democratic caucuses]] and [[South Carolina Republican primary, 2012|South Carolina Republican primary]]
* January 28: [[South Carolina Democratic primary, 2012|South Carolina Democratic primary]]
* January 31: [[Florida]] (both parties)
* February 4: [[Nevada Republican caucuses, 2012|Nevada Republican caucuses]]
* February 4–11: [[Maine Republican caucuses, 2012|Maine Republican caucuses]]
* February 7: [[Colorado Republican caucuses, 2012|Colorado]], [[Minnesota Republican caucuses, 2012|Minnesota]] and [[Missouri Republican primary, 2012|Missouri]] Republican primaries
* February 28: [[Arizona Republican primary, 2012|Arizona]] and [[Michigan Republican primary, 2012|Michigan]] Republican primaries
* March 3: [[Washington Republican caucuses, 2012|Washington Republican caucuses]]
* March 6: [[Super Tuesday]]: Primaries/caucuses for both parties in several states

===Iowa and New Hampshire===
[[File:Iowa City Caucus.jpg|thumb|A 2008 Democratic caucus meeting in [[Iowa City, Iowa]]. The [[Iowa caucuses]] are traditionally the first major electoral event of presidential primaries and caucuses.]]
The first binding event, in which a candidate can secure convention delegates, is traditionally the [[Iowa caucus]], held in early January of the presidential election year. It is followed by the New Hampshire primary, the first primary by tradition since 1920 and by New Hampshire state law. New Hampshire law states the primary shall be held "on the Tuesday at least seven days immediately preceding the date on which any other state shall hold a similar election, whichever is earlier." Should any state move its primary too close to New Hampshire's, or before, the New Hampshire Secretary of State is required to reschedule the primary accordingly.<ref>http://www.nh.gov/nhinfo/genesis.html</ref>

In recent elections, the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary have garnered over half the media attention paid to the entire selection process.<ref name="LATimes20120105">{{cite news | url=http://articles.latimes.com/2012/jan/05/opinion/la-oe-mellman-iowa-and-new-hampshire-still-matter-20120105 | title=Iowa and New Hampshire: It's win one or go home | first=Mark | last=Mellman | work=[[Los Angeles Times]] | date=January 5, 2012 | accessdate=February 3, 2012 | quote=Historically, Iowa and New Hampshire account for about half the news media coverage of the entire primary season, with the winners absorbing the lion's share of the attention}}</ref>

Because these states are small, campaigning takes place on a much more personal scale. As a result, even a little-known, underfunded candidate can use "retail politics" to meet intimately with interested voters and perform better than expected. The Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary have produced a number of headline-making upsets in history:<ref>Sacala (2003)</ref>
* [[Harry S. Truman]] ended his re-election bid in 1952 after losing the New Hampshire primary.<ref>[http://tvnews.vanderbilt.edu/program.pl?ID=244690 New Hampshire Primary CBS News broadcast from the Vanderbilt Television News Archive]</ref>
* [[Lyndon Baines Johnson]] dropped his 1968 reelection bid after performing far below expectations in the New Hampshire primary.
* In the [[Democratic Party presidential primaries, 1972|1972 Democratic primaries]], [[George McGovern]] was initially considered a [[dark horse]] but he had better-than-expected second place finishes in Iowa and New Hampshire and eventually won the nomination; frontrunner [[Edmund Muskie]] who won both contests instead lost momentum.
* [[George H. W. Bush]] won the Iowa primary in 1980, leading him to claim that he had "Big Mo" (momentum) over frontrunner [[Ronald Reagan]], however Reagan won the New Hampshire and several other key primaries to take the nomination. However in the 1988 Republican presidential nomination, Bush, serving as Reagan's vice president, unexpectedly finished third in Iowa which [[Bob Dole]] won. Dole was also leading in New Hampshire polls but ending up losing that primary as he failed to counterattack ads from Bush; Bush had no serious trouble clinching the nomination afterward.
* [[Gary Hart]] was initially not considered a serious contender in 1984, which featured former Vice President [[Walter Mondale]] as the frontrunner. However, Hart had a respectable showing in Iowa and then stunned Mondale in New Hampshire, the latter where Hart had started campaigning months earlier. This resulted in a long primary battle, with Mondale eventually emerging as the nominee after Super Tuesday III.
* [[Pat Buchanan]]'s 2nd place showing in the 1992 and win in the 1996 New Hampshire primaries coincided with the weakness of the future nominees, incumbent [[George H. W. Bush]], and Senator [[Bob Dole]] respectively, Bush and Dole subsequently lost the general election.
* In 1992, then Governor [[Bill Clinton]]'s better-than-expected second place finish in New Hampshire salvaged his campaign and he went on to win the nomination, following on to be elected President with a 43% plurality.
* Senator [[John McCain]] upset [[George W. Bush]] in the New Hampshire primary in [[United States presidential election, 2000|2000]], Bush's frontrunner campaign had initially not expected serious opposition after other potential candidates like [[Elizabeth Dole]] and [[Dan Quayle]] decided not to run. McCain's new-found momentum ended after his defeat in the South Carolina primary (see below), and though he pulled out wins in Michigan and his home state of Arizona, his campaign was ended by Super Tuesday.
* In the [[U.S. presidential election, 2004#Iowa caucus|2004 primaries]], [[John Kerry]], whose campaign had been sagging in prior months, won the Iowa caucus while [[John Edwards]] unexpectedly finished second, over heavily favored [[Howard Dean]] and [[Richard Gephardt]] (the latter two had been traded negative attacks in the weeks leading up to the vote). Gephardt immediately ended his campaign, while Dean's [[Howard Dean#Disappointing Iowa results and the "Dean Scream" media gaffe|post-concession speech]] drew negative attention. Kerry went on to overcome Dean's initial lead in New Hampshire to win that primary, and eventually the Democratic presidential nomination.
* In 2008, frontrunner [[Hillary Rodham Clinton]], whose campaign initially banked on a knockout victory in Iowa, unexpectedly finished third in that caucus behind winner [[Barack Obama]] and [[John Edwards]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/08/us/politics/08recon.html?pagewanted=all | work=The New York Times | first1=Peter | last1=Baker | first2=Jim | last2=Rutenberg | title=The Long Road to a Clinton Exit | date=June 8, 2008}}</ref> Clinton then pulled off a comeback victory in New Hampshire where Obama had been leading the polls. Although Obama and Clinton were largely well matched in most of the subsequent primaries, Obama's better organization and uncontested caucus victories were crucial to him winning the Democratic nomination.
* In 2008, [[John McCain]], initially struggling among Republican contenders in 2007, decided to skip Iowa and concentrate on New Hampshire (the same primary where he had unexpectedly triumphed back in 2000) and McCain's win rejuvenated his presidential campaign and he became the Republican nominee. Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney, two candidates who had each led in the polls in 2007, did not perform as expected in Iowa and New Hampshire.
* In 2012, [[Mitt Romney]] was initially reported to be the first Republican ''non-incumbent'' presidential candidate, since the Iowa caucus started in 1976, to win both the Iowa caucus (albeit, by an 8 vote margin over [[Rick Santorum]]) and New Hampshire primary.<ref>[http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Recent+history+primaries+suggests+Mitt+Romney+race+lose/5976931/story.html]</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/mitt-romney-tries-to-make-history-in-iowa-and-new-hampshire/2011/12/28/gIQAoCdTNP_blog.html | work=The Washington Post | first1=Chris | last1=Cillizza | first2=Aaron | last2=Blake | title=Mitt Romney tries to make history in Iowa and New Hampshire | date=December 29, 2011}}</ref> However a final count released by the Iowa state party sixteen days after the caucus contest reported Santorum as the winner by 34 votes over Romney, but by then Romney had already won New Hampshire by a comfortable margin.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/report-santorum-finished-34-votes-ahead-of-romney-in-new-iowa-tally-votes-from-8-precincts-missing/2012/01/19/gIQAJGuRAQ_story.html | work=The Washington Post | first1=David A. | last1=Fahrenthold | first2=Debbi | last2=Wilgoren | title=Santorum finished 34 votes ahead of Romney in new Iowa tally; votes from 8 precincts missing | date=January 20, 2012}}</ref>

===Subsequent primaries and caucuses===
After Iowa and New Hampshire, primaries and caucuses are held in the other states, [[Puerto Rico]], insular areas, and the [[District of Columbia]]. The front runners attempt to solidify their status, while the others fight to become #2.<ref>Scala (2003)</ref>

For the Republicans, the South Carolina primary is considered a "firewall" to protect establishment favorites and frontrunners in the presidential nomination race, being designed to stop the momentum of insurgent candidates who could have received a boost from strong showings in Iowa and New Hampshire.<ref>http://www.gwu.edu/~action/states/scprimresults.html</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Scherer |first=Michael |url=http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1701639,00.html |title=Huckabee Looks to South Carolina |publisher=TIME |date=2008-01-09 |accessdate=2012-01-05}}</ref> From its inception in 1980 through the [[Republican Party (United States) presidential primaries, 2008|election of 2008]], the winner of the South Carolina Republican presidential primary has gone on to win the nomination.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rudin |first=Ken |url=http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18147641 |title=South Carolina's Role as GOP Kingmaker |publisher=NPR |date=2008-01-16 |accessdate=2012-01-05}}</ref> In the [[Republican Party presidential primaries, 2012|2012 Republican primaries]], [[Newt Gingrich]] initially finished poorly in the early states, but then scored an upset victory in South Carolina over frontrunner [[Mitt Romney]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2012/01/31/us-votes-florida-republican-primary.html | work=CBC News | title=Romney routs Gingrich in Florida | date=February 1, 2012}}</ref> However after suffering a decisive defeat to Romney in Florida, Gingrich's campaign was relegated back to third place and left [[Rick Santorum]] as the main challenger.

Each party sets its own calendar and rules, and in some cases actually administers the election. However, to reduce expenses and encourage turnout, the major parties' primaries are usually held the same day and may be consolidated with other state elections. The primary election itself is administered by local governments according to state law. In some cases, state law determines how delegates will be awarded and who may participate in the primary; where it does not, party rules prevail.<ref>http://www.gop.com/Images/AllStateSummaries.pdf</ref>

In recent years, states have been holding increasingly early primaries to maximize their leverage (see ''[[#Front-loading and compression|Front-loading and compression]]'' below). In reaction to these moves, both the Democratic and Republican National Committees have tried to impose a [[#Timing adjustment|timing tier system]] of scheduling rules, stripping states of delegates if they move their primaries early. But this still did not prevent a few states from moving their primaries in both 2008 and 2012 anyway.

==History==
There is no provision for the role of political parties in the [[United States Constitution]]. Before 1820, [[Democratic-Republican Party|Democratic-Republican]] members of Congress would nominate a single candidate from their party. That system collapsed in 1824, and since 1832 the preferred mechanism for nomination has been a [[United States presidential nominating convention|national convention]].<ref>James S. Chase; ''Emergence of the Presidential Nominating Convention, 1789–1832'' (1973)</ref>

Delegates to the national convention were usually selected at state conventions whose own delegates were chosen by district conventions. Sometimes they were dominated by intrigue between [[political boss]]es who controlled delegates; the national convention was far from democratic or transparent. [[Progressive Era]] reformers looked to the [[primary election]] as a way to measure popular opinion of candidates, as opposed to the opinion of the bosses. In 1910, Oregon became the first state to establish a presidential preference primary, which requires delegates to the National Convention to support the winner of the primary at the convention. By 1912, twelve states either selected delegates in primaries, used a preferential primary, or both. By 1920 there were 20 states with primaries, but some went back, and from 1936 to 1968, 12 states used them. (Ware p 248)

The primary received its first major test in the [[United States presidential election, 1912|1912 election]] pitting incumbent President [[William Howard Taft]] against challengers [[Theodore Roosevelt]] and [[Woodrow Wilson]]. Roosevelt proved the most popular candidate, but as most primaries were non-binding "preference" shows and held in only fourteen of the-then forty-eight states, the Republican nomination went to Taft, who controlled the convention.

Seeking to boost [[voter turnout]], [[New Hampshire]] simplified its [[ballot access]] laws in 1949. In the ensuing "beauty contest" of 1952, Republican [[Dwight Eisenhower]] demonstrated his broad voter appeal by out-polling the favored [[Robert A. Taft]], "Mr. Republican." Also, Democrat [[Estes Kefauver]] defeated incumbent President [[Harry S. Truman]], leading the latter to decide not to run for another term.<ref>Paul T. David. ''Presidential Nominating Politics in 1952.'' (1954) Volume: 1: pp 37–40.</ref>
The first-in-the-nation [[New Hampshire primary]] has since become a widely-observed test of candidates' viability.

The impetus for national adoption of the binding primary election was the chaotic [[1968 Democratic National Convention]]. Vice President [[Hubert Humphrey]] secured the nomination despite primary victories and other shows of support for Senator [[Eugene McCarthy]], running against Humphrey on a strong anti-[[Vietnam War]] platform. After this, a [[Democratic National Committee]]-commissioned panel led by Senator [[George McGovern]] – the [[McGovern–Fraser Commission]] – recommended that states adopt new rules to assure wider participation. A large number of states, faced with the need to conform to more detailed rules for the selection of national delegates, chose a presidential primary as an easier way to come into compliance with the new national Democratic Party rules. The result was that many more future delegates would be selected by a state presidential primary. The Republicans also adopted many more state presidential primaries.

With the broadened use of the primary system, states have tried to increase their influence in the nomination process. One tactic has been to create geographic blocs to encourage candidates to spend time in a region. [[Vermont]] and [[Massachusetts]] attempted to stage a joint [[New England]] primary on the first Tuesday of March, but New Hampshire refused to participate so it could retain its traditional place as the first primary. The first successful regional primary was [[Super Tuesday]] of March 8, 1988, in which nine [[Southern United States|Southern]] states united in the hope that the Democrats would select a candidate in line with Southern interests.<ref>Laurence W. Moreland, et al. ''The 1988 Presidential Election in the South: Continuity Amidst Change in Southern Party Politics'' (1991) pp 3–20</ref>

Another trend is to stage earlier and earlier primaries, given impetus by Super Tuesday and the mid-1990s move (since repealed) of the [[California]] primary and its bloc of votes—the largest in the nation—from June to March. To retain its tradition as the first primary in the country (and adhere to a state law which requires it to be), New Hampshire moved their primary forward, from early March to early January.

A major reason why states try to increase their influence, and vie for earlier primaries, is because in recent years the races were usually over before the primary season ended in June. For example, [[John McCain]] officially clinched the [[Republican Party presidential primaries, 2008|2008 Republican presidential nomination]] in March,<ref name="cnn030408">{{cite news | url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/04/march.4.gop/index.html | title= McCain wins GOP nomination | publisher=CNN | date=2008-03-04 | accessdate=2012-07-08}}</ref> while during that same month [[Barack Obama]] held an insurmountable lead in pledged delegates in the [[Democratic Party presidential primaries, 2008|Democratic Party primaries]].<ref name="narrowpath">{{cite news |last=Nagourney |first=Adam |title=Clinton Facing Narrower Path to Nomination |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/20/us/politics/20memo.html |work=New York Times |date=2008-03-20 |accessdate=2012-07-08}}</ref> In 2012, Obama faced no major challenger in the [[Democratic Party presidential primaries, 2012|Democratic Party primaries]] since he had the advantage of incumbency ''([[#Advantage of incumbency|see below]])'', while [[Mitt Romney]] gained enough delegates to be declared the ''presumptive'' [[Republican Party presidential primaries, 2012|Republican nominee]] by late April.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-rnc-officially-names-mitt-romney-the-partys-presumptive-nominee-20120425,0,790798.story|title=RNC officially names Mitt Romney the party's 'presumptive nominee'|work=Los Angeles Times|date=April 24, 2012|accessdate=April 24, 2012|first=Michael A.|last=Memoli}}</ref>

===In U.S. territories===
The primary and caucus system is the only method in which voters in [[Puerto Rico]], [[Guam]], and other [[Territories of the United States|U.S. territories]] can have a say in the presidential race. Under the U.S. Constitution, U.S. territories are not represented in the [[Electoral College (United States)|Electoral College]], and thus voters residing in those areas are basically ineligible to vote in the general election. On the other hand, as stated above, the primaries and caucuses were largely created by the political parties. Both the Democratic and Republican parties, as well as other third parties, eventually agreed to let these territories participate in the presidential nomination process.<ref>{{cite web | title=Nominating, but not voting for president | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24839059/ns/politics-decision_08/t/nominating-not-voting-president/ | publisher=MSNBC | first=Tom | last=Curry | date=2008-05-28 | accessdate=2012-02-15}}</ref>

===Advantage of incumbency===
An incumbent President seeking re-election usually faces no major opposition during his respective party's primaries, especially if he is still popular within his own party. Like [[Bill Clinton]] during the [[Democratic Party presidential primaries, 1996|1996 Democratic primaries]] and [[George W. Bush]] during the [[Republican Party presidential primaries, 2004|2004 Republican primaries]], their respective paths to nomination became uneventful and the races become merely ''[[pro forma]]''. The last time a Democratic incumbent was seriously challenged was during the [[Democratic Party presidential primaries, 1980|1980 Democratic primaries]] when Senator [[Ted Kennedy]] carried 12 states while running against President [[Jimmy Carter]]. The last time a Republican incumbent was seriously challenged was during the [[Republican Party presidential primaries, 1976|1976 primaries]], when former California Governor [[Ronald Reagan]] carried 23 states while running against President [[Gerald Ford]]. There have been other primary challengers like [[Pat Buchanan]] during the [[Republican Party presidential primaries, 1992|1992 Republican primaries]] that do capture a small percentage of the national popular vote, but only receive either a handful of delegates or none at all.

==Criticisms==
[[Image:GOP Primaries 2012 Calendar.svg|250px|thumb|Republican primaries and caucuses calendar, 2012. The staggered nature of the primary and caucus season is source of criticism of the presidential nomination process.
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
{{legend|#ff1111|January 2012 (4)}}
{{legend|#ff8811|February 2012 (7)}}
{{legend|#ffdd11|March 2012 (23)}}
{{Col-2}}
{{legend|#99cc00|April 2012 (9)}}
{{legend|#00aa00|May 2012 (7)}}
{{legend|#009988|June 2012 (6)}}
{{Col-end}}
]]

===Representativeness===
Because they are the states that traditionally hold their respective contests first, the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary usually attract the most media attention;<ref name="LATimes20120105"/> however, critics, such as Mississippi Secretary of State Eric Clark and Tennessee Senator William Brock, point out that these states are not representative of the United States as a whole: they are overwhelmingly [[white (people)|white]], more rural, and wealthier than the national average, and neither is in the fast-growing [[Western United States|West]] or [[Southern United States|South]].

Conversely, states that traditionally hold their primaries in June, like [[California]] (the [[List of U.S. states and territories by population|most populous]] state overall) and [[New Jersey]] (the [[List of U.S. states by population density|most densely populated]] state), usually end up having no say in who the presidential candidate will be. For example, New Jersey's June 2004 primary was held 13 weeks after Senator [[John Kerry]] became unopposed.<ref name="WNJandMTLast">{{cite journal | first = | last = | title = New Jersey Moves to Hold Early Primary | url = http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/24/nyregion/24vote.html?ex=1277265600&en=306c89c8091cff64&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss}}</ref> California and New Jersey moved their primaries to February for the 2008 election, but in 2012 both states ended up moving them back to June.

In 2005, the primary commission of the Democratic National Committee began considering removing New Hampshire and Iowa from the top of the calendar, but this proposal never gained approval, so those two states remain as the first primaries. New Hampshire also fought back by obliging candidates who wanted to campaign in the state to pledge to uphold that primary as the first one.

===Front-loading and compression===
States vie for earlier primaries to claim greater influence in the nomination process, as the early primaries can act as a signal to the nation, showing which candidates are popular and giving those who perform well early on the advantage of the [[bandwagon effect]]. Also, candidates can ignore primaries that fall after the nomination has already been secured, and would owe less to those states politically. As a result, rather than stretching from March to July, most primaries take place in a compressed time frame in February and March. National party leaders also have an interest in compressing the primary calendar, as it enables the party to reduce the chance of a bruising internecine battle and to preserve resources for the general campaign.

In such a primary season, however, many primaries will fall on the same day, forcing candidates to choose where to spend their time and resources. Indeed, [[Super Tuesday]] was created deliberately to increase the influence of the South. When states cannot agree to coordinate primaries, however, attention flows to larger states with large numbers of delegates at the expense of smaller ones. Because the candidate's time is limited, paid advertising may play a greater role. Moreover, a compressed calendar limits the ability of lesser-known candidates to corral resources and raise their visibility among voters, especially when a better-known candidate enjoys the financial and institutional backing of the party establishment.<ref name="WilliamBock">{{cite journal | first = | last = | title = http://www.centerforpolitics.org/reform/report_nominating.htm}}</ref>

In an article from ''Detroit News'', Tennessee Senator [[Bill Brock|William (Bill) Brock]] said about front-loading, "Today, too many people in too many states have no voice in the election of our major party nominees. For them, the nominations are over before they have begun."<ref name="WilliamBock" />

==Reform proposals==
There are several proposals for reforming the primary system. Some have called for a single nationwide primary to be held on one day. Others point out that requiring candidates to campaign in every state simultaneously would exacerbate the purported problem of campaigns being dominated by the candidates who raise the most money. The following proposals attempt to return the primary system to a more relaxed schedule, and would help less-funded candidates by lowering the cost of entry.

===Graduated random presidential primary system (American Plan)===
One reform concept is the [[Graduated Random Presidential Primary System|graduated random presidential primary system]], variations of which have been referred to as the American Plan or the California Plan. This plan starts with small primaries, and gradually moves up to larger ones, in 10 steps, with states chosen at random. The idea is that fewer initial primaries, typically in smaller states, would allow grassroots campaigns to score early successes and pick up steam. However, since states are chosen at random, travel costs may still be significant.

===Delaware Plan===
A commission empaneled by the Republican National Committee recommended the [[Delaware Plan]] in 2000. This plan had states grouped by size into four groups, with the smallest primaries first, then the next-smallest, and so on. Populous states objected to the plan, however, because it would have always scheduled their primaries at the end of the season. Other criticisms included the wide geographic range of the states, necessitating high travel costs. The Delaware Plan was put to vote at [[Republican National Convention]] of 2000 and rejected.

===Rotating regional primary system===
The [[National Association of Secretaries of State]] has endorsed a [[Rotating Regional Primary System|rotating regional primary system]], with the country split into four regions: the West, the Midwest, the South, and the Northeast.<ref>[http://www.nass.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=74&Itemid=210 nass.org]</ref> Unlike the Delaware Plan and the American Plan, the Rotating Regional Primary System would lower campaigning costs by restricting groups of primaries to single, contiguous regions.

Author and political scientist [[Larry J. Sabato]] is also a proponent of this plan, but his proposal would have the order of regional primaries determined by lottery on January 1 of each presidential election year instead of on a rotating basis. In addition, his plan would allow for a few small population states to hold their primaries in advance of the first region to allow for some of the benefits of the current system such as Iowa and New Hampshire voters closely vetting each candidate.

Criticisms of the regional plan include the higher entry costs than the other plans (since 1/4 of the country would vote in the first regional), and the political bias of certain regions (the South or the Northeast) unduly influencing the selection of a nominee.

===Interregional primary plan===
In the [[Interregional Primary Plan|interregional primary plan]] the country is divided into geographical regions. On each primary date from March to June, one state from each of six regions votes. Each election date would contain a wide variety of perspectives. The order of the states in each region is set by a lottery. In a 24-year cycle, every state would have a chance to be among the first primary states. The primary criticism of this plan is that travel costs would be quite high: in each round, candidates would essentially have to cover the entire country to campaign effectively. Contrary to most reform plans, this would reduce the ability of lesser-funded candidates to build up from small contests to large ones.<ref>[http://www.fairvote.org/?page=2072 FairVote – Interregional Primary Plan]</ref>

===National primary===
A [[National Primary|national primary]] has been proposed, a single day on which all state primaries and caucuses would be held, with over 120 bills offered in Congress.<ref>{{cite book | title = What Role for Government?: Lessons from Policy Research | year= 1983 | publisher = Duke University Press | isbn= 0-8223-0481-3 | author = Zeckhauser Richard J, Leebaert Derek | pages=46}}</ref>

===Timing adjustment===
In the 2008 Republican primary, states that ran early primaries were punished by a reduction of 50% in the number of delegates they could send to the national convention. Extension of this idea would set timing tiers, under which states that ran earlier primaries would send proportionally fewer delegates to the national convention, and states that waited would get a higher proportional number of delegates to the convention.

For example, the party may allow primaries before March 1 to send 40% of delegates; those during March can send 60%; those during April can send 80%; those during May can send 100%; and those during June can send 120%.

The effect of such a plan would be clumping of primaries at the beginning of each month. It would still allow states to determine the timing of their own primaries, while giving them some incentive to hold primaries later. The disadvantage of the timing adjustment method is that it does not reduce travel time as the regional plans do, although it does permit regional groups of states to voluntarily clump together in a single superprimary as they have done in the past.

In practice, however, this timing tier system has not prevented states from moving their primaries. During the [[Republican Party presidential primaries, 2012|2012 Republican primary]], Florida and several other states still moved their primaries to earlier dates despite being penalized delegates.

==Lists of primaries==
{{main|Democratic Party presidential primaries|Republican Party presidential primaries}}

==See also==
* [[United States presidential election debates]]
* [[United States Electoral College]]
* [[Ames Straw Poll|Ames (Iowa) Straw Poll]] on a Saturday in August prior to the election year, since 1979
* [[Democratic Party presidential primaries, 2012]]
* [[Republican Party presidential primaries, 2012]]

== Notes ==
{{reflist|3}}

== References ==
* Brereton Charles. ''First in the Nation: New Hampshire and the Premier Presidential Primary''. Portsmouth, NH: Peter E. Randall Publishers, 1987.
* Kendall, Kathleen E. ''Communication in the Presidential Primaries: Candidates and the Media, 1912–2000'' (2000)
* Hugh, Gregg. [http://www.state.nh.us/nhinfo/genesis.html "First-In-The-Nation Presidential Primary"], ''State of New Hampshire Manual for the General Court'', (Department of State) No.55, 1997.
* Palmer, Niall A. ''The New Hampshire Primary and the American Electoral Process'' (1997)
* [http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/139096 "Reid, labor aided Nevada with Demos"], Arizona Daily Star, July 24, 2006.
* Sabato, Larry, [http://www.vqronline.org/articles/2006/summer/sabato-politics-americas/ Politics: America's Missing Constitutional Link], ''Virginia Quarterly Review'', Summer 2006, 149–61.
* Scala, Dante J. ''Stormy Weather: The New Hampshire Primary and Presidential Politics'' (2003)
* Ware, Alan. ''The American Direct Primary: Party Institutionalization and Transformation in the North'' (2002), a British perspective

== External links ==
* [http://www.fairvote.org/?page=1801 List of States by primary type]
* [http://onedayonevote.com Petition for An American National Primary and dialog about election reform]

{{U.S. presidential primaries}}
{{U.S. presidential elections}}

[[Category:United States presidential primaries|*]]

Godfather’s Pizza

2014-12-11T05:03:49Z

Polmandc: Cleaned up using AutoEd

{{Infobox company
|company_name =Godfather's Pizza
|company_logo =[[Image:Godfather's Pizza.png|250px|center]]
|company_type =[[Private company|Private]]
|company_slogan = we good pizza
|foundation =1973
|location =2808 North 108th Street [[Omaha, Nebraska]] 68164
|key_people = Ronald B. Gartlan ([[CEO]])
|industry =[[Fast Food]], [[Pizza]]
|products =Pizza, Chicken, Salad, Potatoes
|num_employees =
|revenue =
|homepage =[http://www.godfathers.com godfathers.com]
}}
'''Godfather's Pizza''' is a privately owned [[restaurant]] chain headquartered in [[Omaha, Nebraska]], that operates [[fast casual]] [[Italian cuisine|Italian]] [[franchising|franchises]].<ref>"[http://www.godfathers.com/contact_us/ Contact Us]. Godfather's Pizza. Retrieved on February 26, 2010.</ref>

==History==
[[File:Godfathers Pizza - Hillsboro, Oregon.JPG|thumb|A location in [[Hillsboro, Oregon]]]]
Godfather's was founded in [[Omaha, Nebraska]], in 1973.<ref>{{cite news|last=Berg|first=Eric N.|title=Godfather's Pizza Sold By Pillsbury|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1988/09/20/business/godfather-s-pizza-sold-by-pillsbury.html|newspaper=The New York Times|date=September 20, 1988}}</ref> In the early 1970s, [[William Theisen]] owned a beer parlor named Wild Willie's, next to a pizza restaurant named Godfather at 84th and [[U.S. Route 275|L Street]] in western Omaha.{{Citation needed|date=February 2012}} Theisen bought out the pizza parlor and the name in 1974 from Jerry Forte, the current owner of The Godfather of East Hanover, and sold his first franchise.<ref>{{cite news|title=Godfather's Pizza Finds Home at Chart House|newspaper=The New York Times|date=September 15, 1983}}</ref> Theisen sold the company to [[Pillsbury Company|Pillsbury]] in the mid-1980s and stepped down from actively managing the company. In 1986, Pillsbury named [[Herman Cain]] CEO and President of the brand. Cain and Ronald B. Gartlan, the company's executive vice president, led a group to purchase the Godfather's brand from Pillsbury, which they did by the beginning of 1990 in a deal reported to be $100 million. It was reported to be the fifth largest pizza chain in the United States at the time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Godfathers-Pizza-Incorporated-Company-History.html |title=Godfather's Pizza Incorporated - Company History |publisher=Fundinguniverse.com |date= |accessdate=2011-11-15}}</ref> About this time, many Godfather's locations were bought out by [[Pantera's Pizza]] using a similar recipe. Cain stepped down from his position as CEO and President in 1996 and Gartlan became CEO. Cain stayed on as Chairman until 2002. In 2009 Gartlan bought out Cain.<ref>http://janicegablebashman.com/wp-content/uploads/GODFATHERS-PIZZA.pdf</ref> According to the company's official website, as of June 14, 2011, the chain has 622 locations in 39 U.S. states.<ref>{{cite web|title=Godfather's Pizza store locator|url=http://www.godfathers.com/store_locator/}}</ref> Godfather's Pizza also operates in some [[Hess Express]] locations, as well as most [[Minit Mart Foods Inc.|Minit Mart]] locations in Kentucky and northern [[Tennessee]]. <ref>http://www.minitmart.com/</ref>

==Menu==
The restaurants serve a wide variety of [[pizza]]s, breadsticks, chips, cookies, and pastas, and have an expansive [[salad bar]] and [[buffet]]. They offer four different types of crust: Original, Golden, Mozza-Loaded, and Thin. The chain has recently introduced [[gluten]]-free pizzas, made from [[rice flour]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.godfathers.com/Menu/Gluten-Free/index.asp|title=Godfather's Gluten-Free Pizzas}}</ref>

==Spokesman==
Godfather's Pizza is also known for its commercials featuring "The Godfather", a knock-off of [[Marlon Brando]]'s character, [[Vito Corleone|Don Vito Corleone]], from the 1972 film ''[[The Godfather]]''. "The Godfather" has been played by two actors, the first being Omaha actor J. William Koll,<ref>{{cite news|title='Godfather' Returns As Spokesman For Pizza Company|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=F7M0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=KAMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6859,1328751&dq=william-koll+pizza&hl=en|accessdate=November 14, 2011|newspaper=Toledo Blade|date=November 14, 1983|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> who typically wore a white fedora hat, a pin stripe suit, and a flower on his jacket. He also used the sayings "A pizza you can't refuse!", "Do it!", "If you don't like anchovies, you'll be sleeping with the fishes", "Da goods is in da box!" and "I know your neighborhood."

==See also==
* [[List of buffet restaurants]]
* [[List of pizza chains of the United States]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.godfathers.com/ Godfather's Pizza]

{{Pizza chains}}

[[Category:Italian-American culture in Nebraska]]
[[Category:Restaurants established in 1973]]
[[Category:Pizza chains of the United States]]
[[Category:Companies based in Omaha, Nebraska]]
[[Category:Restaurants in Omaha, Nebraska]]
[[Category:Restaurant chains in the United States]]
[[Category:Fast-food chains of the United States]]
[[Category:Buffet restaurants]]

Americans for Prosperity

2013-09-13T05:38:44Z

Polmandc: Cleaned up using AutoEd

{{Infobox Organization
|name = Americans for Prosperity
|image_border = AFProsperity.png
|caption =
|membership =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|extinction =
|type = Non-profit political advocacy group
|status =
|purpose = AFP is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process.<ref name=about/>
|headquarters = [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|formation = 2004
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]
|leader_title2 = Chief Operating Officer
|leader_name2 = Luke Hilgemann
|website = [http://www.americansforprosperity.org www.americansforprosperity.org]}}

'''Americans for Prosperity''' ('''AFP''') is an [[American conservative]] [[political advocacy group]] headquartered in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Temple-West
| first = Patrick
| coauthors = Alina Selyukh
| title = IRS steps up scrutiny of tax-exempt political groups
| work = Reuters
| location = Washington
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| date = 2012-06-29
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/29/us-usa-campaign-irs-idUSBRE85S09420120629
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| title = Wealthy outside political groups find a home in Minnesota
| work = MPR News
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/25/politics/wealthy-outside-political-groups-target-minnesota/
}}</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/12/americans-prosperity-slams-obama-suggesting-foreign-influence/</ref> AFP's stated mission is "educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing citizens as advocates in the public policy process".<ref name=about/> The group played a major role in the 2010 [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] takeover of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/us/cato-institute-and-koch-in-rift-over-independence.html "Cato Institute Is Caught in a Rift Over Its Direction," New York Times, March 6, 2012]</ref> and has been called "one of the most powerful conservative organizations in electoral politics".<ref>[http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/03/01/behind_the_cato_koch_kerfuffle.html "Behind the Cato-Koch Kerfuffle," Slate, March 1, 2012]</ref>

==Background==
Americans for Prosperity was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] 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> remained chairman of FreedomWorks, while [[David H. Koch]] remained chairman of the AFP Foundation. Like CSE, AFP was founded with the support of [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles Koch]], both 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101015060122/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all| archivedate= 15 October 2010 | deadurl= no}}</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>

===Mission===
Americans for Prosperity describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government. The organization focuses on eight issue areas: budget and spending; taxes; property rights; health care and entitlements; banking and financial services; labor, education, and pensions; energy and environment; and technology.<ref name=about>{{cite web|title=About Americans for Prosperity|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/about|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref>

According to AFP, their mission is to promote "limited government and free markets on the local, state, and federal levels", and to do so, they support:<ref name=about/>
* Cutting taxes and government spending in order to halt the encroachment of government in the economic lives of citizens by fighting proposed tax increases and pointing out evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse.
* Removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and opportunity by sparking citizen involvement early in the regulatory process in order to reduce red tape.
* Restoring fairness to the judicial system.

==Leadership and structure==
Like its predecessor, [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]], and other advocacy groups (for example, the [[National Taxpayers Union]]), Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity, a [[501(c)(4)]] organization established in 2004, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a [[501(c)(3)]] organization established in 1984.

On the national level, Americans for Prosperity is led by its president, [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]. From 2003-2007, AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]], the president of MediaSpeak Strategies. Other current executive staff include Chief Operating Officer Luke Hilgemann and Vice President of State Operations Teresa Oelke.<ref>{{cite web|title=Staff|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/staff/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref> [[James C. Miller]], James E. Stephenson, Frayda Levy, Richard Fink, and Nancy Pfotenhauer serve on the board of directors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Directors|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/directors/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref>

As of March 2012, Americans for Prosperity had 1.9 million members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/catching-up-with-tim-phillips-of-americans-for-prosperity.html |title=Tim Phillips, New York Times, March 3, 2012, accessed Mar 2012 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2012-03-18}}</ref> AFP had its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which oversees 35 state chapters.<ref name=about/>

==Funding==
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of these expenditures, $2.1 million went to national office operations and $2.9 million went to the state-based chapters. By 2010, AFP's and the AFP Foundation's combined budget was $40 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nonprofit Report for Americans for Prosperity Foundation|url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/52-1527294/americans-prosperity-foundation.aspx|work=[[GuideStar]]|publisher=GuideStar USA, Inc|accessdate=May 8, 2012}}</ref>

Based on the AFP Foundation's financial operations and programs, the independent nonprofit review organization, [[Charity Navigator]], gave it a three-star rating out of four stars overall - four stars for financial operations, and two for accountability and transparency - and 53.8 out of a possible 70 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110629022528/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511| archivedate= 29 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

According to AFP, 90,000 people across 50 states have donated to AFP or the AFP Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Browning|first=William|title=Americans for Prosperity by the Numbers|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-numbers-172200443.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[Yahoo! News]] Contributor Network|date=October 17, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

==Events==
Since 2007, the AFP Foundation has hosted the "Defending the American Dream Summit", which is now the second largest annual gathering of conservatives in Washington, DC (the first is the [[Conservative Political Action Conference]]). Topics have included government spending and taxation, health care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation. Presidential candidates who attended the inaugural event included [[Rudy Giuliani]], [[Mike Huckabee]], [[John McCain]], [[Ron Paul]], [[Sam Brownback]], [[Mitt Romney]], and [[Fred Thompson]]. 2,000 people attended the 2011 summit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title='Occupiers' Attack Defending the American Dream Summit|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.com/110911-occupiers-attack-defending-american-dream-summit|accessdate=May 8, 2012|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|date=November 8, 2011}}</ref>

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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110126005750/http://americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast| archivedate= 26 January 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> AFP created the "Cost of Hot Air Tour", a nationwide tour that included [[webcast]]s from the [[United Nations]] meetings [[2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference|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 [[2010 United Nations Climate Change Conference|COP16]] in Cancun in 2010.

In 2008, in the same city ([[Austin, Texas]]) and at the same time (July) as the liberal [[Netroots Nation]] conference, AFP hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers and activists that aimed to develop conservative social media strategies.<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><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> RightOnline has since become an annual event, with 1,500 attendees in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/conservative-fun-with-andrew-breitbart-et-al-at-right-online/240646/ |title=Conservative Fun with Andrew Breitbart et al. at Right Online - Tina Dupuy - Politics - The Atlantic}}</ref>

In 2011, in conjunction with [[Sarah Palin]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Schultz|first=Zac|title=Sarah Palin Travels To Madison|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Sarah_Palin_to_Visit_Madison_119856054.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[WMTV]]|date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> AFP helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic|Madison, Wisconsin]], where Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]'s budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. President Phillips said Walker's proposed cuts were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits".<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> After the budget reforms in [[Wisconsin]] passed, the AFP Foundation initiated an advertising and town-hall effort called "It's Working!" to promote them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/its-rally-season-in-wisconsin-c24gjov-142091613.html |title=Capitol rally to mark one year since Act 10 - JSOnline |publisher=JSOnline |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

Also in 2011, AFP sponsored the first debate among the Republican presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Candidates who participated included [[Mitt Romney]], [[Tim Pawlenty]], [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Rick Santorum]], and [[Herman Cain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/04/americans_for_p.html |title=Americans For Prosperity Dinner live blog - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com |publisher=Boston Globe |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

AFP announced plans to participate in a rally protesting the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] during the Supreme Court's oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the law.<ref name=ppacarallies>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/us/politics/white-house-works-to-shape-debate-over-health-law.html | title=White House Works to Shape Debate Over Health Law | first=Robert | last=Pear | date=March 9, 2012 | work=New York Times}}</ref>

==Programs==
===No Climate Tax Pledge===
In 2008, AFP circulated an anti-tax pledge to government officials at the federal, state, and local levels. A candidate who signs the "No Climate Tax Pledge" vows to "oppose any legislation relating to [[climate change]] that includes a net increase in state or local government revenue".<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]] and Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Jeff Flake]], and [[Fred Upton]]. Of the 12 Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2011, nine have signed the pledge.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/06/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206 Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power], Los Angeles Times, February 6, 2011</ref>

===Health Care===
In May 2009, AFP launched "Patients United Now", a project to, according to their website, oppose "a government takeover of the United States health care system".<ref>[http://patientsunitednow.com/?q=about Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], About | Patients United Now</ref>

Patients United Now ran television ads advancing this viewpoint. In one ad, a Canadian woman, [[Shona Holmes health care incident|Shona Holmes]], says she was not able to get timely treatment for brain tumor surgery and ultimately was treated in the U.S. Columnist [[David Lazarus]] of the ''Los Angeles Times'' responded that the Canadian government does not offer medical treatment but has a government-run insurance program.<ref name="Lazarus">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-fi-lazarus9-2009aug09,0,3572458.column |title=Healthcare debate framed by fear-mongering ads|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2009-08-09 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Amy Menefee, a spokeswoman for Patients United Now, stated that "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."

Also in 2009, AFP initiated the "Hands Off My Healthcare Tour", which sponsored 250<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title=President Obama's health care law is unraveling|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/29/president-obamas-health-care-law-is-unraveling/|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Caller]]|date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> rallies and collected signatures in an effort to raise awareness about free-market-based health care reforms.<ref>[http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/612300/group-protests-obama-s-push-for-health-care-reform/ Group protests Obama's push for health care reform], July 22, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.wect.com/story/10865825/americans-for-prosperity-protest-the-presidents-health-care-plan Americans for Prosperity protest the President's health care plan] August 7, 2009</ref>

===Net Neutrality===
AFP has been an active member of the [[Internet Freedom Coalition]].<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/story/conservative-group-takes-aim-at-net-neutrality-2011-03-09?mod=wsj_share_tweet</ref><ref>http://www.internetfreedomcoalition.com/?p=419</ref>

==Activities==
During the 2010 election cycle, AFP claims to have spent $40 million on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing. Of the six freshman Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2010, five benefitted from AFP ads and grassroots activity.<ref name='LATimes2011-02'>{{cite news | first = Tom | last = Hamburger | coauthors = Kathleen Hennessey, Neela Banerjee | title = Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power | date = 2011-02-06 | publisher = [[Tribune Company]] | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = 2011-02-06| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110217132904/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story| archivedate= 17 February 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

In June 2011, Americans for Prosperity placed a handful of fake [[Eviction|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>John Gallagher, [http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab Conservative group: Fake eviction notices were 'meant to startle people'] ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' Jun. 7, 2011</ref>

In August 2011, AFP "sent absentee voter applications instructing voters to return the paperwork two days late in at least two recall elections".<ref name=Opoien>{{cite web|url=http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=34266|title=Unofficial absentee ballot mailings raise voter intimidation issues in Wisconsin recall elections|first=Jessica|last=Opoien|accessdate=November 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Opoien/> 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 16".<ref>{{cite web|last=Sargent|first=Greg|title=Americans for Prosperity sent misleading absentee ballot far more widely than previously known|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/americans-for-prosperity-sent-misleading-absentee-ballot-far-more-widely-than-previously-known/2011/03/03/gIQAxhcywI_blog.html|work=Washington Post|accessdate=21 November 2011}}</ref>

In 2011, AFP said that it would review payments it had made to [[Mark Block]]'s Prosperity USA, which allegedly made improper payments to the [[Herman Cain presidential campaign, 2012]].<ref>Stone, Peter H. [http://www.iwatchnews.org/2011/11/03/7279/koch-related-group-reviewing-financial-transactions-cain-aides-charity "Koch-related group is reviewing financial transactions with Cain aide's charity."] ''iWatch News'', 3 November 2011.</ref><ref>Bice, Daniel. [http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/state-firms-cash-to-herman-cain-may-breach-federal-campaign-tax-laws-132898423.html "State firm's cash to Herman Cain may breach federal campaign, tax laws."] ''Journal Sentinel'', 30 October 2011.</ref><ref>Benjamin, Mark. [http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/01/the-other-cain-scandal-campaign-transactions-may-have-broken-federal-law/ "The Other Cain Scandal: Campaign Transactions May Have Broken Federal Law."] ''Time Magazine'', 1 November 2011.</ref> As a tax-exempt charity, Prosperity USA is prohibited from donating money or services to a political campaign.<ref>Eggen, Dan. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/herman-cain-campaigns-financial-ties-to-wisconsin-charity-questioned/2011/10/31/gIQAJ61gZM_story.html "Herman Cain campaign's financial ties to Wisconsin charity questioned."] ''Washington Post'', 31 October 2011.</ref> According to an internal review, the payments were proper since they occurred before Cain launched his campaign.<ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/americans-prosperity-our-reimbursements-herman-cain-were-legal_607897.html "Americans for Prosperity: Our Reimbursements to Herman Cain Were Legal," John McCormack, Weekly Standard, November 9, 2011]</ref>

===2012 presidential election===
From 2011-2012, in what the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' called "perhaps the biggest attack on Mr. Obama so far in the 2012 election campaign",<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref> AFP spent $8.4 million ($2.4 in 2011<ref>[http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/11/28/377053/koch-americans-for-prosperity-solyndra-attack-ad-video/ "Koch-Fueled Americans for Prosperity Spends $2.4 Million on Solyndra Attack Ad (VIDEO)"], Stephen Lacey, ThinkProgress, November 28, 2011)</ref> and $6 million in 2012<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ "Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref>) on television ads that criticized the federal loan to now-bankrupt manufacturer of solar panels, [[Solyndra]].

In September 2012, the ''[[Washington Post]]'' called AFP "One of the major players on the right", reporting that AFP planned to spend $125 million on the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 United States presidential election]]. President Phillips said the organization has 116 staff members on the ground targeting 9 million voters who are undecided about how to assess Obama's economic record.<ref name=presidential>{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/conservative-groups-reaching-new-levels-of-sophistication-in-mobilizing-voters/2012/09/20/3c3cd8e8-026c-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_story.html| title= Conservative groups reaching new levels of sophistication in mobilizing voters | work=[[Washington Post]] | coauthors=Peter Wallsten, Tom Hamburger| date=September 20, 2012|accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>

==Criticism==
In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House argued that AFP and the AFP Foundation are a de facto political action group, thus violating 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> President Obama said: "Right now all around this country there are groups with harmless-sounding names like Americans for Prosperity, who are running millions of dollars of ads against Democratic candidates all across the country. And they don't have to say who exactly the Americans for Prosperity are. You don't know if it's a foreign-controlled corporation. You don't know if it's a big oil company, or a big bank."<ref name=thefix>{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/who-is-americans-for-prosperit.html | title=Who is "Americans for Prosperity"? | work=Washington Post | first=Felicia | last=Sonmez | date=August 26, 2010}}</ref> The administration later called AFP a "special-interest front group run by the oil billionaire Koch brothers", who it said are "obsessed with making Barack Obama a one-term president".<ref name=ppacarallies/> In response, Phillips called the idea that AFP is taking money from foreign sources "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 saw an increase in financial contributions, explaining 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/>

Also in August 2010, the [[Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]] (DCCC) filed a complaint against AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFP Foundation 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> On May 6, 2011, the Federal Election Commission dismissed the complaint.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly Digest: Week of May 2 - 4|url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2011/20110506_digest.shtml|publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=May 8, 2012|date=May 6, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

A May 2012 ad criticizing the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]] was rated by the nonpartisan fact checking organization [[PolitiFact.com]] as one of "the sneakiest" of the election cycle to that point. Claims from the ad were judged to be "Mostly False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded traffic lights in China|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-streetlights-c/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> "False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded jobs in Finland|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-jobs-finland/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> and "Pants on Fire",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded a solar company building a Mexico plant|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/02/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-solar-company-/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> the organization's lowest rating of truth. A separate analysis of the entire ad showed problems with the truth of every one of the ad's claims.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowers|first=Becky|title=Line by line: How an ad uses sleight-of-hand to distort facts on stimulus|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2012/may/04/line-line-sleight-hand-afp/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Political activities of the Koch brothers]]
* [[Tito the Builder]]

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Americans for Prosperity}}
* [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php Americans for Prosperity]
* [http://www.americansforprosperityfoundation.com/ Americans for Prosperity Foundation]
* [http://www.politifact.com/personalities/americans-prosperity/ File] at [[PolitiFact]]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cmte=C30001051 Profile] at [[OpenSecrets.org]]

{{Koch family}}
{{Tea Party movement}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Americans For Prosperity}}
[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Think tanks based in the United States]]
[[Category:Political and economic think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations]]
[[Category:Koch family]]
[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]

Americans for Prosperity

2013-09-13T05:38:23Z

Polmandc: update

{{Infobox Organization
|name = Americans for Prosperity
|image_border = AFProsperity.png
|caption =
|membership =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|extinction =
|type = Non-profit political advocacy group
|status =
|purpose = AFP is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process.<ref name=about/>
|headquarters = [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|formation = 2004
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]
|leader_title2 = Chief Operating Officer
|leader_name2 = Luke Hilgemann
|website = [http://www.americansforprosperity.org www.americansforprosperity.org]}}

'''Americans for Prosperity''' ('''AFP''') is an [[American conservative]] [[political advocacy group]] headquartered in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Temple-West
| first = Patrick
| coauthors = Alina Selyukh
| title = IRS steps up scrutiny of tax-exempt political groups
| work = Reuters
| location = Washington
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| date = 2012-06-29
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/29/us-usa-campaign-irs-idUSBRE85S09420120629
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| title = Wealthy outside political groups find a home in Minnesota
| work = MPR News
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/25/politics/wealthy-outside-political-groups-target-minnesota/
}}</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/12/americans-prosperity-slams-obama-suggesting-foreign-influence/</ref> AFP's stated mission is "educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing citizens as advocates in the public policy process".<ref name=about/> The group played a major role in the 2010 [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] takeover of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/us/cato-institute-and-koch-in-rift-over-independence.html "Cato Institute Is Caught in a Rift Over Its Direction," New York Times, March 6, 2012]</ref> and has been called "one of the most powerful conservative organizations in electoral politics".<ref>[http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/03/01/behind_the_cato_koch_kerfuffle.html "Behind the Cato-Koch Kerfuffle," Slate, March 1, 2012]</ref>

==Background==
Americans for Prosperity was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] 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> remained chairman of FreedomWorks, while [[David H. Koch]] remained chairman of the AFP Foundation. Like CSE, AFP was founded with the support of [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles Koch]], both 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101015060122/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all| archivedate= 15 October 2010 | deadurl= no}}</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>

===Mission===
Americans for Prosperity describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government. The organization focuses on eight issue areas: budget and spending; taxes; property rights; health care and entitlements; banking and financial services; labor, education, and pensions; energy and environment; and technology.<ref name=about>{{cite web|title=About Americans for Prosperity|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/about|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref>

According to AFP, their mission is to promote "limited government and free markets on the local, state, and federal levels", and to do so, they support:<ref name=about/>
* Cutting taxes and government spending in order to halt the encroachment of government in the economic lives of citizens by fighting proposed tax increases and pointing out evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse.
* Removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and opportunity by sparking citizen involvement early in the regulatory process in order to reduce red tape.
* Restoring fairness to the judicial system.

==Leadership and structure==
Like its predecessor, [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]], and other advocacy groups (for example, the [[National Taxpayers Union]]), Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity, a [[501(c)(4)]] organization established in 2004, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a [[501(c)(3)]] organization established in 1984.

On the national level, Americans for Prosperity is led by its president, [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]. From 2003-2007, AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]], the president of MediaSpeak Strategies. Other current executive staff include Chief Operating Officer Luke Hilgemann and Vice President of State Operations Teresa Oelke.<ref>{{cite web|title=Staff|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/staff/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref> [[James C. Miller]], James E. Stephenson, Frayda Levy, Richard Fink, and Nancy Pfotenhauer serve on the board of directors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Directors|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/directors/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref>

As of March 2012, Americans for Prosperity had 1.9 million members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/catching-up-with-tim-phillips-of-americans-for-prosperity.html |title=Tim Phillips, New York Times, March 3, 2012, accessed Mar 2012 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2012-03-18}}</ref> AFP had its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which oversees 35 state chapters.<ref name=about/>

==Funding==
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of these expenditures, $2.1 million went to national office operations and $2.9 million went to the state-based chapters. By 2010, AFP's and the AFP Foundation's combined budget was $40 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nonprofit Report for Americans for Prosperity Foundation|url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/52-1527294/americans-prosperity-foundation.aspx|work=[[GuideStar]]|publisher=GuideStar USA, Inc|accessdate=May 8, 2012}}</ref>

Based on the AFP Foundation's financial operations and programs, the independent nonprofit review organization, [[Charity Navigator]], gave it a three-star rating out of four stars overall - four stars for financial operations, and two for accountability and transparency - and 53.8 out of a possible 70 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110629022528/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511| archivedate= 29 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

According to AFP, 90,000 people across 50 states have donated to AFP or the AFP Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Browning|first=William|title=Americans for Prosperity by the Numbers|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-numbers-172200443.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[Yahoo! News]] Contributor Network|date=October 17, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

==Events==
Since 2007, the AFP Foundation has hosted the "Defending the American Dream Summit", which is now the second largest annual gathering of conservatives in Washington, DC (the first is the [[Conservative Political Action Conference]]). Topics have included government spending and taxation, health care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation. Presidential candidates who attended the inaugural event included [[Rudy Giuliani]], [[Mike Huckabee]], [[John McCain]], [[Ron Paul]], [[Sam Brownback]], [[Mitt Romney]], and [[Fred Thompson]]. 2,000 people attended the 2011 summit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title='Occupiers' Attack Defending the American Dream Summit|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.com/110911-occupiers-attack-defending-american-dream-summit|accessdate=May 8, 2012|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|date=November 8, 2011}}</ref>

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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110126005750/http://americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast| archivedate= 26 January 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> AFP created the "Cost of Hot Air Tour", a nationwide tour that included [[webcast]]s from the [[United Nations]] meetings [[2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference|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 [[2010 United Nations Climate Change Conference|COP16]] in Cancun in 2010.

In 2008, in the same city ([[Austin, Texas]]) and at the same time (July) as the liberal [[Netroots Nation]] conference, AFP hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers and activists that aimed to develop conservative social media strategies.<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><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> RightOnline has since become an annual event, with 1,500 attendees in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/conservative-fun-with-andrew-breitbart-et-al-at-right-online/240646/ |title=Conservative Fun with Andrew Breitbart et al. at Right Online - Tina Dupuy - Politics - The Atlantic}}</ref>

In 2011, in conjunction with [[Sarah Palin]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Schultz|first=Zac|title=Sarah Palin Travels To Madison|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Sarah_Palin_to_Visit_Madison_119856054.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[WMTV]]|date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> AFP helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic|Madison, Wisconsin]], where Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]'s budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. President Phillips said Walker's proposed cuts were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits".<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> After the budget reforms in [[Wisconsin]] passed, the AFP Foundation initiated an advertising and town-hall effort called "It's Working!" to promote them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/its-rally-season-in-wisconsin-c24gjov-142091613.html |title=Capitol rally to mark one year since Act 10 - JSOnline |publisher=JSOnline |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

Also in 2011, AFP sponsored the first debate among the Republican presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Candidates who participated included [[Mitt Romney]], [[Tim Pawlenty]], [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Rick Santorum]], and [[Herman Cain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/04/americans_for_p.html |title=Americans For Prosperity Dinner live blog - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com |publisher=Boston Globe |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

AFP announced plans to participate in a rally protesting the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] during the Supreme Court's oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the law.<ref name=ppacarallies>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/us/politics/white-house-works-to-shape-debate-over-health-law.html | title=White House Works to Shape Debate Over Health Law | first=Robert | last=Pear | date=March 9, 2012 | work=New York Times}}</ref>

==Programs==

===No Climate Tax Pledge===
In 2008, AFP circulated an anti-tax pledge to government officials at the federal, state, and local levels. A candidate who signs the "No Climate Tax Pledge" vows to "oppose any legislation relating to [[climate change]] that includes a net increase in state or local government revenue".<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]] and Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Jeff Flake]], and [[Fred Upton]]. Of the 12 Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2011, nine have signed the pledge.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/06/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206 Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power], Los Angeles Times, February 6, 2011</ref>

===Health Care===
In May 2009, AFP launched "Patients United Now", a project to, according to their website, oppose "a government takeover of the United States health care system".<ref>[http://patientsunitednow.com/?q=about Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], About | Patients United Now</ref>

Patients United Now ran television ads advancing this viewpoint. In one ad, a Canadian woman, [[Shona Holmes health care incident|Shona Holmes]], says she was not able to get timely treatment for brain tumor surgery and ultimately was treated in the U.S. Columnist [[David Lazarus]] of the ''Los Angeles Times'' responded that the Canadian government does not offer medical treatment but has a government-run insurance program.<ref name="Lazarus">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-fi-lazarus9-2009aug09,0,3572458.column |title=Healthcare debate framed by fear-mongering ads|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2009-08-09 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Amy Menefee, a spokeswoman for Patients United Now, stated that "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."

Also in 2009, AFP initiated the "Hands Off My Healthcare Tour", which sponsored 250<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title=President Obama's health care law is unraveling|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/29/president-obamas-health-care-law-is-unraveling/|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Caller]]|date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> rallies and collected signatures in an effort to raise awareness about free-market-based health care reforms.<ref>[http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/612300/group-protests-obama-s-push-for-health-care-reform/ Group protests Obama's push for health care reform], July 22, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.wect.com/story/10865825/americans-for-prosperity-protest-the-presidents-health-care-plan Americans for Prosperity protest the President's health care plan] August 7, 2009</ref>

===Net Neutrality===
AFP has been an active member of the [[Internet Freedom Coalition]].<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/story/conservative-group-takes-aim-at-net-neutrality-2011-03-09?mod=wsj_share_tweet</ref><ref>http://www.internetfreedomcoalition.com/?p=419</ref>

==Activities==
During the 2010 election cycle, AFP claims to have spent $40 million on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing. Of the six freshman Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2010, five benefitted from AFP ads and grassroots activity.<ref name='LATimes2011-02'>{{cite news | first = Tom | last = Hamburger | coauthors = Kathleen Hennessey, Neela Banerjee | title = Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power | date = 2011-02-06 | publisher = [[Tribune Company]] | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = 2011-02-06| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110217132904/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story| archivedate= 17 February 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

In June 2011, Americans for Prosperity placed a handful of fake [[Eviction|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>John Gallagher, [http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab Conservative group: Fake eviction notices were 'meant to startle people'] ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' Jun. 7, 2011</ref>

In August 2011, AFP "sent absentee voter applications instructing voters to return the paperwork two days late in at least two recall elections".<ref name=Opoien>{{cite web|url=http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=34266|title=Unofficial absentee ballot mailings raise voter intimidation issues in Wisconsin recall elections|first=Jessica|last=Opoien|accessdate=November 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Opoien/> 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 16".<ref>{{cite web|last=Sargent|first=Greg|title=Americans for Prosperity sent misleading absentee ballot far more widely than previously known|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/americans-for-prosperity-sent-misleading-absentee-ballot-far-more-widely-than-previously-known/2011/03/03/gIQAxhcywI_blog.html|work=Washington Post|accessdate=21 November 2011}}</ref>

In 2011, AFP said that it would review payments it had made to [[Mark Block]]'s Prosperity USA, which allegedly made improper payments to the [[Herman Cain presidential campaign, 2012]].<ref>Stone, Peter H. [http://www.iwatchnews.org/2011/11/03/7279/koch-related-group-reviewing-financial-transactions-cain-aides-charity "Koch-related group is reviewing financial transactions with Cain aide's charity."] ''iWatch News'', 3 November 2011.</ref><ref>Bice, Daniel. [http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/state-firms-cash-to-herman-cain-may-breach-federal-campaign-tax-laws-132898423.html "State firm's cash to Herman Cain may breach federal campaign, tax laws."] ''Journal Sentinel'', 30 October 2011.</ref><ref>Benjamin, Mark. [http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/01/the-other-cain-scandal-campaign-transactions-may-have-broken-federal-law/ "The Other Cain Scandal: Campaign Transactions May Have Broken Federal Law."] ''Time Magazine'', 1 November 2011.</ref> As a tax-exempt charity, Prosperity USA is prohibited from donating money or services to a political campaign.<ref>Eggen, Dan. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/herman-cain-campaigns-financial-ties-to-wisconsin-charity-questioned/2011/10/31/gIQAJ61gZM_story.html "Herman Cain campaign's financial ties to Wisconsin charity questioned."] ''Washington Post'', 31 October 2011.</ref> According to an internal review, the payments were proper since they occurred before Cain launched his campaign.<ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/americans-prosperity-our-reimbursements-herman-cain-were-legal_607897.html "Americans for Prosperity: Our Reimbursements to Herman Cain Were Legal," John McCormack, Weekly Standard, November 9, 2011]</ref>

===2012 presidential election===
From 2011-2012, in what the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' called "perhaps the biggest attack on Mr. Obama so far in the 2012 election campaign",<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref> AFP spent $8.4 million ($2.4 in 2011<ref>[http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/11/28/377053/koch-americans-for-prosperity-solyndra-attack-ad-video/ "Koch-Fueled Americans for Prosperity Spends $2.4 Million on Solyndra Attack Ad (VIDEO)"], Stephen Lacey, ThinkProgress, November 28, 2011)</ref> and $6 million in 2012<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ "Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref>) on television ads that criticized the federal loan to now-bankrupt manufacturer of solar panels, [[Solyndra]].

In September 2012, the ''[[Washington Post]]'' called AFP "One of the major players on the right", reporting that AFP planned to spend $125 million on the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 United States presidential election]]. President Phillips said the organization has 116 staff members on the ground targeting 9 million voters who are undecided about how to assess Obama's economic record.<ref name=presidential>{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/conservative-groups-reaching-new-levels-of-sophistication-in-mobilizing-voters/2012/09/20/3c3cd8e8-026c-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_story.html| title= Conservative groups reaching new levels of sophistication in mobilizing voters | work=[[Washington Post]] | coauthors=Peter Wallsten, Tom Hamburger| date=September 20, 2012|accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>

==Criticism==
In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House argued that AFP and the AFP Foundation are a de facto political action group, thus violating 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> President Obama said: "Right now all around this country there are groups with harmless-sounding names like Americans for Prosperity, who are running millions of dollars of ads against Democratic candidates all across the country. And they don't have to say who exactly the Americans for Prosperity are. You don't know if it's a foreign-controlled corporation. You don't know if it's a big oil company, or a big bank."<ref name=thefix>{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/who-is-americans-for-prosperit.html | title=Who is "Americans for Prosperity"? | work=Washington Post | first=Felicia | last=Sonmez | date=August 26, 2010}}</ref> The administration later called AFP a "special-interest front group run by the oil billionaire Koch brothers", who it said are "obsessed with making Barack Obama a one-term president".<ref name=ppacarallies/> In response, Phillips called the idea that AFP is taking money from foreign sources "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 saw an increase in financial contributions, explaining 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/>

Also in August 2010, the [[Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]] (DCCC) filed a complaint against AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFP Foundation 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> On May 6, 2011, the Federal Election Commission dismissed the complaint.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly Digest: Week of May 2 - 4|url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2011/20110506_digest.shtml|publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=May 8, 2012|date=May 6, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

A May 2012 ad criticizing the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]] was rated by the nonpartisan fact checking organization [[PolitiFact.com]] as one of "the sneakiest" of the election cycle to that point. Claims from the ad were judged to be "Mostly False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded traffic lights in China|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-streetlights-c/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> "False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded jobs in Finland|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-jobs-finland/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> and "Pants on Fire",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded a solar company building a Mexico plant|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/02/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-solar-company-/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> the organization's lowest rating of truth. A separate analysis of the entire ad showed problems with the truth of every one of the ad's claims.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowers|first=Becky|title=Line by line: How an ad uses sleight-of-hand to distort facts on stimulus|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2012/may/04/line-line-sleight-hand-afp/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Political activities of the Koch brothers]]
* [[Tito the Builder]]

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Americans for Prosperity}}
* [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php Americans for Prosperity]
* [http://www.americansforprosperityfoundation.com/ Americans for Prosperity Foundation]
* [http://www.politifact.com/personalities/americans-prosperity/ File] at [[PolitiFact]]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cmte=C30001051 Profile] at [[OpenSecrets.org]]

{{Koch family}}
{{Tea Party movement}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Americans For Prosperity}}
[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Think tanks based in the United States]]
[[Category:Political and economic think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations]]
[[Category:Koch family]]
[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]

Americans for Prosperity

2013-09-13T05:30:30Z

Polmandc: /* See also */ - dead link

{{Infobox Organization
|name = Americans for Prosperity
|image_border = AFProsperity.png
|caption =
|membership =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|extinction =
|type = Non-profit political advocacy group
|status =
|purpose = AFP is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process.<ref name=about/>
|headquarters = [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|formation = 2004
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]
|leader_title2 = Executive Vice President
|leader_name2 = [[Tracy Henke]]
|website = [http://www.americansforprosperity.org www.americansforprosperity.org]}}

'''Americans for Prosperity''' ('''AFP''') is an [[American conservative]] [[political advocacy group]] headquartered in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Temple-West
| first = Patrick
| coauthors = Alina Selyukh
| title = IRS steps up scrutiny of tax-exempt political groups
| work = Reuters
| location = Washington
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| date = 2012-06-29
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/29/us-usa-campaign-irs-idUSBRE85S09420120629
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| title = Wealthy outside political groups find a home in Minnesota
| work = MPR News
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/25/politics/wealthy-outside-political-groups-target-minnesota/
}}</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/12/americans-prosperity-slams-obama-suggesting-foreign-influence/</ref> AFP's stated mission is "educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing citizens as advocates in the public policy process".<ref name=about/> The group played a major role in the 2010 [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] takeover of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/us/cato-institute-and-koch-in-rift-over-independence.html "Cato Institute Is Caught in a Rift Over Its Direction," New York Times, March 6, 2012]</ref> and has been called "one of the most powerful conservative organizations in electoral politics".<ref>[http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/03/01/behind_the_cato_koch_kerfuffle.html "Behind the Cato-Koch Kerfuffle," Slate, March 1, 2012]</ref>

==Background==
Americans for Prosperity was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] 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> remained chairman of FreedomWorks, while [[David H. Koch]] remained chairman of the AFP Foundation. Like CSE, AFP was founded with the support of [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles Koch]], both 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101015060122/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all| archivedate= 15 October 2010 | deadurl= no}}</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>

===Mission===
Americans for Prosperity describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government. The organization focuses on eight issue areas: budget and spending; taxes; property rights; health care and entitlements; banking and financial services; labor, education, and pensions; energy and environment; and technology.<ref name=about>{{cite web|title=About Americans for Prosperity|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/about|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref>

According to AFP, their mission is to promote "limited government and free markets on the local, state, and federal levels", and to do so, they support:<ref name=about/>
* Cutting taxes and government spending in order to halt the encroachment of government in the economic lives of citizens by fighting proposed tax increases and pointing out evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse.
* Removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and opportunity by sparking citizen involvement early in the regulatory process in order to reduce red tape.
* Restoring fairness to the judicial system.

==Leadership and structure==
Like its predecessor, [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]], and other advocacy groups (for example, the [[National Taxpayers Union]]), Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity, a [[501(c)(4)]] organization established in 2004, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a [[501(c)(3)]] organization established in 1984.

On the national level, Americans for Prosperity is led by its president, [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]. From 2003-2007, AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]], the president of MediaSpeak Strategies. Other current executive staff include Chief Operating Officer Luke Hilgemann and Vice President of State Operations Teresa Oelke.<ref>{{cite web|title=Staff|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/staff/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref> [[James C. Miller]], James E. Stephenson, Frayda Levy, Richard Fink, and Nancy Pfotenhauer serve on the board of directors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Directors|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/directors/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref>

As of March 2012, Americans for Prosperity had 1.9 million members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/catching-up-with-tim-phillips-of-americans-for-prosperity.html |title=Tim Phillips, New York Times, March 3, 2012, accessed Mar 2012 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2012-03-18}}</ref> AFP had its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which oversees 35 state chapters.<ref name=about/>

==Funding==
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of these expenditures, $2.1 million went to national office operations and $2.9 million went to the state-based chapters. By 2010, AFP's and the AFP Foundation's combined budget was $40 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nonprofit Report for Americans for Prosperity Foundation|url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/52-1527294/americans-prosperity-foundation.aspx|work=[[GuideStar]]|publisher=GuideStar USA, Inc|accessdate=May 8, 2012}}</ref>

Based on the AFP Foundation's financial operations and programs, the independent nonprofit review organization, [[Charity Navigator]], gave it a three-star rating out of four stars overall - four stars for financial operations, and two for accountability and transparency - and 53.8 out of a possible 70 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110629022528/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511| archivedate= 29 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

According to AFP, 90,000 people across 50 states have donated to AFP or the AFP Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Browning|first=William|title=Americans for Prosperity by the Numbers|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-numbers-172200443.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[Yahoo! News]] Contributor Network|date=October 17, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

==Events==
Since 2007, the AFP Foundation has hosted the "Defending the American Dream Summit", which is now the second largest annual gathering of conservatives in Washington, DC (the first is the [[Conservative Political Action Conference]]). Topics have included government spending and taxation, health care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation. Presidential candidates who attended the inaugural event included [[Rudy Giuliani]], [[Mike Huckabee]], [[John McCain]], [[Ron Paul]], [[Sam Brownback]], [[Mitt Romney]], and [[Fred Thompson]]. 2,000 people attended the 2011 summit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title='Occupiers' Attack Defending the American Dream Summit|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.com/110911-occupiers-attack-defending-american-dream-summit|accessdate=May 8, 2012|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|date=November 8, 2011}}</ref>

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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110126005750/http://americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast| archivedate= 26 January 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> AFP created the "Cost of Hot Air Tour", a nationwide tour that included [[webcast]]s from the [[United Nations]] meetings [[2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference|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 [[2010 United Nations Climate Change Conference|COP16]] in Cancun in 2010.

In 2008, in the same city ([[Austin, Texas]]) and at the same time (July) as the liberal [[Netroots Nation]] conference, AFP hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers and activists that aimed to develop conservative social media strategies.<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><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> RightOnline has since become an annual event, with 1,500 attendees in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/conservative-fun-with-andrew-breitbart-et-al-at-right-online/240646/ |title=Conservative Fun with Andrew Breitbart et al. at Right Online - Tina Dupuy - Politics - The Atlantic}}</ref>

In 2011, in conjunction with [[Sarah Palin]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Schultz|first=Zac|title=Sarah Palin Travels To Madison|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Sarah_Palin_to_Visit_Madison_119856054.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[WMTV]]|date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> AFP helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic|Madison, Wisconsin]], where Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]'s budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. President Phillips said Walker's proposed cuts were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits".<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> After the budget reforms in [[Wisconsin]] passed, the AFP Foundation initiated an advertising and town-hall effort called "It's Working!" to promote them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/its-rally-season-in-wisconsin-c24gjov-142091613.html |title=Capitol rally to mark one year since Act 10 - JSOnline |publisher=JSOnline |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

Also in 2011, AFP sponsored the first debate among the Republican presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Candidates who participated included [[Mitt Romney]], [[Tim Pawlenty]], [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Rick Santorum]], and [[Herman Cain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/04/americans_for_p.html |title=Americans For Prosperity Dinner live blog - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com |publisher=Boston Globe |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

AFP announced plans to participate in a rally protesting the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] during the Supreme Court's oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the law.<ref name=ppacarallies>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/us/politics/white-house-works-to-shape-debate-over-health-law.html | title=White House Works to Shape Debate Over Health Law | first=Robert | last=Pear | date=March 9, 2012 | work=New York Times}}</ref>

==Programs==

===No Climate Tax Pledge===
In 2008, AFP circulated an anti-tax pledge to government officials at the federal, state, and local levels. A candidate who signs the "No Climate Tax Pledge" vows to "oppose any legislation relating to [[climate change]] that includes a net increase in state or local government revenue".<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]] and Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Jeff Flake]], and [[Fred Upton]]. Of the 12 Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2011, nine have signed the pledge.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/06/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206 Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power], Los Angeles Times, February 6, 2011</ref>

===Health Care===
In May 2009, AFP launched "Patients United Now", a project to, according to their website, oppose "a government takeover of the United States health care system".<ref>[http://patientsunitednow.com/?q=about Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], About | Patients United Now</ref>

Patients United Now ran television ads advancing this viewpoint. In one ad, a Canadian woman, [[Shona Holmes health care incident|Shona Holmes]], says she was not able to get timely treatment for brain tumor surgery and ultimately was treated in the U.S. Columnist [[David Lazarus]] of the ''Los Angeles Times'' responded that the Canadian government does not offer medical treatment but has a government-run insurance program.<ref name="Lazarus">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-fi-lazarus9-2009aug09,0,3572458.column |title=Healthcare debate framed by fear-mongering ads|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2009-08-09 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Amy Menefee, a spokeswoman for Patients United Now, stated that "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."

Also in 2009, AFP initiated the "Hands Off My Healthcare Tour", which sponsored 250<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title=President Obama's health care law is unraveling|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/29/president-obamas-health-care-law-is-unraveling/|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Caller]]|date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> rallies and collected signatures in an effort to raise awareness about free-market-based health care reforms.<ref>[http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/612300/group-protests-obama-s-push-for-health-care-reform/ Group protests Obama's push for health care reform], July 22, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.wect.com/story/10865825/americans-for-prosperity-protest-the-presidents-health-care-plan Americans for Prosperity protest the President's health care plan] August 7, 2009</ref>

===Net Neutrality===
AFP has been an active member of the [[Internet Freedom Coalition]].<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/story/conservative-group-takes-aim-at-net-neutrality-2011-03-09?mod=wsj_share_tweet</ref><ref>http://www.internetfreedomcoalition.com/?p=419</ref>

==Activities==
During the 2010 election cycle, AFP claims to have spent $40 million on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing. Of the six freshman Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2010, five benefitted from AFP ads and grassroots activity.<ref name='LATimes2011-02'>{{cite news | first = Tom | last = Hamburger | coauthors = Kathleen Hennessey, Neela Banerjee | title = Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power | date = 2011-02-06 | publisher = [[Tribune Company]] | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = 2011-02-06| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110217132904/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story| archivedate= 17 February 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

In June 2011, Americans for Prosperity placed a handful of fake [[Eviction|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>John Gallagher, [http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab Conservative group: Fake eviction notices were 'meant to startle people'] ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' Jun. 7, 2011</ref>

In August 2011, AFP "sent absentee voter applications instructing voters to return the paperwork two days late in at least two recall elections".<ref name=Opoien>{{cite web|url=http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=34266|title=Unofficial absentee ballot mailings raise voter intimidation issues in Wisconsin recall elections|first=Jessica|last=Opoien|accessdate=November 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Opoien/> 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 16".<ref>{{cite web|last=Sargent|first=Greg|title=Americans for Prosperity sent misleading absentee ballot far more widely than previously known|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/americans-for-prosperity-sent-misleading-absentee-ballot-far-more-widely-than-previously-known/2011/03/03/gIQAxhcywI_blog.html|work=Washington Post|accessdate=21 November 2011}}</ref>

In 2011, AFP said that it would review payments it had made to [[Mark Block]]'s Prosperity USA, which allegedly made improper payments to the [[Herman Cain presidential campaign, 2012]].<ref>Stone, Peter H. [http://www.iwatchnews.org/2011/11/03/7279/koch-related-group-reviewing-financial-transactions-cain-aides-charity "Koch-related group is reviewing financial transactions with Cain aide's charity."] ''iWatch News'', 3 November 2011.</ref><ref>Bice, Daniel. [http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/state-firms-cash-to-herman-cain-may-breach-federal-campaign-tax-laws-132898423.html "State firm's cash to Herman Cain may breach federal campaign, tax laws."] ''Journal Sentinel'', 30 October 2011.</ref><ref>Benjamin, Mark. [http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/01/the-other-cain-scandal-campaign-transactions-may-have-broken-federal-law/ "The Other Cain Scandal: Campaign Transactions May Have Broken Federal Law."] ''Time Magazine'', 1 November 2011.</ref> As a tax-exempt charity, Prosperity USA is prohibited from donating money or services to a political campaign.<ref>Eggen, Dan. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/herman-cain-campaigns-financial-ties-to-wisconsin-charity-questioned/2011/10/31/gIQAJ61gZM_story.html "Herman Cain campaign's financial ties to Wisconsin charity questioned."] ''Washington Post'', 31 October 2011.</ref> According to an internal review, the payments were proper since they occurred before Cain launched his campaign.<ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/americans-prosperity-our-reimbursements-herman-cain-were-legal_607897.html "Americans for Prosperity: Our Reimbursements to Herman Cain Were Legal," John McCormack, Weekly Standard, November 9, 2011]</ref>

===2012 presidential election===
From 2011-2012, in what the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' called "perhaps the biggest attack on Mr. Obama so far in the 2012 election campaign",<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref> AFP spent $8.4 million ($2.4 in 2011<ref>[http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/11/28/377053/koch-americans-for-prosperity-solyndra-attack-ad-video/ "Koch-Fueled Americans for Prosperity Spends $2.4 Million on Solyndra Attack Ad (VIDEO)"], Stephen Lacey, ThinkProgress, November 28, 2011)</ref> and $6 million in 2012<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ "Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref>) on television ads that criticized the federal loan to now-bankrupt manufacturer of solar panels, [[Solyndra]].

In September 2012, the ''[[Washington Post]]'' called AFP "One of the major players on the right", reporting that AFP planned to spend $125 million on the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 United States presidential election]]. President Phillips said the organization has 116 staff members on the ground targeting 9 million voters who are undecided about how to assess Obama's economic record.<ref name=presidential>{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/conservative-groups-reaching-new-levels-of-sophistication-in-mobilizing-voters/2012/09/20/3c3cd8e8-026c-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_story.html| title= Conservative groups reaching new levels of sophistication in mobilizing voters | work=[[Washington Post]] | coauthors=Peter Wallsten, Tom Hamburger| date=September 20, 2012|accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>

==Criticism==
In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House argued that AFP and the AFP Foundation are a de facto political action group, thus violating 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> President Obama said: "Right now all around this country there are groups with harmless-sounding names like Americans for Prosperity, who are running millions of dollars of ads against Democratic candidates all across the country. And they don't have to say who exactly the Americans for Prosperity are. You don't know if it's a foreign-controlled corporation. You don't know if it's a big oil company, or a big bank."<ref name=thefix>{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/who-is-americans-for-prosperit.html | title=Who is "Americans for Prosperity"? | work=Washington Post | first=Felicia | last=Sonmez | date=August 26, 2010}}</ref> The administration later called AFP a "special-interest front group run by the oil billionaire Koch brothers", who it said are "obsessed with making Barack Obama a one-term president".<ref name=ppacarallies/> In response, Phillips called the idea that AFP is taking money from foreign sources "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 saw an increase in financial contributions, explaining 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/>

Also in August 2010, the [[Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]] (DCCC) filed a complaint against AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFP Foundation 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> On May 6, 2011, the Federal Election Commission dismissed the complaint.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly Digest: Week of May 2 - 4|url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2011/20110506_digest.shtml|publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=May 8, 2012|date=May 6, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

A May 2012 ad criticizing the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]] was rated by the nonpartisan fact checking organization [[PolitiFact.com]] as one of "the sneakiest" of the election cycle to that point. Claims from the ad were judged to be "Mostly False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded traffic lights in China|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-streetlights-c/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> "False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded jobs in Finland|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-jobs-finland/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> and "Pants on Fire",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded a solar company building a Mexico plant|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/02/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-solar-company-/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> the organization's lowest rating of truth. A separate analysis of the entire ad showed problems with the truth of every one of the ad's claims.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowers|first=Becky|title=Line by line: How an ad uses sleight-of-hand to distort facts on stimulus|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2012/may/04/line-line-sleight-hand-afp/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Political activities of the Koch brothers]]
* [[Tito the Builder]]

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Americans for Prosperity}}
* [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php Americans for Prosperity]
* [http://www.americansforprosperityfoundation.com/ Americans for Prosperity Foundation]
* [http://www.politifact.com/personalities/americans-prosperity/ File] at [[PolitiFact]]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cmte=C30001051 Profile] at [[OpenSecrets.org]]

{{Koch family}}
{{Tea Party movement}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Americans For Prosperity}}
[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Think tanks based in the United States]]
[[Category:Political and economic think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations]]
[[Category:Koch family]]
[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]

Americans for Prosperity

2013-09-13T05:17:50Z

Polmandc: /* Criticism */ synt.

{{Infobox Organization
|name = Americans for Prosperity
|image_border = AFProsperity.png
|caption =
|membership =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|extinction =
|type = Non-profit political advocacy group
|status =
|purpose = AFP is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process.<ref name=about/>
|headquarters = [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|formation = 2004
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]
|leader_title2 = Executive Vice President
|leader_name2 = [[Tracy Henke]]
|website = [http://www.americansforprosperity.org www.americansforprosperity.org]}}

'''Americans for Prosperity''' ('''AFP''') is an [[American conservative]] [[political advocacy group]] headquartered in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Temple-West
| first = Patrick
| coauthors = Alina Selyukh
| title = IRS steps up scrutiny of tax-exempt political groups
| work = Reuters
| location = Washington
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| date = 2012-06-29
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/29/us-usa-campaign-irs-idUSBRE85S09420120629
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| title = Wealthy outside political groups find a home in Minnesota
| work = MPR News
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/25/politics/wealthy-outside-political-groups-target-minnesota/
}}</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/12/americans-prosperity-slams-obama-suggesting-foreign-influence/</ref> AFP's stated mission is "educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing citizens as advocates in the public policy process".<ref name=about/> The group played a major role in the 2010 [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] takeover of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/us/cato-institute-and-koch-in-rift-over-independence.html "Cato Institute Is Caught in a Rift Over Its Direction," New York Times, March 6, 2012]</ref> and has been called "one of the most powerful conservative organizations in electoral politics".<ref>[http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/03/01/behind_the_cato_koch_kerfuffle.html "Behind the Cato-Koch Kerfuffle," Slate, March 1, 2012]</ref>

==Background==
Americans for Prosperity was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] 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> remained chairman of FreedomWorks, while [[David H. Koch]] remained chairman of the AFP Foundation. Like CSE, AFP was founded with the support of [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles Koch]], both 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101015060122/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all| archivedate= 15 October 2010 | deadurl= no}}</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>

===Mission===
Americans for Prosperity describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government. The organization focuses on eight issue areas: budget and spending; taxes; property rights; health care and entitlements; banking and financial services; labor, education, and pensions; energy and environment; and technology.<ref name=about>{{cite web|title=About Americans for Prosperity|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/about|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref>

According to AFP, their mission is to promote "limited government and free markets on the local, state, and federal levels", and to do so, they support:<ref name=about/>
* Cutting taxes and government spending in order to halt the encroachment of government in the economic lives of citizens by fighting proposed tax increases and pointing out evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse.
* Removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and opportunity by sparking citizen involvement early in the regulatory process in order to reduce red tape.
* Restoring fairness to the judicial system.

==Leadership and structure==
Like its predecessor, [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]], and other advocacy groups (for example, the [[National Taxpayers Union]]), Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity, a [[501(c)(4)]] organization established in 2004, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a [[501(c)(3)]] organization established in 1984.

On the national level, Americans for Prosperity is led by its president, [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]. From 2003-2007, AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]], the president of MediaSpeak Strategies. Other current executive staff include Chief Operating Officer Luke Hilgemann and Vice President of State Operations Teresa Oelke.<ref>{{cite web|title=Staff|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/staff/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref> [[James C. Miller]], James E. Stephenson, Frayda Levy, Richard Fink, and Nancy Pfotenhauer serve on the board of directors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Directors|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/directors/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref>

As of March 2012, Americans for Prosperity had 1.9 million members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/catching-up-with-tim-phillips-of-americans-for-prosperity.html |title=Tim Phillips, New York Times, March 3, 2012, accessed Mar 2012 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2012-03-18}}</ref> AFP had its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which oversees 35 state chapters.<ref name=about/>

==Funding==
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of these expenditures, $2.1 million went to national office operations and $2.9 million went to the state-based chapters. By 2010, AFP's and the AFP Foundation's combined budget was $40 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nonprofit Report for Americans for Prosperity Foundation|url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/52-1527294/americans-prosperity-foundation.aspx|work=[[GuideStar]]|publisher=GuideStar USA, Inc|accessdate=May 8, 2012}}</ref>

Based on the AFP Foundation's financial operations and programs, the independent nonprofit review organization, [[Charity Navigator]], gave it a three-star rating out of four stars overall - four stars for financial operations, and two for accountability and transparency - and 53.8 out of a possible 70 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110629022528/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511| archivedate= 29 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

According to AFP, 90,000 people across 50 states have donated to AFP or the AFP Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Browning|first=William|title=Americans for Prosperity by the Numbers|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-numbers-172200443.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[Yahoo! News]] Contributor Network|date=October 17, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

==Events==
Since 2007, the AFP Foundation has hosted the "Defending the American Dream Summit", which is now the second largest annual gathering of conservatives in Washington, DC (the first is the [[Conservative Political Action Conference]]). Topics have included government spending and taxation, health care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation. Presidential candidates who attended the inaugural event included [[Rudy Giuliani]], [[Mike Huckabee]], [[John McCain]], [[Ron Paul]], [[Sam Brownback]], [[Mitt Romney]], and [[Fred Thompson]]. 2,000 people attended the 2011 summit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title='Occupiers' Attack Defending the American Dream Summit|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.com/110911-occupiers-attack-defending-american-dream-summit|accessdate=May 8, 2012|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|date=November 8, 2011}}</ref>

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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110126005750/http://americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast| archivedate= 26 January 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> AFP created the "Cost of Hot Air Tour", a nationwide tour that included [[webcast]]s from the [[United Nations]] meetings [[2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference|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 [[2010 United Nations Climate Change Conference|COP16]] in Cancun in 2010.

In 2008, in the same city ([[Austin, Texas]]) and at the same time (July) as the liberal [[Netroots Nation]] conference, AFP hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers and activists that aimed to develop conservative social media strategies.<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><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> RightOnline has since become an annual event, with 1,500 attendees in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/conservative-fun-with-andrew-breitbart-et-al-at-right-online/240646/ |title=Conservative Fun with Andrew Breitbart et al. at Right Online - Tina Dupuy - Politics - The Atlantic}}</ref>

In 2011, in conjunction with [[Sarah Palin]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Schultz|first=Zac|title=Sarah Palin Travels To Madison|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Sarah_Palin_to_Visit_Madison_119856054.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[WMTV]]|date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> AFP helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic|Madison, Wisconsin]], where Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]'s budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. President Phillips said Walker's proposed cuts were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits".<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> After the budget reforms in [[Wisconsin]] passed, the AFP Foundation initiated an advertising and town-hall effort called "It's Working!" to promote them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/its-rally-season-in-wisconsin-c24gjov-142091613.html |title=Capitol rally to mark one year since Act 10 - JSOnline |publisher=JSOnline |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

Also in 2011, AFP sponsored the first debate among the Republican presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Candidates who participated included [[Mitt Romney]], [[Tim Pawlenty]], [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Rick Santorum]], and [[Herman Cain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/04/americans_for_p.html |title=Americans For Prosperity Dinner live blog - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com |publisher=Boston Globe |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

AFP announced plans to participate in a rally protesting the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] during the Supreme Court's oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the law.<ref name=ppacarallies>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/us/politics/white-house-works-to-shape-debate-over-health-law.html | title=White House Works to Shape Debate Over Health Law | first=Robert | last=Pear | date=March 9, 2012 | work=New York Times}}</ref>

==Programs==

===No Climate Tax Pledge===
In 2008, AFP circulated an anti-tax pledge to government officials at the federal, state, and local levels. A candidate who signs the "No Climate Tax Pledge" vows to "oppose any legislation relating to [[climate change]] that includes a net increase in state or local government revenue".<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]] and Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Jeff Flake]], and [[Fred Upton]]. Of the 12 Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2011, nine have signed the pledge.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/06/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206 Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power], Los Angeles Times, February 6, 2011</ref>

===Health Care===
In May 2009, AFP launched "Patients United Now", a project to, according to their website, oppose "a government takeover of the United States health care system".<ref>[http://patientsunitednow.com/?q=about Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], About | Patients United Now</ref>

Patients United Now ran television ads advancing this viewpoint. In one ad, a Canadian woman, [[Shona Holmes health care incident|Shona Holmes]], says she was not able to get timely treatment for brain tumor surgery and ultimately was treated in the U.S. Columnist [[David Lazarus]] of the ''Los Angeles Times'' responded that the Canadian government does not offer medical treatment but has a government-run insurance program.<ref name="Lazarus">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-fi-lazarus9-2009aug09,0,3572458.column |title=Healthcare debate framed by fear-mongering ads|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2009-08-09 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Amy Menefee, a spokeswoman for Patients United Now, stated that "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."

Also in 2009, AFP initiated the "Hands Off My Healthcare Tour", which sponsored 250<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title=President Obama's health care law is unraveling|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/29/president-obamas-health-care-law-is-unraveling/|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Caller]]|date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> rallies and collected signatures in an effort to raise awareness about free-market-based health care reforms.<ref>[http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/612300/group-protests-obama-s-push-for-health-care-reform/ Group protests Obama's push for health care reform], July 22, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.wect.com/story/10865825/americans-for-prosperity-protest-the-presidents-health-care-plan Americans for Prosperity protest the President's health care plan] August 7, 2009</ref>

===Net Neutrality===
AFP has been an active member of the [[Internet Freedom Coalition]].<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/story/conservative-group-takes-aim-at-net-neutrality-2011-03-09?mod=wsj_share_tweet</ref><ref>http://www.internetfreedomcoalition.com/?p=419</ref>

==Activities==
During the 2010 election cycle, AFP claims to have spent $40 million on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing. Of the six freshman Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2010, five benefitted from AFP ads and grassroots activity.<ref name='LATimes2011-02'>{{cite news | first = Tom | last = Hamburger | coauthors = Kathleen Hennessey, Neela Banerjee | title = Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power | date = 2011-02-06 | publisher = [[Tribune Company]] | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = 2011-02-06| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110217132904/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story| archivedate= 17 February 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

In June 2011, Americans for Prosperity placed a handful of fake [[Eviction|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>John Gallagher, [http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab Conservative group: Fake eviction notices were 'meant to startle people'] ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' Jun. 7, 2011</ref>

In August 2011, AFP "sent absentee voter applications instructing voters to return the paperwork two days late in at least two recall elections".<ref name=Opoien>{{cite web|url=http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=34266|title=Unofficial absentee ballot mailings raise voter intimidation issues in Wisconsin recall elections|first=Jessica|last=Opoien|accessdate=November 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Opoien/> 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 16".<ref>{{cite web|last=Sargent|first=Greg|title=Americans for Prosperity sent misleading absentee ballot far more widely than previously known|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/americans-for-prosperity-sent-misleading-absentee-ballot-far-more-widely-than-previously-known/2011/03/03/gIQAxhcywI_blog.html|work=Washington Post|accessdate=21 November 2011}}</ref>

In 2011, AFP said that it would review payments it had made to [[Mark Block]]'s Prosperity USA, which allegedly made improper payments to the [[Herman Cain presidential campaign, 2012]].<ref>Stone, Peter H. [http://www.iwatchnews.org/2011/11/03/7279/koch-related-group-reviewing-financial-transactions-cain-aides-charity "Koch-related group is reviewing financial transactions with Cain aide's charity."] ''iWatch News'', 3 November 2011.</ref><ref>Bice, Daniel. [http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/state-firms-cash-to-herman-cain-may-breach-federal-campaign-tax-laws-132898423.html "State firm's cash to Herman Cain may breach federal campaign, tax laws."] ''Journal Sentinel'', 30 October 2011.</ref><ref>Benjamin, Mark. [http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/01/the-other-cain-scandal-campaign-transactions-may-have-broken-federal-law/ "The Other Cain Scandal: Campaign Transactions May Have Broken Federal Law."] ''Time Magazine'', 1 November 2011.</ref> As a tax-exempt charity, Prosperity USA is prohibited from donating money or services to a political campaign.<ref>Eggen, Dan. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/herman-cain-campaigns-financial-ties-to-wisconsin-charity-questioned/2011/10/31/gIQAJ61gZM_story.html "Herman Cain campaign's financial ties to Wisconsin charity questioned."] ''Washington Post'', 31 October 2011.</ref> According to an internal review, the payments were proper since they occurred before Cain launched his campaign.<ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/americans-prosperity-our-reimbursements-herman-cain-were-legal_607897.html "Americans for Prosperity: Our Reimbursements to Herman Cain Were Legal," John McCormack, Weekly Standard, November 9, 2011]</ref>

===2012 presidential election===
From 2011-2012, in what the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' called "perhaps the biggest attack on Mr. Obama so far in the 2012 election campaign",<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref> AFP spent $8.4 million ($2.4 in 2011<ref>[http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/11/28/377053/koch-americans-for-prosperity-solyndra-attack-ad-video/ "Koch-Fueled Americans for Prosperity Spends $2.4 Million on Solyndra Attack Ad (VIDEO)"], Stephen Lacey, ThinkProgress, November 28, 2011)</ref> and $6 million in 2012<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ "Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref>) on television ads that criticized the federal loan to now-bankrupt manufacturer of solar panels, [[Solyndra]].

In September 2012, the ''[[Washington Post]]'' called AFP "One of the major players on the right", reporting that AFP planned to spend $125 million on the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 United States presidential election]]. President Phillips said the organization has 116 staff members on the ground targeting 9 million voters who are undecided about how to assess Obama's economic record.<ref name=presidential>{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/conservative-groups-reaching-new-levels-of-sophistication-in-mobilizing-voters/2012/09/20/3c3cd8e8-026c-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_story.html| title= Conservative groups reaching new levels of sophistication in mobilizing voters | work=[[Washington Post]] | coauthors=Peter Wallsten, Tom Hamburger| date=September 20, 2012|accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>

==Criticism==
In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House argued that AFP and the AFP Foundation are a de facto political action group, thus violating 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> President Obama said: "Right now all around this country there are groups with harmless-sounding names like Americans for Prosperity, who are running millions of dollars of ads against Democratic candidates all across the country. And they don't have to say who exactly the Americans for Prosperity are. You don't know if it's a foreign-controlled corporation. You don't know if it's a big oil company, or a big bank."<ref name=thefix>{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/who-is-americans-for-prosperit.html | title=Who is "Americans for Prosperity"? | work=Washington Post | first=Felicia | last=Sonmez | date=August 26, 2010}}</ref> The administration later called AFP a "special-interest front group run by the oil billionaire Koch brothers", who it said are "obsessed with making Barack Obama a one-term president".<ref name=ppacarallies/> In response, Phillips called the idea that AFP is taking money from foreign sources "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 saw an increase in financial contributions, explaining 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/>

Also in August 2010, the [[Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]] (DCCC) filed a complaint against AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFP Foundation 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> On May 6, 2011, the Federal Election Commission dismissed the complaint.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly Digest: Week of May 2 - 4|url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2011/20110506_digest.shtml|publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=May 8, 2012|date=May 6, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

A May 2012 ad criticizing the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]] was rated by the nonpartisan fact checking organization [[PolitiFact.com]] as one of "the sneakiest" of the election cycle to that point. Claims from the ad were judged to be "Mostly False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded traffic lights in China|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-streetlights-c/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> "False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded jobs in Finland|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-jobs-finland/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> and "Pants on Fire",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded a solar company building a Mexico plant|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/02/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-solar-company-/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> the organization's lowest rating of truth. A separate analysis of the entire ad showed problems with the truth of every one of the ad's claims.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowers|first=Becky|title=Line by line: How an ad uses sleight-of-hand to distort facts on stimulus|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2012/may/04/line-line-sleight-hand-afp/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Political activities of the Koch brothers]]
* [[Tito the Builder]]<ref name="insidenova">{{cite news
|url=http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2011/apr/14/tito-builder-considering-state-politics-ar-973334/|date=April 14, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2011|title=Tito the Builder considering state politics|publisher=insidenova|first=Keith|last=Walker}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Americans for Prosperity}}
* [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php Americans for Prosperity]
* [http://www.americansforprosperityfoundation.com/ Americans for Prosperity Foundation]
* [http://www.politifact.com/personalities/americans-prosperity/ File] at [[PolitiFact]]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cmte=C30001051 Profile] at [[OpenSecrets.org]]

{{Koch family}}
{{Tea Party movement}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Americans For Prosperity}}
[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Think tanks based in the United States]]
[[Category:Political and economic think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations]]
[[Category:Koch family]]
[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]

Americans for Prosperity

2013-09-13T05:15:26Z

Polmandc: /* 2012 presidential election */ + link

{{Infobox Organization
|name = Americans for Prosperity
|image_border = AFProsperity.png
|caption =
|membership =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|extinction =
|type = Non-profit political advocacy group
|status =
|purpose = AFP is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process.<ref name=about/>
|headquarters = [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|formation = 2004
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]
|leader_title2 = Executive Vice President
|leader_name2 = [[Tracy Henke]]
|website = [http://www.americansforprosperity.org www.americansforprosperity.org]}}

'''Americans for Prosperity''' ('''AFP''') is an [[American conservative]] [[political advocacy group]] headquartered in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Temple-West
| first = Patrick
| coauthors = Alina Selyukh
| title = IRS steps up scrutiny of tax-exempt political groups
| work = Reuters
| location = Washington
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| date = 2012-06-29
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/29/us-usa-campaign-irs-idUSBRE85S09420120629
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| title = Wealthy outside political groups find a home in Minnesota
| work = MPR News
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/25/politics/wealthy-outside-political-groups-target-minnesota/
}}</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/12/americans-prosperity-slams-obama-suggesting-foreign-influence/</ref> AFP's stated mission is "educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing citizens as advocates in the public policy process".<ref name=about/> The group played a major role in the 2010 [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] takeover of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/us/cato-institute-and-koch-in-rift-over-independence.html "Cato Institute Is Caught in a Rift Over Its Direction," New York Times, March 6, 2012]</ref> and has been called "one of the most powerful conservative organizations in electoral politics".<ref>[http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/03/01/behind_the_cato_koch_kerfuffle.html "Behind the Cato-Koch Kerfuffle," Slate, March 1, 2012]</ref>

==Background==
Americans for Prosperity was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] 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> remained chairman of FreedomWorks, while [[David H. Koch]] remained chairman of the AFP Foundation. Like CSE, AFP was founded with the support of [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles Koch]], both 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101015060122/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all| archivedate= 15 October 2010 | deadurl= no}}</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>

===Mission===
Americans for Prosperity describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government. The organization focuses on eight issue areas: budget and spending; taxes; property rights; health care and entitlements; banking and financial services; labor, education, and pensions; energy and environment; and technology.<ref name=about>{{cite web|title=About Americans for Prosperity|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/about|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref>

According to AFP, their mission is to promote "limited government and free markets on the local, state, and federal levels", and to do so, they support:<ref name=about/>
* Cutting taxes and government spending in order to halt the encroachment of government in the economic lives of citizens by fighting proposed tax increases and pointing out evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse.
* Removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and opportunity by sparking citizen involvement early in the regulatory process in order to reduce red tape.
* Restoring fairness to the judicial system.

==Leadership and structure==
Like its predecessor, [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]], and other advocacy groups (for example, the [[National Taxpayers Union]]), Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity, a [[501(c)(4)]] organization established in 2004, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a [[501(c)(3)]] organization established in 1984.

On the national level, Americans for Prosperity is led by its president, [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]. From 2003-2007, AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]], the president of MediaSpeak Strategies. Other current executive staff include Chief Operating Officer Luke Hilgemann and Vice President of State Operations Teresa Oelke.<ref>{{cite web|title=Staff|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/staff/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref> [[James C. Miller]], James E. Stephenson, Frayda Levy, Richard Fink, and Nancy Pfotenhauer serve on the board of directors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Directors|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/directors/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref>

As of March 2012, Americans for Prosperity had 1.9 million members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/catching-up-with-tim-phillips-of-americans-for-prosperity.html |title=Tim Phillips, New York Times, March 3, 2012, accessed Mar 2012 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2012-03-18}}</ref> AFP had its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which oversees 35 state chapters.<ref name=about/>

==Funding==
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of these expenditures, $2.1 million went to national office operations and $2.9 million went to the state-based chapters. By 2010, AFP's and the AFP Foundation's combined budget was $40 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nonprofit Report for Americans for Prosperity Foundation|url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/52-1527294/americans-prosperity-foundation.aspx|work=[[GuideStar]]|publisher=GuideStar USA, Inc|accessdate=May 8, 2012}}</ref>

Based on the AFP Foundation's financial operations and programs, the independent nonprofit review organization, [[Charity Navigator]], gave it a three-star rating out of four stars overall - four stars for financial operations, and two for accountability and transparency - and 53.8 out of a possible 70 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110629022528/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511| archivedate= 29 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

According to AFP, 90,000 people across 50 states have donated to AFP or the AFP Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Browning|first=William|title=Americans for Prosperity by the Numbers|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-numbers-172200443.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[Yahoo! News]] Contributor Network|date=October 17, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

==Events==
Since 2007, the AFP Foundation has hosted the "Defending the American Dream Summit", which is now the second largest annual gathering of conservatives in Washington, DC (the first is the [[Conservative Political Action Conference]]). Topics have included government spending and taxation, health care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation. Presidential candidates who attended the inaugural event included [[Rudy Giuliani]], [[Mike Huckabee]], [[John McCain]], [[Ron Paul]], [[Sam Brownback]], [[Mitt Romney]], and [[Fred Thompson]]. 2,000 people attended the 2011 summit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title='Occupiers' Attack Defending the American Dream Summit|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.com/110911-occupiers-attack-defending-american-dream-summit|accessdate=May 8, 2012|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|date=November 8, 2011}}</ref>

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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110126005750/http://americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast| archivedate= 26 January 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> AFP created the "Cost of Hot Air Tour", a nationwide tour that included [[webcast]]s from the [[United Nations]] meetings [[2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference|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 [[2010 United Nations Climate Change Conference|COP16]] in Cancun in 2010.

In 2008, in the same city ([[Austin, Texas]]) and at the same time (July) as the liberal [[Netroots Nation]] conference, AFP hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers and activists that aimed to develop conservative social media strategies.<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><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> RightOnline has since become an annual event, with 1,500 attendees in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/conservative-fun-with-andrew-breitbart-et-al-at-right-online/240646/ |title=Conservative Fun with Andrew Breitbart et al. at Right Online - Tina Dupuy - Politics - The Atlantic}}</ref>

In 2011, in conjunction with [[Sarah Palin]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Schultz|first=Zac|title=Sarah Palin Travels To Madison|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Sarah_Palin_to_Visit_Madison_119856054.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[WMTV]]|date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> AFP helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic|Madison, Wisconsin]], where Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]'s budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. President Phillips said Walker's proposed cuts were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits".<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> After the budget reforms in [[Wisconsin]] passed, the AFP Foundation initiated an advertising and town-hall effort called "It's Working!" to promote them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/its-rally-season-in-wisconsin-c24gjov-142091613.html |title=Capitol rally to mark one year since Act 10 - JSOnline |publisher=JSOnline |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

Also in 2011, AFP sponsored the first debate among the Republican presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Candidates who participated included [[Mitt Romney]], [[Tim Pawlenty]], [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Rick Santorum]], and [[Herman Cain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/04/americans_for_p.html |title=Americans For Prosperity Dinner live blog - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com |publisher=Boston Globe |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

AFP announced plans to participate in a rally protesting the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] during the Supreme Court's oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the law.<ref name=ppacarallies>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/us/politics/white-house-works-to-shape-debate-over-health-law.html | title=White House Works to Shape Debate Over Health Law | first=Robert | last=Pear | date=March 9, 2012 | work=New York Times}}</ref>

==Programs==

===No Climate Tax Pledge===
In 2008, AFP circulated an anti-tax pledge to government officials at the federal, state, and local levels. A candidate who signs the "No Climate Tax Pledge" vows to "oppose any legislation relating to [[climate change]] that includes a net increase in state or local government revenue".<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]] and Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Jeff Flake]], and [[Fred Upton]]. Of the 12 Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2011, nine have signed the pledge.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/06/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206 Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power], Los Angeles Times, February 6, 2011</ref>

===Health Care===
In May 2009, AFP launched "Patients United Now", a project to, according to their website, oppose "a government takeover of the United States health care system".<ref>[http://patientsunitednow.com/?q=about Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], About | Patients United Now</ref>

Patients United Now ran television ads advancing this viewpoint. In one ad, a Canadian woman, [[Shona Holmes health care incident|Shona Holmes]], says she was not able to get timely treatment for brain tumor surgery and ultimately was treated in the U.S. Columnist [[David Lazarus]] of the ''Los Angeles Times'' responded that the Canadian government does not offer medical treatment but has a government-run insurance program.<ref name="Lazarus">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-fi-lazarus9-2009aug09,0,3572458.column |title=Healthcare debate framed by fear-mongering ads|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2009-08-09 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Amy Menefee, a spokeswoman for Patients United Now, stated that "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."

Also in 2009, AFP initiated the "Hands Off My Healthcare Tour", which sponsored 250<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title=President Obama's health care law is unraveling|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/29/president-obamas-health-care-law-is-unraveling/|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Caller]]|date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> rallies and collected signatures in an effort to raise awareness about free-market-based health care reforms.<ref>[http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/612300/group-protests-obama-s-push-for-health-care-reform/ Group protests Obama's push for health care reform], July 22, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.wect.com/story/10865825/americans-for-prosperity-protest-the-presidents-health-care-plan Americans for Prosperity protest the President's health care plan] August 7, 2009</ref>

===Net Neutrality===
AFP has been an active member of the [[Internet Freedom Coalition]].<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/story/conservative-group-takes-aim-at-net-neutrality-2011-03-09?mod=wsj_share_tweet</ref><ref>http://www.internetfreedomcoalition.com/?p=419</ref>

==Activities==
During the 2010 election cycle, AFP claims to have spent $40 million on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing. Of the six freshman Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2010, five benefitted from AFP ads and grassroots activity.<ref name='LATimes2011-02'>{{cite news | first = Tom | last = Hamburger | coauthors = Kathleen Hennessey, Neela Banerjee | title = Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power | date = 2011-02-06 | publisher = [[Tribune Company]] | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = 2011-02-06| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110217132904/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story| archivedate= 17 February 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

In June 2011, Americans for Prosperity placed a handful of fake [[Eviction|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>John Gallagher, [http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab Conservative group: Fake eviction notices were 'meant to startle people'] ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' Jun. 7, 2011</ref>

In August 2011, AFP "sent absentee voter applications instructing voters to return the paperwork two days late in at least two recall elections".<ref name=Opoien>{{cite web|url=http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=34266|title=Unofficial absentee ballot mailings raise voter intimidation issues in Wisconsin recall elections|first=Jessica|last=Opoien|accessdate=November 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Opoien/> 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 16".<ref>{{cite web|last=Sargent|first=Greg|title=Americans for Prosperity sent misleading absentee ballot far more widely than previously known|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/americans-for-prosperity-sent-misleading-absentee-ballot-far-more-widely-than-previously-known/2011/03/03/gIQAxhcywI_blog.html|work=Washington Post|accessdate=21 November 2011}}</ref>

In 2011, AFP said that it would review payments it had made to [[Mark Block]]'s Prosperity USA, which allegedly made improper payments to the [[Herman Cain presidential campaign, 2012]].<ref>Stone, Peter H. [http://www.iwatchnews.org/2011/11/03/7279/koch-related-group-reviewing-financial-transactions-cain-aides-charity "Koch-related group is reviewing financial transactions with Cain aide's charity."] ''iWatch News'', 3 November 2011.</ref><ref>Bice, Daniel. [http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/state-firms-cash-to-herman-cain-may-breach-federal-campaign-tax-laws-132898423.html "State firm's cash to Herman Cain may breach federal campaign, tax laws."] ''Journal Sentinel'', 30 October 2011.</ref><ref>Benjamin, Mark. [http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/01/the-other-cain-scandal-campaign-transactions-may-have-broken-federal-law/ "The Other Cain Scandal: Campaign Transactions May Have Broken Federal Law."] ''Time Magazine'', 1 November 2011.</ref> As a tax-exempt charity, Prosperity USA is prohibited from donating money or services to a political campaign.<ref>Eggen, Dan. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/herman-cain-campaigns-financial-ties-to-wisconsin-charity-questioned/2011/10/31/gIQAJ61gZM_story.html "Herman Cain campaign's financial ties to Wisconsin charity questioned."] ''Washington Post'', 31 October 2011.</ref> According to an internal review, the payments were proper since they occurred before Cain launched his campaign.<ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/americans-prosperity-our-reimbursements-herman-cain-were-legal_607897.html "Americans for Prosperity: Our Reimbursements to Herman Cain Were Legal," John McCormack, Weekly Standard, November 9, 2011]</ref>

===2012 presidential election===
From 2011-2012, in what the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' called "perhaps the biggest attack on Mr. Obama so far in the 2012 election campaign",<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref> AFP spent $8.4 million ($2.4 in 2011<ref>[http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/11/28/377053/koch-americans-for-prosperity-solyndra-attack-ad-video/ "Koch-Fueled Americans for Prosperity Spends $2.4 Million on Solyndra Attack Ad (VIDEO)"], Stephen Lacey, ThinkProgress, November 28, 2011)</ref> and $6 million in 2012<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ "Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref>) on television ads that criticized the federal loan to now-bankrupt manufacturer of solar panels, [[Solyndra]].

In September 2012, the ''[[Washington Post]]'' called AFP "One of the major players on the right", reporting that AFP planned to spend $125 million on the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 United States presidential election]]. President Phillips said the organization has 116 staff members on the ground targeting 9 million voters who are undecided about how to assess Obama's economic record.<ref name=presidential>{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/conservative-groups-reaching-new-levels-of-sophistication-in-mobilizing-voters/2012/09/20/3c3cd8e8-026c-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_story.html| title= Conservative groups reaching new levels of sophistication in mobilizing voters | work=[[Washington Post]] | coauthors=Peter Wallsten, Tom Hamburger| date=September 20, 2012|accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>

==Criticism==
In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House argued that AFP and the AFP Foundation are a de facto political action group, thus violating 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> President Obama said: "Right now all around this country there are groups with harmless-sounding names like Americans for Prosperity, who are running millions of dollars of ads against Democratic candidates all across the country. And they don't have to say who exactly the Americans for Prosperity are. You don't know if it's a foreign-controlled corporation. You don't know if it's a big oil company, or a big bank."<ref name=thefix>{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/who-is-americans-for-prosperit.html | title=Who is "Americans for Prosperity"? | work=Washington Post | first=Felicia | last=Sonmez | date=August 26, 2010}}</ref> The administration later called AFP a "special-interest front group run by the oil billionaire Koch brothers," who it said are "obsessed with making Barack Obama a one-term president."<ref name=ppacarallies/> In response, Phillips called the idea that AFP is taking money from foreign sources "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 saw an increase in financial contributions, explaining 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/>

Also in August 2010, the [[Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]] (DCCC) filed a complaint against AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFP Foundation 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> On May 6, 2011, the Federal Election Commission dismissed the complaint.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly Digest: Week of May 2 - 4|url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2011/20110506_digest.shtml|publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=May 8, 2012|date=May 6, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

A May 2012 ad criticizing the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]] was rated by the nonpartisan fact checking organization [[PolitiFact.com]] as one of "the sneakiest" of the election cycle to that point. Claims from the ad were judged to be "Mostly False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded traffic lights in China|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-streetlights-c/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> "False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded jobs in Finland|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-jobs-finland/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> and "Pants on Fire",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded a solar company building a Mexico plant|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/02/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-solar-company-/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> the organization's lowest rating of truth. A separate analysis of the entire ad showed problems with the truth of every one of the ad's claims.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowers|first=Becky|title=Line by line: How an ad uses sleight-of-hand to distort facts on stimulus|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2012/may/04/line-line-sleight-hand-afp/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Political activities of the Koch brothers]]
* [[Tito the Builder]]<ref name="insidenova">{{cite news
|url=http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2011/apr/14/tito-builder-considering-state-politics-ar-973334/|date=April 14, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2011|title=Tito the Builder considering state politics|publisher=insidenova|first=Keith|last=Walker}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Americans for Prosperity}}
* [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php Americans for Prosperity]
* [http://www.americansforprosperityfoundation.com/ Americans for Prosperity Foundation]
* [http://www.politifact.com/personalities/americans-prosperity/ File] at [[PolitiFact]]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cmte=C30001051 Profile] at [[OpenSecrets.org]]

{{Koch family}}
{{Tea Party movement}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Americans For Prosperity}}
[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Think tanks based in the United States]]
[[Category:Political and economic think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations]]
[[Category:Koch family]]
[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]

Americans for Prosperity

2013-09-13T05:13:01Z

Polmandc: /* 2012 presidential election */ s

{{Infobox Organization
|name = Americans for Prosperity
|image_border = AFProsperity.png
|caption =
|membership =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|extinction =
|type = Non-profit political advocacy group
|status =
|purpose = AFP is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process.<ref name=about/>
|headquarters = [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|formation = 2004
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]
|leader_title2 = Executive Vice President
|leader_name2 = [[Tracy Henke]]
|website = [http://www.americansforprosperity.org www.americansforprosperity.org]}}

'''Americans for Prosperity''' ('''AFP''') is an [[American conservative]] [[political advocacy group]] headquartered in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Temple-West
| first = Patrick
| coauthors = Alina Selyukh
| title = IRS steps up scrutiny of tax-exempt political groups
| work = Reuters
| location = Washington
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| date = 2012-06-29
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/29/us-usa-campaign-irs-idUSBRE85S09420120629
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| title = Wealthy outside political groups find a home in Minnesota
| work = MPR News
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/25/politics/wealthy-outside-political-groups-target-minnesota/
}}</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/12/americans-prosperity-slams-obama-suggesting-foreign-influence/</ref> AFP's stated mission is "educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing citizens as advocates in the public policy process".<ref name=about/> The group played a major role in the 2010 [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] takeover of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/us/cato-institute-and-koch-in-rift-over-independence.html "Cato Institute Is Caught in a Rift Over Its Direction," New York Times, March 6, 2012]</ref> and has been called "one of the most powerful conservative organizations in electoral politics".<ref>[http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/03/01/behind_the_cato_koch_kerfuffle.html "Behind the Cato-Koch Kerfuffle," Slate, March 1, 2012]</ref>

==Background==
Americans for Prosperity was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] 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> remained chairman of FreedomWorks, while [[David H. Koch]] remained chairman of the AFP Foundation. Like CSE, AFP was founded with the support of [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles Koch]], both 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101015060122/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all| archivedate= 15 October 2010 | deadurl= no}}</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>

===Mission===
Americans for Prosperity describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government. The organization focuses on eight issue areas: budget and spending; taxes; property rights; health care and entitlements; banking and financial services; labor, education, and pensions; energy and environment; and technology.<ref name=about>{{cite web|title=About Americans for Prosperity|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/about|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref>

According to AFP, their mission is to promote "limited government and free markets on the local, state, and federal levels", and to do so, they support:<ref name=about/>
* Cutting taxes and government spending in order to halt the encroachment of government in the economic lives of citizens by fighting proposed tax increases and pointing out evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse.
* Removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and opportunity by sparking citizen involvement early in the regulatory process in order to reduce red tape.
* Restoring fairness to the judicial system.

==Leadership and structure==
Like its predecessor, [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]], and other advocacy groups (for example, the [[National Taxpayers Union]]), Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity, a [[501(c)(4)]] organization established in 2004, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a [[501(c)(3)]] organization established in 1984.

On the national level, Americans for Prosperity is led by its president, [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]. From 2003-2007, AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]], the president of MediaSpeak Strategies. Other current executive staff include Chief Operating Officer Luke Hilgemann and Vice President of State Operations Teresa Oelke.<ref>{{cite web|title=Staff|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/staff/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref> [[James C. Miller]], James E. Stephenson, Frayda Levy, Richard Fink, and Nancy Pfotenhauer serve on the board of directors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Directors|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/directors/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref>

As of March 2012, Americans for Prosperity had 1.9 million members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/catching-up-with-tim-phillips-of-americans-for-prosperity.html |title=Tim Phillips, New York Times, March 3, 2012, accessed Mar 2012 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2012-03-18}}</ref> AFP had its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which oversees 35 state chapters.<ref name=about/>

==Funding==
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of these expenditures, $2.1 million went to national office operations and $2.9 million went to the state-based chapters. By 2010, AFP's and the AFP Foundation's combined budget was $40 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nonprofit Report for Americans for Prosperity Foundation|url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/52-1527294/americans-prosperity-foundation.aspx|work=[[GuideStar]]|publisher=GuideStar USA, Inc|accessdate=May 8, 2012}}</ref>

Based on the AFP Foundation's financial operations and programs, the independent nonprofit review organization, [[Charity Navigator]], gave it a three-star rating out of four stars overall - four stars for financial operations, and two for accountability and transparency - and 53.8 out of a possible 70 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110629022528/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511| archivedate= 29 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

According to AFP, 90,000 people across 50 states have donated to AFP or the AFP Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Browning|first=William|title=Americans for Prosperity by the Numbers|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-numbers-172200443.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[Yahoo! News]] Contributor Network|date=October 17, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

==Events==
Since 2007, the AFP Foundation has hosted the "Defending the American Dream Summit", which is now the second largest annual gathering of conservatives in Washington, DC (the first is the [[Conservative Political Action Conference]]). Topics have included government spending and taxation, health care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation. Presidential candidates who attended the inaugural event included [[Rudy Giuliani]], [[Mike Huckabee]], [[John McCain]], [[Ron Paul]], [[Sam Brownback]], [[Mitt Romney]], and [[Fred Thompson]]. 2,000 people attended the 2011 summit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title='Occupiers' Attack Defending the American Dream Summit|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.com/110911-occupiers-attack-defending-american-dream-summit|accessdate=May 8, 2012|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|date=November 8, 2011}}</ref>

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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110126005750/http://americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast| archivedate= 26 January 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> AFP created the "Cost of Hot Air Tour", a nationwide tour that included [[webcast]]s from the [[United Nations]] meetings [[2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference|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 [[2010 United Nations Climate Change Conference|COP16]] in Cancun in 2010.

In 2008, in the same city ([[Austin, Texas]]) and at the same time (July) as the liberal [[Netroots Nation]] conference, AFP hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers and activists that aimed to develop conservative social media strategies.<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><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> RightOnline has since become an annual event, with 1,500 attendees in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/conservative-fun-with-andrew-breitbart-et-al-at-right-online/240646/ |title=Conservative Fun with Andrew Breitbart et al. at Right Online - Tina Dupuy - Politics - The Atlantic}}</ref>

In 2011, in conjunction with [[Sarah Palin]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Schultz|first=Zac|title=Sarah Palin Travels To Madison|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Sarah_Palin_to_Visit_Madison_119856054.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[WMTV]]|date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> AFP helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic|Madison, Wisconsin]], where Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]'s budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. President Phillips said Walker's proposed cuts were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits".<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> After the budget reforms in [[Wisconsin]] passed, the AFP Foundation initiated an advertising and town-hall effort called "It's Working!" to promote them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/its-rally-season-in-wisconsin-c24gjov-142091613.html |title=Capitol rally to mark one year since Act 10 - JSOnline |publisher=JSOnline |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

Also in 2011, AFP sponsored the first debate among the Republican presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Candidates who participated included [[Mitt Romney]], [[Tim Pawlenty]], [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Rick Santorum]], and [[Herman Cain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/04/americans_for_p.html |title=Americans For Prosperity Dinner live blog - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com |publisher=Boston Globe |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

AFP announced plans to participate in a rally protesting the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] during the Supreme Court's oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the law.<ref name=ppacarallies>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/us/politics/white-house-works-to-shape-debate-over-health-law.html | title=White House Works to Shape Debate Over Health Law | first=Robert | last=Pear | date=March 9, 2012 | work=New York Times}}</ref>

==Programs==

===No Climate Tax Pledge===
In 2008, AFP circulated an anti-tax pledge to government officials at the federal, state, and local levels. A candidate who signs the "No Climate Tax Pledge" vows to "oppose any legislation relating to [[climate change]] that includes a net increase in state or local government revenue".<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]] and Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Jeff Flake]], and [[Fred Upton]]. Of the 12 Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2011, nine have signed the pledge.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/06/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206 Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power], Los Angeles Times, February 6, 2011</ref>

===Health Care===
In May 2009, AFP launched "Patients United Now", a project to, according to their website, oppose "a government takeover of the United States health care system".<ref>[http://patientsunitednow.com/?q=about Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], About | Patients United Now</ref>

Patients United Now ran television ads advancing this viewpoint. In one ad, a Canadian woman, [[Shona Holmes health care incident|Shona Holmes]], says she was not able to get timely treatment for brain tumor surgery and ultimately was treated in the U.S. Columnist [[David Lazarus]] of the ''Los Angeles Times'' responded that the Canadian government does not offer medical treatment but has a government-run insurance program.<ref name="Lazarus">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-fi-lazarus9-2009aug09,0,3572458.column |title=Healthcare debate framed by fear-mongering ads|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2009-08-09 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Amy Menefee, a spokeswoman for Patients United Now, stated that "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."

Also in 2009, AFP initiated the "Hands Off My Healthcare Tour", which sponsored 250<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title=President Obama's health care law is unraveling|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/29/president-obamas-health-care-law-is-unraveling/|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Caller]]|date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> rallies and collected signatures in an effort to raise awareness about free-market-based health care reforms.<ref>[http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/612300/group-protests-obama-s-push-for-health-care-reform/ Group protests Obama's push for health care reform], July 22, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.wect.com/story/10865825/americans-for-prosperity-protest-the-presidents-health-care-plan Americans for Prosperity protest the President's health care plan] August 7, 2009</ref>

===Net Neutrality===
AFP has been an active member of the [[Internet Freedom Coalition]].<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/story/conservative-group-takes-aim-at-net-neutrality-2011-03-09?mod=wsj_share_tweet</ref><ref>http://www.internetfreedomcoalition.com/?p=419</ref>

==Activities==
During the 2010 election cycle, AFP claims to have spent $40 million on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing. Of the six freshman Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2010, five benefitted from AFP ads and grassroots activity.<ref name='LATimes2011-02'>{{cite news | first = Tom | last = Hamburger | coauthors = Kathleen Hennessey, Neela Banerjee | title = Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power | date = 2011-02-06 | publisher = [[Tribune Company]] | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = 2011-02-06| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110217132904/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story| archivedate= 17 February 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

In June 2011, Americans for Prosperity placed a handful of fake [[Eviction|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>John Gallagher, [http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab Conservative group: Fake eviction notices were 'meant to startle people'] ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' Jun. 7, 2011</ref>

In August 2011, AFP "sent absentee voter applications instructing voters to return the paperwork two days late in at least two recall elections".<ref name=Opoien>{{cite web|url=http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=34266|title=Unofficial absentee ballot mailings raise voter intimidation issues in Wisconsin recall elections|first=Jessica|last=Opoien|accessdate=November 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Opoien/> 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 16".<ref>{{cite web|last=Sargent|first=Greg|title=Americans for Prosperity sent misleading absentee ballot far more widely than previously known|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/americans-for-prosperity-sent-misleading-absentee-ballot-far-more-widely-than-previously-known/2011/03/03/gIQAxhcywI_blog.html|work=Washington Post|accessdate=21 November 2011}}</ref>

In 2011, AFP said that it would review payments it had made to [[Mark Block]]'s Prosperity USA, which allegedly made improper payments to the [[Herman Cain presidential campaign, 2012]].<ref>Stone, Peter H. [http://www.iwatchnews.org/2011/11/03/7279/koch-related-group-reviewing-financial-transactions-cain-aides-charity "Koch-related group is reviewing financial transactions with Cain aide's charity."] ''iWatch News'', 3 November 2011.</ref><ref>Bice, Daniel. [http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/state-firms-cash-to-herman-cain-may-breach-federal-campaign-tax-laws-132898423.html "State firm's cash to Herman Cain may breach federal campaign, tax laws."] ''Journal Sentinel'', 30 October 2011.</ref><ref>Benjamin, Mark. [http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/01/the-other-cain-scandal-campaign-transactions-may-have-broken-federal-law/ "The Other Cain Scandal: Campaign Transactions May Have Broken Federal Law."] ''Time Magazine'', 1 November 2011.</ref> As a tax-exempt charity, Prosperity USA is prohibited from donating money or services to a political campaign.<ref>Eggen, Dan. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/herman-cain-campaigns-financial-ties-to-wisconsin-charity-questioned/2011/10/31/gIQAJ61gZM_story.html "Herman Cain campaign's financial ties to Wisconsin charity questioned."] ''Washington Post'', 31 October 2011.</ref> According to an internal review, the payments were proper since they occurred before Cain launched his campaign.<ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/americans-prosperity-our-reimbursements-herman-cain-were-legal_607897.html "Americans for Prosperity: Our Reimbursements to Herman Cain Were Legal," John McCormack, Weekly Standard, November 9, 2011]</ref>

===2012 presidential election===
From 2011-2012, in what the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' called "perhaps the biggest attack on Mr. Obama so far in the 2012 election campaign",<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref> AFP spent $8.4 million ($2.4 in 2011<ref>[http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/11/28/377053/koch-americans-for-prosperity-solyndra-attack-ad-video/ "Koch-Fueled Americans for Prosperity Spends $2.4 Million on Solyndra Attack Ad (VIDEO)"], Stephen Lacey, ThinkProgress, November 28, 2011)</ref> and $6 million in 2012<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ "Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref>) on television ads that criticized the federal loan to now-bankrupt manufacturer of solar panels, Solyndra.

In September 2012, the ''[[Washington Post]]'' called AFP "One of the major players on the right", reporting that AFP planned to spend $125 million on the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 United States presidential election]]. President Phillips said the organization has 116 staff members on the ground targeting 9 million voters who are undecided about how to assess Obama's economic record.<ref name=presidential>{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/conservative-groups-reaching-new-levels-of-sophistication-in-mobilizing-voters/2012/09/20/3c3cd8e8-026c-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_story.html| title= Conservative groups reaching new levels of sophistication in mobilizing voters | work=[[Washington Post]] | coauthors=Peter Wallsten, Tom Hamburger| date=September 20, 2012|accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>

==Criticism==
In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House argued that AFP and the AFP Foundation are a de facto political action group, thus violating 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> President Obama said: "Right now all around this country there are groups with harmless-sounding names like Americans for Prosperity, who are running millions of dollars of ads against Democratic candidates all across the country. And they don't have to say who exactly the Americans for Prosperity are. You don't know if it's a foreign-controlled corporation. You don't know if it's a big oil company, or a big bank."<ref name=thefix>{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/who-is-americans-for-prosperit.html | title=Who is "Americans for Prosperity"? | work=Washington Post | first=Felicia | last=Sonmez | date=August 26, 2010}}</ref> The administration later called AFP a "special-interest front group run by the oil billionaire Koch brothers," who it said are "obsessed with making Barack Obama a one-term president."<ref name=ppacarallies/> In response, Phillips called the idea that AFP is taking money from foreign sources "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 saw an increase in financial contributions, explaining 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/>

Also in August 2010, the [[Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]] (DCCC) filed a complaint against AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFP Foundation 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> On May 6, 2011, the Federal Election Commission dismissed the complaint.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly Digest: Week of May 2 - 4|url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2011/20110506_digest.shtml|publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=May 8, 2012|date=May 6, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

A May 2012 ad criticizing the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]] was rated by the nonpartisan fact checking organization [[PolitiFact.com]] as one of "the sneakiest" of the election cycle to that point. Claims from the ad were judged to be "Mostly False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded traffic lights in China|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-streetlights-c/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> "False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded jobs in Finland|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-jobs-finland/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> and "Pants on Fire",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded a solar company building a Mexico plant|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/02/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-solar-company-/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> the organization's lowest rating of truth. A separate analysis of the entire ad showed problems with the truth of every one of the ad's claims.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowers|first=Becky|title=Line by line: How an ad uses sleight-of-hand to distort facts on stimulus|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2012/may/04/line-line-sleight-hand-afp/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Political activities of the Koch brothers]]
* [[Tito the Builder]]<ref name="insidenova">{{cite news
|url=http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2011/apr/14/tito-builder-considering-state-politics-ar-973334/|date=April 14, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2011|title=Tito the Builder considering state politics|publisher=insidenova|first=Keith|last=Walker}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Americans for Prosperity}}
* [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php Americans for Prosperity]
* [http://www.americansforprosperityfoundation.com/ Americans for Prosperity Foundation]
* [http://www.politifact.com/personalities/americans-prosperity/ File] at [[PolitiFact]]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cmte=C30001051 Profile] at [[OpenSecrets.org]]

{{Koch family}}
{{Tea Party movement}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Americans For Prosperity}}
[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Think tanks based in the United States]]
[[Category:Political and economic think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations]]
[[Category:Koch family]]
[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]

Americans for Prosperity

2013-09-13T05:10:40Z

Polmandc: /* Activities */ s.

{{Infobox Organization
|name = Americans for Prosperity
|image_border = AFProsperity.png
|caption =
|membership =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|extinction =
|type = Non-profit political advocacy group
|status =
|purpose = AFP is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process.<ref name=about/>
|headquarters = [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|formation = 2004
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]
|leader_title2 = Executive Vice President
|leader_name2 = [[Tracy Henke]]
|website = [http://www.americansforprosperity.org www.americansforprosperity.org]}}

'''Americans for Prosperity''' ('''AFP''') is an [[American conservative]] [[political advocacy group]] headquartered in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Temple-West
| first = Patrick
| coauthors = Alina Selyukh
| title = IRS steps up scrutiny of tax-exempt political groups
| work = Reuters
| location = Washington
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| date = 2012-06-29
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/29/us-usa-campaign-irs-idUSBRE85S09420120629
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| title = Wealthy outside political groups find a home in Minnesota
| work = MPR News
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/25/politics/wealthy-outside-political-groups-target-minnesota/
}}</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/12/americans-prosperity-slams-obama-suggesting-foreign-influence/</ref> AFP's stated mission is "educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing citizens as advocates in the public policy process".<ref name=about/> The group played a major role in the 2010 [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] takeover of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/us/cato-institute-and-koch-in-rift-over-independence.html "Cato Institute Is Caught in a Rift Over Its Direction," New York Times, March 6, 2012]</ref> and has been called "one of the most powerful conservative organizations in electoral politics".<ref>[http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/03/01/behind_the_cato_koch_kerfuffle.html "Behind the Cato-Koch Kerfuffle," Slate, March 1, 2012]</ref>

==Background==
Americans for Prosperity was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] 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> remained chairman of FreedomWorks, while [[David H. Koch]] remained chairman of the AFP Foundation. Like CSE, AFP was founded with the support of [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles Koch]], both 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101015060122/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all| archivedate= 15 October 2010 | deadurl= no}}</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>

===Mission===
Americans for Prosperity describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government. The organization focuses on eight issue areas: budget and spending; taxes; property rights; health care and entitlements; banking and financial services; labor, education, and pensions; energy and environment; and technology.<ref name=about>{{cite web|title=About Americans for Prosperity|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/about|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref>

According to AFP, their mission is to promote "limited government and free markets on the local, state, and federal levels", and to do so, they support:<ref name=about/>
* Cutting taxes and government spending in order to halt the encroachment of government in the economic lives of citizens by fighting proposed tax increases and pointing out evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse.
* Removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and opportunity by sparking citizen involvement early in the regulatory process in order to reduce red tape.
* Restoring fairness to the judicial system.

==Leadership and structure==
Like its predecessor, [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]], and other advocacy groups (for example, the [[National Taxpayers Union]]), Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity, a [[501(c)(4)]] organization established in 2004, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a [[501(c)(3)]] organization established in 1984.

On the national level, Americans for Prosperity is led by its president, [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]. From 2003-2007, AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]], the president of MediaSpeak Strategies. Other current executive staff include Chief Operating Officer Luke Hilgemann and Vice President of State Operations Teresa Oelke.<ref>{{cite web|title=Staff|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/staff/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref> [[James C. Miller]], James E. Stephenson, Frayda Levy, Richard Fink, and Nancy Pfotenhauer serve on the board of directors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Directors|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/directors/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref>

As of March 2012, Americans for Prosperity had 1.9 million members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/catching-up-with-tim-phillips-of-americans-for-prosperity.html |title=Tim Phillips, New York Times, March 3, 2012, accessed Mar 2012 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2012-03-18}}</ref> AFP had its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which oversees 35 state chapters.<ref name=about/>

==Funding==
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of these expenditures, $2.1 million went to national office operations and $2.9 million went to the state-based chapters. By 2010, AFP's and the AFP Foundation's combined budget was $40 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nonprofit Report for Americans for Prosperity Foundation|url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/52-1527294/americans-prosperity-foundation.aspx|work=[[GuideStar]]|publisher=GuideStar USA, Inc|accessdate=May 8, 2012}}</ref>

Based on the AFP Foundation's financial operations and programs, the independent nonprofit review organization, [[Charity Navigator]], gave it a three-star rating out of four stars overall - four stars for financial operations, and two for accountability and transparency - and 53.8 out of a possible 70 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110629022528/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511| archivedate= 29 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

According to AFP, 90,000 people across 50 states have donated to AFP or the AFP Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Browning|first=William|title=Americans for Prosperity by the Numbers|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-numbers-172200443.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[Yahoo! News]] Contributor Network|date=October 17, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

==Events==
Since 2007, the AFP Foundation has hosted the "Defending the American Dream Summit", which is now the second largest annual gathering of conservatives in Washington, DC (the first is the [[Conservative Political Action Conference]]). Topics have included government spending and taxation, health care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation. Presidential candidates who attended the inaugural event included [[Rudy Giuliani]], [[Mike Huckabee]], [[John McCain]], [[Ron Paul]], [[Sam Brownback]], [[Mitt Romney]], and [[Fred Thompson]]. 2,000 people attended the 2011 summit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title='Occupiers' Attack Defending the American Dream Summit|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.com/110911-occupiers-attack-defending-american-dream-summit|accessdate=May 8, 2012|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|date=November 8, 2011}}</ref>

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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110126005750/http://americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast| archivedate= 26 January 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> AFP created the "Cost of Hot Air Tour", a nationwide tour that included [[webcast]]s from the [[United Nations]] meetings [[2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference|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 [[2010 United Nations Climate Change Conference|COP16]] in Cancun in 2010.

In 2008, in the same city ([[Austin, Texas]]) and at the same time (July) as the liberal [[Netroots Nation]] conference, AFP hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers and activists that aimed to develop conservative social media strategies.<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><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> RightOnline has since become an annual event, with 1,500 attendees in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/conservative-fun-with-andrew-breitbart-et-al-at-right-online/240646/ |title=Conservative Fun with Andrew Breitbart et al. at Right Online - Tina Dupuy - Politics - The Atlantic}}</ref>

In 2011, in conjunction with [[Sarah Palin]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Schultz|first=Zac|title=Sarah Palin Travels To Madison|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Sarah_Palin_to_Visit_Madison_119856054.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[WMTV]]|date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> AFP helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic|Madison, Wisconsin]], where Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]'s budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. President Phillips said Walker's proposed cuts were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits".<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> After the budget reforms in [[Wisconsin]] passed, the AFP Foundation initiated an advertising and town-hall effort called "It's Working!" to promote them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/its-rally-season-in-wisconsin-c24gjov-142091613.html |title=Capitol rally to mark one year since Act 10 - JSOnline |publisher=JSOnline |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

Also in 2011, AFP sponsored the first debate among the Republican presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Candidates who participated included [[Mitt Romney]], [[Tim Pawlenty]], [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Rick Santorum]], and [[Herman Cain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/04/americans_for_p.html |title=Americans For Prosperity Dinner live blog - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com |publisher=Boston Globe |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

AFP announced plans to participate in a rally protesting the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] during the Supreme Court's oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the law.<ref name=ppacarallies>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/us/politics/white-house-works-to-shape-debate-over-health-law.html | title=White House Works to Shape Debate Over Health Law | first=Robert | last=Pear | date=March 9, 2012 | work=New York Times}}</ref>

==Programs==

===No Climate Tax Pledge===
In 2008, AFP circulated an anti-tax pledge to government officials at the federal, state, and local levels. A candidate who signs the "No Climate Tax Pledge" vows to "oppose any legislation relating to [[climate change]] that includes a net increase in state or local government revenue".<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]] and Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Jeff Flake]], and [[Fred Upton]]. Of the 12 Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2011, nine have signed the pledge.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/06/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206 Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power], Los Angeles Times, February 6, 2011</ref>

===Health Care===
In May 2009, AFP launched "Patients United Now", a project to, according to their website, oppose "a government takeover of the United States health care system".<ref>[http://patientsunitednow.com/?q=about Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], About | Patients United Now</ref>

Patients United Now ran television ads advancing this viewpoint. In one ad, a Canadian woman, [[Shona Holmes health care incident|Shona Holmes]], says she was not able to get timely treatment for brain tumor surgery and ultimately was treated in the U.S. Columnist [[David Lazarus]] of the ''Los Angeles Times'' responded that the Canadian government does not offer medical treatment but has a government-run insurance program.<ref name="Lazarus">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-fi-lazarus9-2009aug09,0,3572458.column |title=Healthcare debate framed by fear-mongering ads|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2009-08-09 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Amy Menefee, a spokeswoman for Patients United Now, stated that "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."

Also in 2009, AFP initiated the "Hands Off My Healthcare Tour", which sponsored 250<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title=President Obama's health care law is unraveling|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/29/president-obamas-health-care-law-is-unraveling/|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Caller]]|date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> rallies and collected signatures in an effort to raise awareness about free-market-based health care reforms.<ref>[http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/612300/group-protests-obama-s-push-for-health-care-reform/ Group protests Obama's push for health care reform], July 22, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.wect.com/story/10865825/americans-for-prosperity-protest-the-presidents-health-care-plan Americans for Prosperity protest the President's health care plan] August 7, 2009</ref>

===Net Neutrality===
AFP has been an active member of the [[Internet Freedom Coalition]].<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/story/conservative-group-takes-aim-at-net-neutrality-2011-03-09?mod=wsj_share_tweet</ref><ref>http://www.internetfreedomcoalition.com/?p=419</ref>

==Activities==
During the 2010 election cycle, AFP claims to have spent $40 million on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing. Of the six freshman Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2010, five benefitted from AFP ads and grassroots activity.<ref name='LATimes2011-02'>{{cite news | first = Tom | last = Hamburger | coauthors = Kathleen Hennessey, Neela Banerjee | title = Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power | date = 2011-02-06 | publisher = [[Tribune Company]] | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = 2011-02-06| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110217132904/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story| archivedate= 17 February 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

In June 2011, Americans for Prosperity placed a handful of fake [[Eviction|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>John Gallagher, [http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab Conservative group: Fake eviction notices were 'meant to startle people'] ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' Jun. 7, 2011</ref>

In August 2011, AFP "sent absentee voter applications instructing voters to return the paperwork two days late in at least two recall elections".<ref name=Opoien>{{cite web|url=http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=34266|title=Unofficial absentee ballot mailings raise voter intimidation issues in Wisconsin recall elections|first=Jessica|last=Opoien|accessdate=November 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Opoien/> 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 16".<ref>{{cite web|last=Sargent|first=Greg|title=Americans for Prosperity sent misleading absentee ballot far more widely than previously known|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/americans-for-prosperity-sent-misleading-absentee-ballot-far-more-widely-than-previously-known/2011/03/03/gIQAxhcywI_blog.html|work=Washington Post|accessdate=21 November 2011}}</ref>

In 2011, AFP said that it would review payments it had made to [[Mark Block]]'s Prosperity USA, which allegedly made improper payments to the [[Herman Cain presidential campaign, 2012]].<ref>Stone, Peter H. [http://www.iwatchnews.org/2011/11/03/7279/koch-related-group-reviewing-financial-transactions-cain-aides-charity "Koch-related group is reviewing financial transactions with Cain aide's charity."] ''iWatch News'', 3 November 2011.</ref><ref>Bice, Daniel. [http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/state-firms-cash-to-herman-cain-may-breach-federal-campaign-tax-laws-132898423.html "State firm's cash to Herman Cain may breach federal campaign, tax laws."] ''Journal Sentinel'', 30 October 2011.</ref><ref>Benjamin, Mark. [http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/01/the-other-cain-scandal-campaign-transactions-may-have-broken-federal-law/ "The Other Cain Scandal: Campaign Transactions May Have Broken Federal Law."] ''Time Magazine'', 1 November 2011.</ref> As a tax-exempt charity, Prosperity USA is prohibited from donating money or services to a political campaign.<ref>Eggen, Dan. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/herman-cain-campaigns-financial-ties-to-wisconsin-charity-questioned/2011/10/31/gIQAJ61gZM_story.html "Herman Cain campaign's financial ties to Wisconsin charity questioned."] ''Washington Post'', 31 October 2011.</ref> According to an internal review, the payments were proper since they occurred before Cain launched his campaign.<ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/americans-prosperity-our-reimbursements-herman-cain-were-legal_607897.html "Americans for Prosperity: Our Reimbursements to Herman Cain Were Legal," John McCormack, Weekly Standard, November 9, 2011]</ref>

===2012 presidential election===
From 2011-2012, in what the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' called "perhaps the biggest attack on Mr. Obama so far in the 2012 election campaign,"<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref> AFP spent $8.4 million ($2.4 in 2011<ref>[http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/11/28/377053/koch-americans-for-prosperity-solyndra-attack-ad-video/ "Koch-Fueled Americans for Prosperity Spends $2.4 Million on Solyndra Attack Ad (VIDEO)"], Stephen Lacey, ThinkProgress, November 28, 2011)</ref> and $6 million in 2012<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ "Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref>) on television ads that criticized the federal loan to now-bankrupt manufacturer of solar panels, Solyndra.

In September 2012, the ''[[Washington Post]]'' called AFP "One of the major players on the right", reporting that AFP planned to spend $125 million on the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 United States presidential election]]. President Phillips said the organization has 116 staff members on the ground targeting 9 million voters who are undecided about how to assess Obama's economic record.<ref name=presidential>{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/conservative-groups-reaching-new-levels-of-sophistication-in-mobilizing-voters/2012/09/20/3c3cd8e8-026c-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_story.html| title= Conservative groups reaching new levels of sophistication in mobilizing voters | work=[[Washington Post]] | coauthors=Peter Wallsten, Tom Hamburger| date=September 20, 2012|accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>

==Criticism==
In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House argued that AFP and the AFP Foundation are a de facto political action group, thus violating 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> President Obama said: "Right now all around this country there are groups with harmless-sounding names like Americans for Prosperity, who are running millions of dollars of ads against Democratic candidates all across the country. And they don't have to say who exactly the Americans for Prosperity are. You don't know if it's a foreign-controlled corporation. You don't know if it's a big oil company, or a big bank."<ref name=thefix>{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/who-is-americans-for-prosperit.html | title=Who is "Americans for Prosperity"? | work=Washington Post | first=Felicia | last=Sonmez | date=August 26, 2010}}</ref> The administration later called AFP a "special-interest front group run by the oil billionaire Koch brothers," who it said are "obsessed with making Barack Obama a one-term president."<ref name=ppacarallies/> In response, Phillips called the idea that AFP is taking money from foreign sources "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 saw an increase in financial contributions, explaining 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/>

Also in August 2010, the [[Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]] (DCCC) filed a complaint against AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFP Foundation 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> On May 6, 2011, the Federal Election Commission dismissed the complaint.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly Digest: Week of May 2 - 4|url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2011/20110506_digest.shtml|publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=May 8, 2012|date=May 6, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

A May 2012 ad criticizing the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]] was rated by the nonpartisan fact checking organization [[PolitiFact.com]] as one of "the sneakiest" of the election cycle to that point. Claims from the ad were judged to be "Mostly False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded traffic lights in China|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-streetlights-c/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> "False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded jobs in Finland|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-jobs-finland/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> and "Pants on Fire",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded a solar company building a Mexico plant|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/02/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-solar-company-/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> the organization's lowest rating of truth. A separate analysis of the entire ad showed problems with the truth of every one of the ad's claims.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowers|first=Becky|title=Line by line: How an ad uses sleight-of-hand to distort facts on stimulus|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2012/may/04/line-line-sleight-hand-afp/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Political activities of the Koch brothers]]
* [[Tito the Builder]]<ref name="insidenova">{{cite news
|url=http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2011/apr/14/tito-builder-considering-state-politics-ar-973334/|date=April 14, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2011|title=Tito the Builder considering state politics|publisher=insidenova|first=Keith|last=Walker}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Americans for Prosperity}}
* [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php Americans for Prosperity]
* [http://www.americansforprosperityfoundation.com/ Americans for Prosperity Foundation]
* [http://www.politifact.com/personalities/americans-prosperity/ File] at [[PolitiFact]]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cmte=C30001051 Profile] at [[OpenSecrets.org]]

{{Koch family}}
{{Tea Party movement}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Americans For Prosperity}}
[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Think tanks based in the United States]]
[[Category:Political and economic think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations]]
[[Category:Koch family]]
[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]

Americans for Prosperity

2013-09-13T05:09:27Z

Polmandc: /* Activities */ + link, s

{{Infobox Organization
|name = Americans for Prosperity
|image_border = AFProsperity.png
|caption =
|membership =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|extinction =
|type = Non-profit political advocacy group
|status =
|purpose = AFP is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process.<ref name=about/>
|headquarters = [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|formation = 2004
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]
|leader_title2 = Executive Vice President
|leader_name2 = [[Tracy Henke]]
|website = [http://www.americansforprosperity.org www.americansforprosperity.org]}}

'''Americans for Prosperity''' ('''AFP''') is an [[American conservative]] [[political advocacy group]] headquartered in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Temple-West
| first = Patrick
| coauthors = Alina Selyukh
| title = IRS steps up scrutiny of tax-exempt political groups
| work = Reuters
| location = Washington
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| date = 2012-06-29
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/29/us-usa-campaign-irs-idUSBRE85S09420120629
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| title = Wealthy outside political groups find a home in Minnesota
| work = MPR News
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/25/politics/wealthy-outside-political-groups-target-minnesota/
}}</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/12/americans-prosperity-slams-obama-suggesting-foreign-influence/</ref> AFP's stated mission is "educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing citizens as advocates in the public policy process".<ref name=about/> The group played a major role in the 2010 [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] takeover of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/us/cato-institute-and-koch-in-rift-over-independence.html "Cato Institute Is Caught in a Rift Over Its Direction," New York Times, March 6, 2012]</ref> and has been called "one of the most powerful conservative organizations in electoral politics".<ref>[http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/03/01/behind_the_cato_koch_kerfuffle.html "Behind the Cato-Koch Kerfuffle," Slate, March 1, 2012]</ref>

==Background==
Americans for Prosperity was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] 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> remained chairman of FreedomWorks, while [[David H. Koch]] remained chairman of the AFP Foundation. Like CSE, AFP was founded with the support of [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles Koch]], both 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101015060122/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all| archivedate= 15 October 2010 | deadurl= no}}</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>

===Mission===
Americans for Prosperity describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government. The organization focuses on eight issue areas: budget and spending; taxes; property rights; health care and entitlements; banking and financial services; labor, education, and pensions; energy and environment; and technology.<ref name=about>{{cite web|title=About Americans for Prosperity|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/about|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref>

According to AFP, their mission is to promote "limited government and free markets on the local, state, and federal levels", and to do so, they support:<ref name=about/>
* Cutting taxes and government spending in order to halt the encroachment of government in the economic lives of citizens by fighting proposed tax increases and pointing out evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse.
* Removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and opportunity by sparking citizen involvement early in the regulatory process in order to reduce red tape.
* Restoring fairness to the judicial system.

==Leadership and structure==
Like its predecessor, [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]], and other advocacy groups (for example, the [[National Taxpayers Union]]), Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity, a [[501(c)(4)]] organization established in 2004, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a [[501(c)(3)]] organization established in 1984.

On the national level, Americans for Prosperity is led by its president, [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]. From 2003-2007, AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]], the president of MediaSpeak Strategies. Other current executive staff include Chief Operating Officer Luke Hilgemann and Vice President of State Operations Teresa Oelke.<ref>{{cite web|title=Staff|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/staff/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref> [[James C. Miller]], James E. Stephenson, Frayda Levy, Richard Fink, and Nancy Pfotenhauer serve on the board of directors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Directors|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/directors/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref>

As of March 2012, Americans for Prosperity had 1.9 million members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/catching-up-with-tim-phillips-of-americans-for-prosperity.html |title=Tim Phillips, New York Times, March 3, 2012, accessed Mar 2012 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2012-03-18}}</ref> AFP had its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which oversees 35 state chapters.<ref name=about/>

==Funding==
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of these expenditures, $2.1 million went to national office operations and $2.9 million went to the state-based chapters. By 2010, AFP's and the AFP Foundation's combined budget was $40 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nonprofit Report for Americans for Prosperity Foundation|url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/52-1527294/americans-prosperity-foundation.aspx|work=[[GuideStar]]|publisher=GuideStar USA, Inc|accessdate=May 8, 2012}}</ref>

Based on the AFP Foundation's financial operations and programs, the independent nonprofit review organization, [[Charity Navigator]], gave it a three-star rating out of four stars overall - four stars for financial operations, and two for accountability and transparency - and 53.8 out of a possible 70 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110629022528/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511| archivedate= 29 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

According to AFP, 90,000 people across 50 states have donated to AFP or the AFP Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Browning|first=William|title=Americans for Prosperity by the Numbers|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-numbers-172200443.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[Yahoo! News]] Contributor Network|date=October 17, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

==Events==
Since 2007, the AFP Foundation has hosted the "Defending the American Dream Summit", which is now the second largest annual gathering of conservatives in Washington, DC (the first is the [[Conservative Political Action Conference]]). Topics have included government spending and taxation, health care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation. Presidential candidates who attended the inaugural event included [[Rudy Giuliani]], [[Mike Huckabee]], [[John McCain]], [[Ron Paul]], [[Sam Brownback]], [[Mitt Romney]], and [[Fred Thompson]]. 2,000 people attended the 2011 summit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title='Occupiers' Attack Defending the American Dream Summit|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.com/110911-occupiers-attack-defending-american-dream-summit|accessdate=May 8, 2012|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|date=November 8, 2011}}</ref>

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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110126005750/http://americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast| archivedate= 26 January 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> AFP created the "Cost of Hot Air Tour", a nationwide tour that included [[webcast]]s from the [[United Nations]] meetings [[2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference|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 [[2010 United Nations Climate Change Conference|COP16]] in Cancun in 2010.

In 2008, in the same city ([[Austin, Texas]]) and at the same time (July) as the liberal [[Netroots Nation]] conference, AFP hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers and activists that aimed to develop conservative social media strategies.<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><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> RightOnline has since become an annual event, with 1,500 attendees in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/conservative-fun-with-andrew-breitbart-et-al-at-right-online/240646/ |title=Conservative Fun with Andrew Breitbart et al. at Right Online - Tina Dupuy - Politics - The Atlantic}}</ref>

In 2011, in conjunction with [[Sarah Palin]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Schultz|first=Zac|title=Sarah Palin Travels To Madison|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Sarah_Palin_to_Visit_Madison_119856054.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[WMTV]]|date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> AFP helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic|Madison, Wisconsin]], where Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]'s budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. President Phillips said Walker's proposed cuts were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits".<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> After the budget reforms in [[Wisconsin]] passed, the AFP Foundation initiated an advertising and town-hall effort called "It's Working!" to promote them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/its-rally-season-in-wisconsin-c24gjov-142091613.html |title=Capitol rally to mark one year since Act 10 - JSOnline |publisher=JSOnline |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

Also in 2011, AFP sponsored the first debate among the Republican presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Candidates who participated included [[Mitt Romney]], [[Tim Pawlenty]], [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Rick Santorum]], and [[Herman Cain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/04/americans_for_p.html |title=Americans For Prosperity Dinner live blog - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com |publisher=Boston Globe |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

AFP announced plans to participate in a rally protesting the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] during the Supreme Court's oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the law.<ref name=ppacarallies>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/us/politics/white-house-works-to-shape-debate-over-health-law.html | title=White House Works to Shape Debate Over Health Law | first=Robert | last=Pear | date=March 9, 2012 | work=New York Times}}</ref>

==Programs==

===No Climate Tax Pledge===
In 2008, AFP circulated an anti-tax pledge to government officials at the federal, state, and local levels. A candidate who signs the "No Climate Tax Pledge" vows to "oppose any legislation relating to [[climate change]] that includes a net increase in state or local government revenue".<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]] and Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Jeff Flake]], and [[Fred Upton]]. Of the 12 Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2011, nine have signed the pledge.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/06/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206 Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power], Los Angeles Times, February 6, 2011</ref>

===Health Care===
In May 2009, AFP launched "Patients United Now", a project to, according to their website, oppose "a government takeover of the United States health care system".<ref>[http://patientsunitednow.com/?q=about Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], About | Patients United Now</ref>

Patients United Now ran television ads advancing this viewpoint. In one ad, a Canadian woman, [[Shona Holmes health care incident|Shona Holmes]], says she was not able to get timely treatment for brain tumor surgery and ultimately was treated in the U.S. Columnist [[David Lazarus]] of the ''Los Angeles Times'' responded that the Canadian government does not offer medical treatment but has a government-run insurance program.<ref name="Lazarus">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-fi-lazarus9-2009aug09,0,3572458.column |title=Healthcare debate framed by fear-mongering ads|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2009-08-09 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Amy Menefee, a spokeswoman for Patients United Now, stated that "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."

Also in 2009, AFP initiated the "Hands Off My Healthcare Tour", which sponsored 250<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title=President Obama's health care law is unraveling|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/29/president-obamas-health-care-law-is-unraveling/|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Caller]]|date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> rallies and collected signatures in an effort to raise awareness about free-market-based health care reforms.<ref>[http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/612300/group-protests-obama-s-push-for-health-care-reform/ Group protests Obama's push for health care reform], July 22, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.wect.com/story/10865825/americans-for-prosperity-protest-the-presidents-health-care-plan Americans for Prosperity protest the President's health care plan] August 7, 2009</ref>

===Net Neutrality===
AFP has been an active member of the [[Internet Freedom Coalition]].<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/story/conservative-group-takes-aim-at-net-neutrality-2011-03-09?mod=wsj_share_tweet</ref><ref>http://www.internetfreedomcoalition.com/?p=419</ref>

==Activities==
During the 2010 election cycle, AFP claims to have spent $40 million on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing. Of the six freshman Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2010, five benefitted from AFP ads and grassroots activity.<ref name='LATimes2011-02'>{{cite news | first = Tom | last = Hamburger | coauthors = Kathleen Hennessey, Neela Banerjee | title = Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power | date = 2011-02-06 | publisher = [[Tribune Company]] | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = 2011-02-06| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110217132904/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story| archivedate= 17 February 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

In June 2011, Americans for Prosperity placed a handful of fake [[Eviction|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>John Gallagher, [http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab Conservative group: Fake eviction notices were 'meant to startle people'] ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' Jun. 7, 2011</ref>

In August 2011, AFP "sent absentee voter applications instructing voters to return the paperwork two days late in at least two recall elections."<ref name=Opoien>{{cite web|url=http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=34266|title=Unofficial absentee ballot mailings raise voter intimidation issues in Wisconsin recall elections|first=Jessica|last=Opoien|accessdate=November 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Opoien/> 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 16."<ref>{{cite web|last=Sargent|first=Greg|title=Americans for Prosperity sent misleading absentee ballot far more widely than previously known|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/americans-for-prosperity-sent-misleading-absentee-ballot-far-more-widely-than-previously-known/2011/03/03/gIQAxhcywI_blog.html|work=Washington Post|accessdate=21 November 2011}}</ref>

In 2011, AFP said that it would review payments it had made to [[Mark Block]]'s Prosperity USA, which allegedly made improper payments to the [[Herman Cain presidential campaign, 2012]].<ref>Stone, Peter H. [http://www.iwatchnews.org/2011/11/03/7279/koch-related-group-reviewing-financial-transactions-cain-aides-charity "Koch-related group is reviewing financial transactions with Cain aide's charity."] ''iWatch News'', 3 November 2011.</ref><ref>Bice, Daniel. [http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/state-firms-cash-to-herman-cain-may-breach-federal-campaign-tax-laws-132898423.html "State firm's cash to Herman Cain may breach federal campaign, tax laws."] ''Journal Sentinel'', 30 October 2011.</ref><ref>Benjamin, Mark. [http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/01/the-other-cain-scandal-campaign-transactions-may-have-broken-federal-law/ "The Other Cain Scandal: Campaign Transactions May Have Broken Federal Law."] ''Time Magazine'', 1 November 2011.</ref> As a tax-exempt charity, Prosperity USA is prohibited from donating money or services to a political campaign.<ref>Eggen, Dan. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/herman-cain-campaigns-financial-ties-to-wisconsin-charity-questioned/2011/10/31/gIQAJ61gZM_story.html "Herman Cain campaign's financial ties to Wisconsin charity questioned."] ''Washington Post'', 31 October 2011.</ref> According to an internal review, the payments were proper since they occurred before Cain launched his campaign.<ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/americans-prosperity-our-reimbursements-herman-cain-were-legal_607897.html "Americans for Prosperity: Our Reimbursements to Herman Cain Were Legal," John McCormack, Weekly Standard, November 9, 2011]</ref>

===2012 presidential election===
From 2011-2012, in what the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' called "perhaps the biggest attack on Mr. Obama so far in the 2012 election campaign,"<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref> AFP spent $8.4 million ($2.4 in 2011<ref>[http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/11/28/377053/koch-americans-for-prosperity-solyndra-attack-ad-video/ "Koch-Fueled Americans for Prosperity Spends $2.4 Million on Solyndra Attack Ad (VIDEO)"], Stephen Lacey, ThinkProgress, November 28, 2011)</ref> and $6 million in 2012<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ "Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref>) on television ads that criticized the federal loan to now-bankrupt manufacturer of solar panels, Solyndra.

In September 2012, the ''[[Washington Post]]'' called AFP "One of the major players on the right", reporting that AFP planned to spend $125 million on the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 United States presidential election]]. President Phillips said the organization has 116 staff members on the ground targeting 9 million voters who are undecided about how to assess Obama's economic record.<ref name=presidential>{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/conservative-groups-reaching-new-levels-of-sophistication-in-mobilizing-voters/2012/09/20/3c3cd8e8-026c-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_story.html| title= Conservative groups reaching new levels of sophistication in mobilizing voters | work=[[Washington Post]] | coauthors=Peter Wallsten, Tom Hamburger| date=September 20, 2012|accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>

==Criticism==
In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House argued that AFP and the AFP Foundation are a de facto political action group, thus violating 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> President Obama said: "Right now all around this country there are groups with harmless-sounding names like Americans for Prosperity, who are running millions of dollars of ads against Democratic candidates all across the country. And they don't have to say who exactly the Americans for Prosperity are. You don't know if it's a foreign-controlled corporation. You don't know if it's a big oil company, or a big bank."<ref name=thefix>{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/who-is-americans-for-prosperit.html | title=Who is "Americans for Prosperity"? | work=Washington Post | first=Felicia | last=Sonmez | date=August 26, 2010}}</ref> The administration later called AFP a "special-interest front group run by the oil billionaire Koch brothers," who it said are "obsessed with making Barack Obama a one-term president."<ref name=ppacarallies/> In response, Phillips called the idea that AFP is taking money from foreign sources "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 saw an increase in financial contributions, explaining 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/>

Also in August 2010, the [[Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]] (DCCC) filed a complaint against AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFP Foundation 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> On May 6, 2011, the Federal Election Commission dismissed the complaint.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly Digest: Week of May 2 - 4|url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2011/20110506_digest.shtml|publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=May 8, 2012|date=May 6, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

A May 2012 ad criticizing the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]] was rated by the nonpartisan fact checking organization [[PolitiFact.com]] as one of "the sneakiest" of the election cycle to that point. Claims from the ad were judged to be "Mostly False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded traffic lights in China|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-streetlights-c/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> "False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded jobs in Finland|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-jobs-finland/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> and "Pants on Fire",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded a solar company building a Mexico plant|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/02/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-solar-company-/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> the organization's lowest rating of truth. A separate analysis of the entire ad showed problems with the truth of every one of the ad's claims.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowers|first=Becky|title=Line by line: How an ad uses sleight-of-hand to distort facts on stimulus|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2012/may/04/line-line-sleight-hand-afp/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Political activities of the Koch brothers]]
* [[Tito the Builder]]<ref name="insidenova">{{cite news
|url=http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2011/apr/14/tito-builder-considering-state-politics-ar-973334/|date=April 14, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2011|title=Tito the Builder considering state politics|publisher=insidenova|first=Keith|last=Walker}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Americans for Prosperity}}
* [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php Americans for Prosperity]
* [http://www.americansforprosperityfoundation.com/ Americans for Prosperity Foundation]
* [http://www.politifact.com/personalities/americans-prosperity/ File] at [[PolitiFact]]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cmte=C30001051 Profile] at [[OpenSecrets.org]]

{{Koch family}}
{{Tea Party movement}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Americans For Prosperity}}
[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Think tanks based in the United States]]
[[Category:Political and economic think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations]]
[[Category:Koch family]]
[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]

Americans for Prosperity

2013-09-13T05:04:18Z

Polmandc: /* Health Care */ quotation marks

{{Infobox Organization
|name = Americans for Prosperity
|image_border = AFProsperity.png
|caption =
|membership =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|extinction =
|type = Non-profit political advocacy group
|status =
|purpose = AFP is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process.<ref name=about/>
|headquarters = [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|formation = 2004
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]
|leader_title2 = Executive Vice President
|leader_name2 = [[Tracy Henke]]
|website = [http://www.americansforprosperity.org www.americansforprosperity.org]}}

'''Americans for Prosperity''' ('''AFP''') is an [[American conservative]] [[political advocacy group]] headquartered in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Temple-West
| first = Patrick
| coauthors = Alina Selyukh
| title = IRS steps up scrutiny of tax-exempt political groups
| work = Reuters
| location = Washington
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| date = 2012-06-29
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/29/us-usa-campaign-irs-idUSBRE85S09420120629
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| title = Wealthy outside political groups find a home in Minnesota
| work = MPR News
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/25/politics/wealthy-outside-political-groups-target-minnesota/
}}</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/12/americans-prosperity-slams-obama-suggesting-foreign-influence/</ref> AFP's stated mission is "educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing citizens as advocates in the public policy process".<ref name=about/> The group played a major role in the 2010 [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] takeover of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/us/cato-institute-and-koch-in-rift-over-independence.html "Cato Institute Is Caught in a Rift Over Its Direction," New York Times, March 6, 2012]</ref> and has been called "one of the most powerful conservative organizations in electoral politics".<ref>[http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/03/01/behind_the_cato_koch_kerfuffle.html "Behind the Cato-Koch Kerfuffle," Slate, March 1, 2012]</ref>

==Background==
Americans for Prosperity was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] 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> remained chairman of FreedomWorks, while [[David H. Koch]] remained chairman of the AFP Foundation. Like CSE, AFP was founded with the support of [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles Koch]], both 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101015060122/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all| archivedate= 15 October 2010 | deadurl= no}}</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>

===Mission===
Americans for Prosperity describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government. The organization focuses on eight issue areas: budget and spending; taxes; property rights; health care and entitlements; banking and financial services; labor, education, and pensions; energy and environment; and technology.<ref name=about>{{cite web|title=About Americans for Prosperity|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/about|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref>

According to AFP, their mission is to promote "limited government and free markets on the local, state, and federal levels", and to do so, they support:<ref name=about/>
* Cutting taxes and government spending in order to halt the encroachment of government in the economic lives of citizens by fighting proposed tax increases and pointing out evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse.
* Removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and opportunity by sparking citizen involvement early in the regulatory process in order to reduce red tape.
* Restoring fairness to the judicial system.

==Leadership and structure==
Like its predecessor, [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]], and other advocacy groups (for example, the [[National Taxpayers Union]]), Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity, a [[501(c)(4)]] organization established in 2004, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a [[501(c)(3)]] organization established in 1984.

On the national level, Americans for Prosperity is led by its president, [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]. From 2003-2007, AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]], the president of MediaSpeak Strategies. Other current executive staff include Chief Operating Officer Luke Hilgemann and Vice President of State Operations Teresa Oelke.<ref>{{cite web|title=Staff|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/staff/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref> [[James C. Miller]], James E. Stephenson, Frayda Levy, Richard Fink, and Nancy Pfotenhauer serve on the board of directors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Directors|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/directors/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref>

As of March 2012, Americans for Prosperity had 1.9 million members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/catching-up-with-tim-phillips-of-americans-for-prosperity.html |title=Tim Phillips, New York Times, March 3, 2012, accessed Mar 2012 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2012-03-18}}</ref> AFP had its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which oversees 35 state chapters.<ref name=about/>

==Funding==
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of these expenditures, $2.1 million went to national office operations and $2.9 million went to the state-based chapters. By 2010, AFP's and the AFP Foundation's combined budget was $40 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nonprofit Report for Americans for Prosperity Foundation|url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/52-1527294/americans-prosperity-foundation.aspx|work=[[GuideStar]]|publisher=GuideStar USA, Inc|accessdate=May 8, 2012}}</ref>

Based on the AFP Foundation's financial operations and programs, the independent nonprofit review organization, [[Charity Navigator]], gave it a three-star rating out of four stars overall - four stars for financial operations, and two for accountability and transparency - and 53.8 out of a possible 70 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110629022528/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511| archivedate= 29 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

According to AFP, 90,000 people across 50 states have donated to AFP or the AFP Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Browning|first=William|title=Americans for Prosperity by the Numbers|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-numbers-172200443.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[Yahoo! News]] Contributor Network|date=October 17, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

==Events==
Since 2007, the AFP Foundation has hosted the "Defending the American Dream Summit", which is now the second largest annual gathering of conservatives in Washington, DC (the first is the [[Conservative Political Action Conference]]). Topics have included government spending and taxation, health care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation. Presidential candidates who attended the inaugural event included [[Rudy Giuliani]], [[Mike Huckabee]], [[John McCain]], [[Ron Paul]], [[Sam Brownback]], [[Mitt Romney]], and [[Fred Thompson]]. 2,000 people attended the 2011 summit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title='Occupiers' Attack Defending the American Dream Summit|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.com/110911-occupiers-attack-defending-american-dream-summit|accessdate=May 8, 2012|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|date=November 8, 2011}}</ref>

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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110126005750/http://americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast| archivedate= 26 January 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> AFP created the "Cost of Hot Air Tour", a nationwide tour that included [[webcast]]s from the [[United Nations]] meetings [[2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference|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 [[2010 United Nations Climate Change Conference|COP16]] in Cancun in 2010.

In 2008, in the same city ([[Austin, Texas]]) and at the same time (July) as the liberal [[Netroots Nation]] conference, AFP hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers and activists that aimed to develop conservative social media strategies.<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><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> RightOnline has since become an annual event, with 1,500 attendees in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/conservative-fun-with-andrew-breitbart-et-al-at-right-online/240646/ |title=Conservative Fun with Andrew Breitbart et al. at Right Online - Tina Dupuy - Politics - The Atlantic}}</ref>

In 2011, in conjunction with [[Sarah Palin]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Schultz|first=Zac|title=Sarah Palin Travels To Madison|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Sarah_Palin_to_Visit_Madison_119856054.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[WMTV]]|date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> AFP helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic|Madison, Wisconsin]], where Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]'s budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. President Phillips said Walker's proposed cuts were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits".<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> After the budget reforms in [[Wisconsin]] passed, the AFP Foundation initiated an advertising and town-hall effort called "It's Working!" to promote them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/its-rally-season-in-wisconsin-c24gjov-142091613.html |title=Capitol rally to mark one year since Act 10 - JSOnline |publisher=JSOnline |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

Also in 2011, AFP sponsored the first debate among the Republican presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Candidates who participated included [[Mitt Romney]], [[Tim Pawlenty]], [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Rick Santorum]], and [[Herman Cain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/04/americans_for_p.html |title=Americans For Prosperity Dinner live blog - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com |publisher=Boston Globe |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

AFP announced plans to participate in a rally protesting the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] during the Supreme Court's oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the law.<ref name=ppacarallies>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/us/politics/white-house-works-to-shape-debate-over-health-law.html | title=White House Works to Shape Debate Over Health Law | first=Robert | last=Pear | date=March 9, 2012 | work=New York Times}}</ref>

==Programs==

===No Climate Tax Pledge===
In 2008, AFP circulated an anti-tax pledge to government officials at the federal, state, and local levels. A candidate who signs the "No Climate Tax Pledge" vows to "oppose any legislation relating to [[climate change]] that includes a net increase in state or local government revenue".<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]] and Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Jeff Flake]], and [[Fred Upton]]. Of the 12 Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2011, nine have signed the pledge.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/06/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206 Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power], Los Angeles Times, February 6, 2011</ref>

===Health Care===
In May 2009, AFP launched "Patients United Now", a project to, according to their website, oppose "a government takeover of the United States health care system".<ref>[http://patientsunitednow.com/?q=about Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], About | Patients United Now</ref>

Patients United Now ran television ads advancing this viewpoint. In one ad, a Canadian woman, [[Shona Holmes health care incident|Shona Holmes]], says she was not able to get timely treatment for brain tumor surgery and ultimately was treated in the U.S. Columnist [[David Lazarus]] of the ''Los Angeles Times'' responded that the Canadian government does not offer medical treatment but has a government-run insurance program.<ref name="Lazarus">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-fi-lazarus9-2009aug09,0,3572458.column |title=Healthcare debate framed by fear-mongering ads|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2009-08-09 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Amy Menefee, a spokeswoman for Patients United Now, stated that "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."

Also in 2009, AFP initiated the "Hands Off My Healthcare Tour", which sponsored 250<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title=President Obama's health care law is unraveling|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/29/president-obamas-health-care-law-is-unraveling/|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Caller]]|date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> rallies and collected signatures in an effort to raise awareness about free-market-based health care reforms.<ref>[http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/612300/group-protests-obama-s-push-for-health-care-reform/ Group protests Obama's push for health care reform], July 22, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.wect.com/story/10865825/americans-for-prosperity-protest-the-presidents-health-care-plan Americans for Prosperity protest the President's health care plan] August 7, 2009</ref>

===Net Neutrality===
AFP has been an active member of the [[Internet Freedom Coalition]].<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/story/conservative-group-takes-aim-at-net-neutrality-2011-03-09?mod=wsj_share_tweet</ref><ref>http://www.internetfreedomcoalition.com/?p=419</ref>

==Activities==
During the 2010 election cycle, AFP claims to have spent $40 million on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing. Of the six freshman Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2010, five benefitted from AFP ads and grassroots activity.<ref name='LATimes2011-02'>{{cite news | first = Tom | last = Hamburger | coauthors = Kathleen Hennessey, Neela Banerjee | title = Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power | date = 2011-02-06 | publisher = [[Tribune Company]] | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = 2011-02-06| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110217132904/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story| archivedate= 17 February 2011 | deadurl= no}}</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>John Gallagher, [http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab Conservative group: Fake eviction notices were 'meant to startle people'] ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' Jun. 7, 2011</ref>

In August 2011, AFP "sent absentee voter applications instructing voters to return the paperwork two days late in at least two recall elections."<ref name=Opoien>{{cite web|url=http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=34266|title=Unofficial absentee ballot mailings raise voter intimidation issues in Wisconsin recall elections|first=Jessica|last=Opoien|accessdate=November 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Opoien/> 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 16."<ref>{{cite web|last=Sargent|first=Greg|title=Americans for Prosperity sent misleading absentee ballot far more widely than previously known|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/americans-for-prosperity-sent-misleading-absentee-ballot-far-more-widely-than-previously-known/2011/03/03/gIQAxhcywI_blog.html|work=Washington Post|accessdate=21 November 2011}}</ref>

In 2011, AFP said that it would review payments it had made to [[Mark Block]]'s Prosperity USA, which allegedly made improper payments to the [[Herman Cain presidential campaign, 2012]].<ref>Stone, Peter H. [http://www.iwatchnews.org/2011/11/03/7279/koch-related-group-reviewing-financial-transactions-cain-aides-charity "Koch-related group is reviewing financial transactions with Cain aide's charity."] ''iWatch News'', 3 November 2011.</ref><ref>Bice, Daniel. [http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/state-firms-cash-to-herman-cain-may-breach-federal-campaign-tax-laws-132898423.html "State firm's cash to Herman Cain may breach federal campaign, tax laws."] ''Journal Sentinel'', 30 October 2011.</ref><ref>Benjamin, Mark. [http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/01/the-other-cain-scandal-campaign-transactions-may-have-broken-federal-law/ "The Other Cain Scandal: Campaign Transactions May Have Broken Federal Law."] ''Time Magazine'', 1 November 2011.</ref> As a tax-exempt charity, Prosperity USA is prohibited from donating money or services to a political campaign.<ref>Eggen, Dan. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/herman-cain-campaigns-financial-ties-to-wisconsin-charity-questioned/2011/10/31/gIQAJ61gZM_story.html "Herman Cain campaign's financial ties to Wisconsin charity questioned."] ''Washington Post'', 31 October 2011.</ref> According to an internal review, the payments were proper since they occurred before Cain launched his campaign.<ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/americans-prosperity-our-reimbursements-herman-cain-were-legal_607897.html "Americans for Prosperity: Our Reimbursements to Herman Cain Were Legal," John McCormack, Weekly Standard, November 9, 2011]</ref>

===2012 presidential election===
From 2011-2012, in what the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' called "perhaps the biggest attack on Mr. Obama so far in the 2012 election campaign,"<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref> AFP spent $8.4 million ($2.4 in 2011<ref>[http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/11/28/377053/koch-americans-for-prosperity-solyndra-attack-ad-video/ "Koch-Fueled Americans for Prosperity Spends $2.4 Million on Solyndra Attack Ad (VIDEO)"], Stephen Lacey, ThinkProgress, November 28, 2011)</ref> and $6 million in 2012<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ "Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref>) on television ads that criticized the federal loan to now-bankrupt manufacturer of solar panels, Solyndra.

In September 2012, the ''[[Washington Post]]'' called AFP "One of the major players on the right", reporting that AFP planned to spend $125 million on the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 United States presidential election]]. President Phillips said the organization has 116 staff members on the ground targeting 9 million voters who are undecided about how to assess Obama's economic record.<ref name=presidential>{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/conservative-groups-reaching-new-levels-of-sophistication-in-mobilizing-voters/2012/09/20/3c3cd8e8-026c-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_story.html| title= Conservative groups reaching new levels of sophistication in mobilizing voters | work=[[Washington Post]] | coauthors=Peter Wallsten, Tom Hamburger| date=September 20, 2012|accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>

==Criticism==
In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House argued that AFP and the AFP Foundation are a de facto political action group, thus violating 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> President Obama said: "Right now all around this country there are groups with harmless-sounding names like Americans for Prosperity, who are running millions of dollars of ads against Democratic candidates all across the country. And they don't have to say who exactly the Americans for Prosperity are. You don't know if it's a foreign-controlled corporation. You don't know if it's a big oil company, or a big bank."<ref name=thefix>{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/who-is-americans-for-prosperit.html | title=Who is "Americans for Prosperity"? | work=Washington Post | first=Felicia | last=Sonmez | date=August 26, 2010}}</ref> The administration later called AFP a "special-interest front group run by the oil billionaire Koch brothers," who it said are "obsessed with making Barack Obama a one-term president."<ref name=ppacarallies/> In response, Phillips called the idea that AFP is taking money from foreign sources "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 saw an increase in financial contributions, explaining 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/>

Also in August 2010, the [[Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]] (DCCC) filed a complaint against AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFP Foundation 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> On May 6, 2011, the Federal Election Commission dismissed the complaint.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly Digest: Week of May 2 - 4|url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2011/20110506_digest.shtml|publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=May 8, 2012|date=May 6, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

A May 2012 ad criticizing the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]] was rated by the nonpartisan fact checking organization [[PolitiFact.com]] as one of "the sneakiest" of the election cycle to that point. Claims from the ad were judged to be "Mostly False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded traffic lights in China|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-streetlights-c/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> "False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded jobs in Finland|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-jobs-finland/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> and "Pants on Fire",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded a solar company building a Mexico plant|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/02/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-solar-company-/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> the organization's lowest rating of truth. A separate analysis of the entire ad showed problems with the truth of every one of the ad's claims.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowers|first=Becky|title=Line by line: How an ad uses sleight-of-hand to distort facts on stimulus|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2012/may/04/line-line-sleight-hand-afp/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Political activities of the Koch brothers]]
* [[Tito the Builder]]<ref name="insidenova">{{cite news
|url=http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2011/apr/14/tito-builder-considering-state-politics-ar-973334/|date=April 14, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2011|title=Tito the Builder considering state politics|publisher=insidenova|first=Keith|last=Walker}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Americans for Prosperity}}
* [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php Americans for Prosperity]
* [http://www.americansforprosperityfoundation.com/ Americans for Prosperity Foundation]
* [http://www.politifact.com/personalities/americans-prosperity/ File] at [[PolitiFact]]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cmte=C30001051 Profile] at [[OpenSecrets.org]]

{{Koch family}}
{{Tea Party movement}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Americans For Prosperity}}
[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Think tanks based in the United States]]
[[Category:Political and economic think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations]]
[[Category:Koch family]]
[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]

Americans for Prosperity

2013-09-13T05:01:49Z

Polmandc: /* Health Care */ quotation marks, s.

{{Infobox Organization
|name = Americans for Prosperity
|image_border = AFProsperity.png
|caption =
|membership =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|extinction =
|type = Non-profit political advocacy group
|status =
|purpose = AFP is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process.<ref name=about/>
|headquarters = [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|formation = 2004
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]
|leader_title2 = Executive Vice President
|leader_name2 = [[Tracy Henke]]
|website = [http://www.americansforprosperity.org www.americansforprosperity.org]}}

'''Americans for Prosperity''' ('''AFP''') is an [[American conservative]] [[political advocacy group]] headquartered in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Temple-West
| first = Patrick
| coauthors = Alina Selyukh
| title = IRS steps up scrutiny of tax-exempt political groups
| work = Reuters
| location = Washington
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| date = 2012-06-29
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/29/us-usa-campaign-irs-idUSBRE85S09420120629
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| title = Wealthy outside political groups find a home in Minnesota
| work = MPR News
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/25/politics/wealthy-outside-political-groups-target-minnesota/
}}</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/12/americans-prosperity-slams-obama-suggesting-foreign-influence/</ref> AFP's stated mission is "educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing citizens as advocates in the public policy process".<ref name=about/> The group played a major role in the 2010 [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] takeover of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/us/cato-institute-and-koch-in-rift-over-independence.html "Cato Institute Is Caught in a Rift Over Its Direction," New York Times, March 6, 2012]</ref> and has been called "one of the most powerful conservative organizations in electoral politics".<ref>[http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/03/01/behind_the_cato_koch_kerfuffle.html "Behind the Cato-Koch Kerfuffle," Slate, March 1, 2012]</ref>

==Background==
Americans for Prosperity was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] 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> remained chairman of FreedomWorks, while [[David H. Koch]] remained chairman of the AFP Foundation. Like CSE, AFP was founded with the support of [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles Koch]], both 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101015060122/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all| archivedate= 15 October 2010 | deadurl= no}}</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>

===Mission===
Americans for Prosperity describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government. The organization focuses on eight issue areas: budget and spending; taxes; property rights; health care and entitlements; banking and financial services; labor, education, and pensions; energy and environment; and technology.<ref name=about>{{cite web|title=About Americans for Prosperity|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/about|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref>

According to AFP, their mission is to promote "limited government and free markets on the local, state, and federal levels", and to do so, they support:<ref name=about/>
* Cutting taxes and government spending in order to halt the encroachment of government in the economic lives of citizens by fighting proposed tax increases and pointing out evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse.
* Removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and opportunity by sparking citizen involvement early in the regulatory process in order to reduce red tape.
* Restoring fairness to the judicial system.

==Leadership and structure==
Like its predecessor, [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]], and other advocacy groups (for example, the [[National Taxpayers Union]]), Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity, a [[501(c)(4)]] organization established in 2004, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a [[501(c)(3)]] organization established in 1984.

On the national level, Americans for Prosperity is led by its president, [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]. From 2003-2007, AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]], the president of MediaSpeak Strategies. Other current executive staff include Chief Operating Officer Luke Hilgemann and Vice President of State Operations Teresa Oelke.<ref>{{cite web|title=Staff|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/staff/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref> [[James C. Miller]], James E. Stephenson, Frayda Levy, Richard Fink, and Nancy Pfotenhauer serve on the board of directors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Directors|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/directors/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref>

As of March 2012, Americans for Prosperity had 1.9 million members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/catching-up-with-tim-phillips-of-americans-for-prosperity.html |title=Tim Phillips, New York Times, March 3, 2012, accessed Mar 2012 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2012-03-18}}</ref> AFP had its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which oversees 35 state chapters.<ref name=about/>

==Funding==
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of these expenditures, $2.1 million went to national office operations and $2.9 million went to the state-based chapters. By 2010, AFP's and the AFP Foundation's combined budget was $40 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nonprofit Report for Americans for Prosperity Foundation|url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/52-1527294/americans-prosperity-foundation.aspx|work=[[GuideStar]]|publisher=GuideStar USA, Inc|accessdate=May 8, 2012}}</ref>

Based on the AFP Foundation's financial operations and programs, the independent nonprofit review organization, [[Charity Navigator]], gave it a three-star rating out of four stars overall - four stars for financial operations, and two for accountability and transparency - and 53.8 out of a possible 70 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110629022528/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511| archivedate= 29 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

According to AFP, 90,000 people across 50 states have donated to AFP or the AFP Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Browning|first=William|title=Americans for Prosperity by the Numbers|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-numbers-172200443.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[Yahoo! News]] Contributor Network|date=October 17, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

==Events==
Since 2007, the AFP Foundation has hosted the "Defending the American Dream Summit", which is now the second largest annual gathering of conservatives in Washington, DC (the first is the [[Conservative Political Action Conference]]). Topics have included government spending and taxation, health care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation. Presidential candidates who attended the inaugural event included [[Rudy Giuliani]], [[Mike Huckabee]], [[John McCain]], [[Ron Paul]], [[Sam Brownback]], [[Mitt Romney]], and [[Fred Thompson]]. 2,000 people attended the 2011 summit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title='Occupiers' Attack Defending the American Dream Summit|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.com/110911-occupiers-attack-defending-american-dream-summit|accessdate=May 8, 2012|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|date=November 8, 2011}}</ref>

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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110126005750/http://americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast| archivedate= 26 January 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> AFP created the "Cost of Hot Air Tour", a nationwide tour that included [[webcast]]s from the [[United Nations]] meetings [[2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference|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 [[2010 United Nations Climate Change Conference|COP16]] in Cancun in 2010.

In 2008, in the same city ([[Austin, Texas]]) and at the same time (July) as the liberal [[Netroots Nation]] conference, AFP hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers and activists that aimed to develop conservative social media strategies.<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><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> RightOnline has since become an annual event, with 1,500 attendees in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/conservative-fun-with-andrew-breitbart-et-al-at-right-online/240646/ |title=Conservative Fun with Andrew Breitbart et al. at Right Online - Tina Dupuy - Politics - The Atlantic}}</ref>

In 2011, in conjunction with [[Sarah Palin]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Schultz|first=Zac|title=Sarah Palin Travels To Madison|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Sarah_Palin_to_Visit_Madison_119856054.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[WMTV]]|date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> AFP helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic|Madison, Wisconsin]], where Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]'s budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. President Phillips said Walker's proposed cuts were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits".<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> After the budget reforms in [[Wisconsin]] passed, the AFP Foundation initiated an advertising and town-hall effort called "It's Working!" to promote them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/its-rally-season-in-wisconsin-c24gjov-142091613.html |title=Capitol rally to mark one year since Act 10 - JSOnline |publisher=JSOnline |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

Also in 2011, AFP sponsored the first debate among the Republican presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Candidates who participated included [[Mitt Romney]], [[Tim Pawlenty]], [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Rick Santorum]], and [[Herman Cain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/04/americans_for_p.html |title=Americans For Prosperity Dinner live blog - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com |publisher=Boston Globe |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

AFP announced plans to participate in a rally protesting the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] during the Supreme Court's oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the law.<ref name=ppacarallies>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/us/politics/white-house-works-to-shape-debate-over-health-law.html | title=White House Works to Shape Debate Over Health Law | first=Robert | last=Pear | date=March 9, 2012 | work=New York Times}}</ref>

==Programs==

===No Climate Tax Pledge===
In 2008, AFP circulated an anti-tax pledge to government officials at the federal, state, and local levels. A candidate who signs the "No Climate Tax Pledge" vows to "oppose any legislation relating to [[climate change]] that includes a net increase in state or local government revenue".<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]] and Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Jeff Flake]], and [[Fred Upton]]. Of the 12 Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2011, nine have signed the pledge.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/06/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206 Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power], Los Angeles Times, February 6, 2011</ref>

===Health Care===
In May 2009, AFP launched "Patients United Now", a project to, according to their website, oppose "a government takeover of the United States health care system".<ref>[http://patientsunitednow.com/?q=about Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], About | Patients United Now</ref>

Patients United Now ran television ads advancing this viewpoint. In one ad, a Canadian woman, [[Shona Holmes health care incident|Shona Holmes]], says she was not able to get timely treatment for brain tumor surgery and ultimately was treated in the U.S. Columnist [[David Lazarus]] of the ''Los Angeles Times'' responded that the Canadian government does not offer medical treatment but has a government-run insurance program.<ref name="Lazarus">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-fi-lazarus9-2009aug09,0,3572458.column |title=Healthcare debate framed by fear-mongering ads|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2009-08-09 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Amy Menefee, a spokeswoman for Patients United Now, stated that "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."

Also in 2009, AFP initiated the Hands Off My Healthcare Tour, which sponsored 250<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title=President Obama's health care law is unraveling|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/29/president-obamas-health-care-law-is-unraveling/|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Caller]]|date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> rallies and collected signatures in an effort to raise awareness about free-market-based health care reforms.<ref>[http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/612300/group-protests-obama-s-push-for-health-care-reform/ Group protests Obama's push for health care reform], July 22, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.wect.com/story/10865825/americans-for-prosperity-protest-the-presidents-health-care-plan Americans for Prosperity protest the President's health care plan] August 7, 2009</ref>

===Net Neutrality===
AFP has been an active member of the [[Internet Freedom Coalition]].<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/story/conservative-group-takes-aim-at-net-neutrality-2011-03-09?mod=wsj_share_tweet</ref><ref>http://www.internetfreedomcoalition.com/?p=419</ref>

==Activities==
During the 2010 election cycle, AFP claims to have spent $40 million on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing. Of the six freshman Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2010, five benefitted from AFP ads and grassroots activity.<ref name='LATimes2011-02'>{{cite news | first = Tom | last = Hamburger | coauthors = Kathleen Hennessey, Neela Banerjee | title = Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power | date = 2011-02-06 | publisher = [[Tribune Company]] | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = 2011-02-06| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110217132904/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story| archivedate= 17 February 2011 | deadurl= no}}</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>John Gallagher, [http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab Conservative group: Fake eviction notices were 'meant to startle people'] ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' Jun. 7, 2011</ref>

In August 2011, AFP "sent absentee voter applications instructing voters to return the paperwork two days late in at least two recall elections."<ref name=Opoien>{{cite web|url=http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=34266|title=Unofficial absentee ballot mailings raise voter intimidation issues in Wisconsin recall elections|first=Jessica|last=Opoien|accessdate=November 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Opoien/> 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 16."<ref>{{cite web|last=Sargent|first=Greg|title=Americans for Prosperity sent misleading absentee ballot far more widely than previously known|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/americans-for-prosperity-sent-misleading-absentee-ballot-far-more-widely-than-previously-known/2011/03/03/gIQAxhcywI_blog.html|work=Washington Post|accessdate=21 November 2011}}</ref>

In 2011, AFP said that it would review payments it had made to [[Mark Block]]'s Prosperity USA, which allegedly made improper payments to the [[Herman Cain presidential campaign, 2012]].<ref>Stone, Peter H. [http://www.iwatchnews.org/2011/11/03/7279/koch-related-group-reviewing-financial-transactions-cain-aides-charity "Koch-related group is reviewing financial transactions with Cain aide's charity."] ''iWatch News'', 3 November 2011.</ref><ref>Bice, Daniel. [http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/state-firms-cash-to-herman-cain-may-breach-federal-campaign-tax-laws-132898423.html "State firm's cash to Herman Cain may breach federal campaign, tax laws."] ''Journal Sentinel'', 30 October 2011.</ref><ref>Benjamin, Mark. [http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/01/the-other-cain-scandal-campaign-transactions-may-have-broken-federal-law/ "The Other Cain Scandal: Campaign Transactions May Have Broken Federal Law."] ''Time Magazine'', 1 November 2011.</ref> As a tax-exempt charity, Prosperity USA is prohibited from donating money or services to a political campaign.<ref>Eggen, Dan. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/herman-cain-campaigns-financial-ties-to-wisconsin-charity-questioned/2011/10/31/gIQAJ61gZM_story.html "Herman Cain campaign's financial ties to Wisconsin charity questioned."] ''Washington Post'', 31 October 2011.</ref> According to an internal review, the payments were proper since they occurred before Cain launched his campaign.<ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/americans-prosperity-our-reimbursements-herman-cain-were-legal_607897.html "Americans for Prosperity: Our Reimbursements to Herman Cain Were Legal," John McCormack, Weekly Standard, November 9, 2011]</ref>

===2012 presidential election===
From 2011-2012, in what the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' called "perhaps the biggest attack on Mr. Obama so far in the 2012 election campaign,"<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref> AFP spent $8.4 million ($2.4 in 2011<ref>[http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/11/28/377053/koch-americans-for-prosperity-solyndra-attack-ad-video/ "Koch-Fueled Americans for Prosperity Spends $2.4 Million on Solyndra Attack Ad (VIDEO)"], Stephen Lacey, ThinkProgress, November 28, 2011)</ref> and $6 million in 2012<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ "Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref>) on television ads that criticized the federal loan to now-bankrupt manufacturer of solar panels, Solyndra.

In September 2012, the ''[[Washington Post]]'' called AFP "One of the major players on the right", reporting that AFP planned to spend $125 million on the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 United States presidential election]]. President Phillips said the organization has 116 staff members on the ground targeting 9 million voters who are undecided about how to assess Obama's economic record.<ref name=presidential>{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/conservative-groups-reaching-new-levels-of-sophistication-in-mobilizing-voters/2012/09/20/3c3cd8e8-026c-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_story.html| title= Conservative groups reaching new levels of sophistication in mobilizing voters | work=[[Washington Post]] | coauthors=Peter Wallsten, Tom Hamburger| date=September 20, 2012|accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>

==Criticism==
In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House argued that AFP and the AFP Foundation are a de facto political action group, thus violating 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> President Obama said: "Right now all around this country there are groups with harmless-sounding names like Americans for Prosperity, who are running millions of dollars of ads against Democratic candidates all across the country. And they don't have to say who exactly the Americans for Prosperity are. You don't know if it's a foreign-controlled corporation. You don't know if it's a big oil company, or a big bank."<ref name=thefix>{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/who-is-americans-for-prosperit.html | title=Who is "Americans for Prosperity"? | work=Washington Post | first=Felicia | last=Sonmez | date=August 26, 2010}}</ref> The administration later called AFP a "special-interest front group run by the oil billionaire Koch brothers," who it said are "obsessed with making Barack Obama a one-term president."<ref name=ppacarallies/> In response, Phillips called the idea that AFP is taking money from foreign sources "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 saw an increase in financial contributions, explaining 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/>

Also in August 2010, the [[Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]] (DCCC) filed a complaint against AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFP Foundation 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> On May 6, 2011, the Federal Election Commission dismissed the complaint.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly Digest: Week of May 2 - 4|url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2011/20110506_digest.shtml|publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=May 8, 2012|date=May 6, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

A May 2012 ad criticizing the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]] was rated by the nonpartisan fact checking organization [[PolitiFact.com]] as one of "the sneakiest" of the election cycle to that point. Claims from the ad were judged to be "Mostly False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded traffic lights in China|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-streetlights-c/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> "False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded jobs in Finland|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-jobs-finland/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> and "Pants on Fire",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded a solar company building a Mexico plant|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/02/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-solar-company-/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> the organization's lowest rating of truth. A separate analysis of the entire ad showed problems with the truth of every one of the ad's claims.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowers|first=Becky|title=Line by line: How an ad uses sleight-of-hand to distort facts on stimulus|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2012/may/04/line-line-sleight-hand-afp/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Political activities of the Koch brothers]]
* [[Tito the Builder]]<ref name="insidenova">{{cite news
|url=http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2011/apr/14/tito-builder-considering-state-politics-ar-973334/|date=April 14, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2011|title=Tito the Builder considering state politics|publisher=insidenova|first=Keith|last=Walker}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Americans for Prosperity}}
* [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php Americans for Prosperity]
* [http://www.americansforprosperityfoundation.com/ Americans for Prosperity Foundation]
* [http://www.politifact.com/personalities/americans-prosperity/ File] at [[PolitiFact]]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cmte=C30001051 Profile] at [[OpenSecrets.org]]

{{Koch family}}
{{Tea Party movement}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Americans For Prosperity}}
[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Think tanks based in the United States]]
[[Category:Political and economic think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations]]
[[Category:Koch family]]
[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]

Americans for Prosperity

2013-09-13T04:31:28Z

Polmandc: /* No Climate Tax Pledge */ synt.

{{Infobox Organization
|name = Americans for Prosperity
|image_border = AFProsperity.png
|caption =
|membership =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|extinction =
|type = Non-profit political advocacy group
|status =
|purpose = AFP is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process.<ref name=about/>
|headquarters = [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|formation = 2004
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]
|leader_title2 = Executive Vice President
|leader_name2 = [[Tracy Henke]]
|website = [http://www.americansforprosperity.org www.americansforprosperity.org]}}

'''Americans for Prosperity''' ('''AFP''') is an [[American conservative]] [[political advocacy group]] headquartered in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Temple-West
| first = Patrick
| coauthors = Alina Selyukh
| title = IRS steps up scrutiny of tax-exempt political groups
| work = Reuters
| location = Washington
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| date = 2012-06-29
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/29/us-usa-campaign-irs-idUSBRE85S09420120629
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| title = Wealthy outside political groups find a home in Minnesota
| work = MPR News
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/25/politics/wealthy-outside-political-groups-target-minnesota/
}}</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/12/americans-prosperity-slams-obama-suggesting-foreign-influence/</ref> AFP's stated mission is "educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing citizens as advocates in the public policy process".<ref name=about/> The group played a major role in the 2010 [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] takeover of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/us/cato-institute-and-koch-in-rift-over-independence.html "Cato Institute Is Caught in a Rift Over Its Direction," New York Times, March 6, 2012]</ref> and has been called "one of the most powerful conservative organizations in electoral politics".<ref>[http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/03/01/behind_the_cato_koch_kerfuffle.html "Behind the Cato-Koch Kerfuffle," Slate, March 1, 2012]</ref>

==Background==
Americans for Prosperity was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] 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> remained chairman of FreedomWorks, while [[David H. Koch]] remained chairman of the AFP Foundation. Like CSE, AFP was founded with the support of [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles Koch]], both 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101015060122/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all| archivedate= 15 October 2010 | deadurl= no}}</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>

===Mission===
Americans for Prosperity describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government. The organization focuses on eight issue areas: budget and spending; taxes; property rights; health care and entitlements; banking and financial services; labor, education, and pensions; energy and environment; and technology.<ref name=about>{{cite web|title=About Americans for Prosperity|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/about|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref>

According to AFP, their mission is to promote "limited government and free markets on the local, state, and federal levels", and to do so, they support:<ref name=about/>
* Cutting taxes and government spending in order to halt the encroachment of government in the economic lives of citizens by fighting proposed tax increases and pointing out evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse.
* Removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and opportunity by sparking citizen involvement early in the regulatory process in order to reduce red tape.
* Restoring fairness to the judicial system.

==Leadership and structure==
Like its predecessor, [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]], and other advocacy groups (for example, the [[National Taxpayers Union]]), Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity, a [[501(c)(4)]] organization established in 2004, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a [[501(c)(3)]] organization established in 1984.

On the national level, Americans for Prosperity is led by its president, [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]. From 2003-2007, AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]], the president of MediaSpeak Strategies. Other current executive staff include Chief Operating Officer Luke Hilgemann and Vice President of State Operations Teresa Oelke.<ref>{{cite web|title=Staff|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/staff/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref> [[James C. Miller]], James E. Stephenson, Frayda Levy, Richard Fink, and Nancy Pfotenhauer serve on the board of directors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Directors|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/directors/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref>

As of March 2012, Americans for Prosperity had 1.9 million members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/catching-up-with-tim-phillips-of-americans-for-prosperity.html |title=Tim Phillips, New York Times, March 3, 2012, accessed Mar 2012 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2012-03-18}}</ref> AFP had its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which oversees 35 state chapters.<ref name=about/>

==Funding==
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of these expenditures, $2.1 million went to national office operations and $2.9 million went to the state-based chapters. By 2010, AFP's and the AFP Foundation's combined budget was $40 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nonprofit Report for Americans for Prosperity Foundation|url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/52-1527294/americans-prosperity-foundation.aspx|work=[[GuideStar]]|publisher=GuideStar USA, Inc|accessdate=May 8, 2012}}</ref>

Based on the AFP Foundation's financial operations and programs, the independent nonprofit review organization, [[Charity Navigator]], gave it a three-star rating out of four stars overall - four stars for financial operations, and two for accountability and transparency - and 53.8 out of a possible 70 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110629022528/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511| archivedate= 29 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

According to AFP, 90,000 people across 50 states have donated to AFP or the AFP Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Browning|first=William|title=Americans for Prosperity by the Numbers|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-numbers-172200443.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[Yahoo! News]] Contributor Network|date=October 17, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

==Events==
Since 2007, the AFP Foundation has hosted the "Defending the American Dream Summit", which is now the second largest annual gathering of conservatives in Washington, DC (the first is the [[Conservative Political Action Conference]]). Topics have included government spending and taxation, health care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation. Presidential candidates who attended the inaugural event included [[Rudy Giuliani]], [[Mike Huckabee]], [[John McCain]], [[Ron Paul]], [[Sam Brownback]], [[Mitt Romney]], and [[Fred Thompson]]. 2,000 people attended the 2011 summit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title='Occupiers' Attack Defending the American Dream Summit|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.com/110911-occupiers-attack-defending-american-dream-summit|accessdate=May 8, 2012|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|date=November 8, 2011}}</ref>

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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110126005750/http://americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast| archivedate= 26 January 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> AFP created the "Cost of Hot Air Tour", a nationwide tour that included [[webcast]]s from the [[United Nations]] meetings [[2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference|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 [[2010 United Nations Climate Change Conference|COP16]] in Cancun in 2010.

In 2008, in the same city ([[Austin, Texas]]) and at the same time (July) as the liberal [[Netroots Nation]] conference, AFP hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers and activists that aimed to develop conservative social media strategies.<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><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> RightOnline has since become an annual event, with 1,500 attendees in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/conservative-fun-with-andrew-breitbart-et-al-at-right-online/240646/ |title=Conservative Fun with Andrew Breitbart et al. at Right Online - Tina Dupuy - Politics - The Atlantic}}</ref>

In 2011, in conjunction with [[Sarah Palin]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Schultz|first=Zac|title=Sarah Palin Travels To Madison|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Sarah_Palin_to_Visit_Madison_119856054.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[WMTV]]|date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> AFP helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic|Madison, Wisconsin]], where Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]'s budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. President Phillips said Walker's proposed cuts were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits".<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> After the budget reforms in [[Wisconsin]] passed, the AFP Foundation initiated an advertising and town-hall effort called "It's Working!" to promote them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/its-rally-season-in-wisconsin-c24gjov-142091613.html |title=Capitol rally to mark one year since Act 10 - JSOnline |publisher=JSOnline |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

Also in 2011, AFP sponsored the first debate among the Republican presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Candidates who participated included [[Mitt Romney]], [[Tim Pawlenty]], [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Rick Santorum]], and [[Herman Cain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/04/americans_for_p.html |title=Americans For Prosperity Dinner live blog - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com |publisher=Boston Globe |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

AFP announced plans to participate in a rally protesting the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] during the Supreme Court's oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the law.<ref name=ppacarallies>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/us/politics/white-house-works-to-shape-debate-over-health-law.html | title=White House Works to Shape Debate Over Health Law | first=Robert | last=Pear | date=March 9, 2012 | work=New York Times}}</ref>

==Programs==

===No Climate Tax Pledge===
In 2008, AFP circulated an anti-tax pledge to government officials at the federal, state, and local levels. A candidate who signs the "No Climate Tax Pledge" vows to "oppose any legislation relating to [[climate change]] that includes a net increase in state or local government revenue".<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]] and Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Jeff Flake]], and [[Fred Upton]]. Of the 12 Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2011, nine have signed the pledge.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/06/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206 Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power], Los Angeles Times, February 6, 2011</ref>

===Health Care===
In May 2009, AFP launched Patients United Now, a project to, according to their website, oppose "a government takeover of the United States health care system."<ref>[http://patientsunitednow.com/?q=about Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], About | Patients United Now</ref>

Patients United Now ran television ads advancing this viewpoint. In one ad, a Canadian woman, [[Shona Holmes health care incident|Shona Holmes]], says she was not able to get timely treatment for brain tumor surgery and ultimately was treated in the U.S. Columnist [[David Lazarus]] of the ''Los Angeles Times'' responded that the Canadian government does not offer medical treatment but has a government-run insurance program.<ref name="Lazarus">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-fi-lazarus9-2009aug09,0,3572458.column |title=Healthcare debate framed by fear-mongering ads|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2009-08-09 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Amy Menefee, a spokeswoman for Patients United Now, stated that "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."

Also in 2009, AFP initiated the Hands Off My Healthcare Tour, which sponsored 250<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title=President Obama's health care law is unraveling|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/29/president-obamas-health-care-law-is-unraveling/|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Caller]]|date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> rallies and collected signatures in an effort to raise awareness about free-market-based health care reforms.<ref>[http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/612300/group-protests-obama-s-push-for-health-care-reform/ Group protests Obama's push for health care reform], July 22, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.wect.com/story/10865825/americans-for-prosperity-protest-the-presidents-health-care-plan Americans for Prosperity protest the President's health care plan] August 7, 2009</ref>

===Net Neutrality===
AFP has been an active member of the [[Internet Freedom Coalition]].<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/story/conservative-group-takes-aim-at-net-neutrality-2011-03-09?mod=wsj_share_tweet</ref><ref>http://www.internetfreedomcoalition.com/?p=419</ref>

==Activities==
During the 2010 election cycle, AFP claims to have spent $40 million on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing. Of the six freshman Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2010, five benefitted from AFP ads and grassroots activity.<ref name='LATimes2011-02'>{{cite news | first = Tom | last = Hamburger | coauthors = Kathleen Hennessey, Neela Banerjee | title = Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power | date = 2011-02-06 | publisher = [[Tribune Company]] | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = 2011-02-06| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110217132904/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story| archivedate= 17 February 2011 | deadurl= no}}</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>John Gallagher, [http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab Conservative group: Fake eviction notices were 'meant to startle people'] ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' Jun. 7, 2011</ref>

In August 2011, AFP "sent absentee voter applications instructing voters to return the paperwork two days late in at least two recall elections."<ref name=Opoien>{{cite web|url=http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=34266|title=Unofficial absentee ballot mailings raise voter intimidation issues in Wisconsin recall elections|first=Jessica|last=Opoien|accessdate=November 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Opoien/> 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 16."<ref>{{cite web|last=Sargent|first=Greg|title=Americans for Prosperity sent misleading absentee ballot far more widely than previously known|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/americans-for-prosperity-sent-misleading-absentee-ballot-far-more-widely-than-previously-known/2011/03/03/gIQAxhcywI_blog.html|work=Washington Post|accessdate=21 November 2011}}</ref>

In 2011, AFP said that it would review payments it had made to [[Mark Block]]'s Prosperity USA, which allegedly made improper payments to the [[Herman Cain presidential campaign, 2012]].<ref>Stone, Peter H. [http://www.iwatchnews.org/2011/11/03/7279/koch-related-group-reviewing-financial-transactions-cain-aides-charity "Koch-related group is reviewing financial transactions with Cain aide's charity."] ''iWatch News'', 3 November 2011.</ref><ref>Bice, Daniel. [http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/state-firms-cash-to-herman-cain-may-breach-federal-campaign-tax-laws-132898423.html "State firm's cash to Herman Cain may breach federal campaign, tax laws."] ''Journal Sentinel'', 30 October 2011.</ref><ref>Benjamin, Mark. [http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/01/the-other-cain-scandal-campaign-transactions-may-have-broken-federal-law/ "The Other Cain Scandal: Campaign Transactions May Have Broken Federal Law."] ''Time Magazine'', 1 November 2011.</ref> As a tax-exempt charity, Prosperity USA is prohibited from donating money or services to a political campaign.<ref>Eggen, Dan. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/herman-cain-campaigns-financial-ties-to-wisconsin-charity-questioned/2011/10/31/gIQAJ61gZM_story.html "Herman Cain campaign's financial ties to Wisconsin charity questioned."] ''Washington Post'', 31 October 2011.</ref> According to an internal review, the payments were proper since they occurred before Cain launched his campaign.<ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/americans-prosperity-our-reimbursements-herman-cain-were-legal_607897.html "Americans for Prosperity: Our Reimbursements to Herman Cain Were Legal," John McCormack, Weekly Standard, November 9, 2011]</ref>

===2012 presidential election===
From 2011-2012, in what the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' called "perhaps the biggest attack on Mr. Obama so far in the 2012 election campaign,"<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref> AFP spent $8.4 million ($2.4 in 2011<ref>[http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/11/28/377053/koch-americans-for-prosperity-solyndra-attack-ad-video/ "Koch-Fueled Americans for Prosperity Spends $2.4 Million on Solyndra Attack Ad (VIDEO)"], Stephen Lacey, ThinkProgress, November 28, 2011)</ref> and $6 million in 2012<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ "Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref>) on television ads that criticized the federal loan to now-bankrupt manufacturer of solar panels, Solyndra.

In September 2012, the ''[[Washington Post]]'' called AFP "One of the major players on the right", reporting that AFP planned to spend $125 million on the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 United States presidential election]]. President Phillips said the organization has 116 staff members on the ground targeting 9 million voters who are undecided about how to assess Obama's economic record.<ref name=presidential>{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/conservative-groups-reaching-new-levels-of-sophistication-in-mobilizing-voters/2012/09/20/3c3cd8e8-026c-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_story.html| title= Conservative groups reaching new levels of sophistication in mobilizing voters | work=[[Washington Post]] | coauthors=Peter Wallsten, Tom Hamburger| date=September 20, 2012|accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>

==Criticism==
In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House argued that AFP and the AFP Foundation are a de facto political action group, thus violating 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> President Obama said: "Right now all around this country there are groups with harmless-sounding names like Americans for Prosperity, who are running millions of dollars of ads against Democratic candidates all across the country. And they don't have to say who exactly the Americans for Prosperity are. You don't know if it's a foreign-controlled corporation. You don't know if it's a big oil company, or a big bank."<ref name=thefix>{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/who-is-americans-for-prosperit.html | title=Who is "Americans for Prosperity"? | work=Washington Post | first=Felicia | last=Sonmez | date=August 26, 2010}}</ref> The administration later called AFP a "special-interest front group run by the oil billionaire Koch brothers," who it said are "obsessed with making Barack Obama a one-term president."<ref name=ppacarallies/> In response, Phillips called the idea that AFP is taking money from foreign sources "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 saw an increase in financial contributions, explaining 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/>

Also in August 2010, the [[Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]] (DCCC) filed a complaint against AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFP Foundation 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> On May 6, 2011, the Federal Election Commission dismissed the complaint.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly Digest: Week of May 2 - 4|url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2011/20110506_digest.shtml|publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=May 8, 2012|date=May 6, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

A May 2012 ad criticizing the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]] was rated by the nonpartisan fact checking organization [[PolitiFact.com]] as one of "the sneakiest" of the election cycle to that point. Claims from the ad were judged to be "Mostly False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded traffic lights in China|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-streetlights-c/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> "False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded jobs in Finland|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-jobs-finland/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> and "Pants on Fire",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded a solar company building a Mexico plant|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/02/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-solar-company-/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> the organization's lowest rating of truth. A separate analysis of the entire ad showed problems with the truth of every one of the ad's claims.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowers|first=Becky|title=Line by line: How an ad uses sleight-of-hand to distort facts on stimulus|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2012/may/04/line-line-sleight-hand-afp/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Political activities of the Koch brothers]]
* [[Tito the Builder]]<ref name="insidenova">{{cite news
|url=http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2011/apr/14/tito-builder-considering-state-politics-ar-973334/|date=April 14, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2011|title=Tito the Builder considering state politics|publisher=insidenova|first=Keith|last=Walker}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Americans for Prosperity}}
* [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php Americans for Prosperity]
* [http://www.americansforprosperityfoundation.com/ Americans for Prosperity Foundation]
* [http://www.politifact.com/personalities/americans-prosperity/ File] at [[PolitiFact]]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cmte=C30001051 Profile] at [[OpenSecrets.org]]

{{Koch family}}
{{Tea Party movement}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Americans For Prosperity}}
[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Think tanks based in the United States]]
[[Category:Political and economic think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations]]
[[Category:Koch family]]
[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]

Americans for Prosperity

2013-09-12T05:54:37Z

Polmandc: /* Events */ + link

{{Infobox Organization
|name = Americans for Prosperity
|image_border = AFProsperity.png
|caption =
|membership =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|extinction =
|type = Non-profit political advocacy group
|status =
|purpose = AFP is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process.<ref name=about/>
|headquarters = [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|formation = 2004
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]
|leader_title2 = Executive Vice President
|leader_name2 = [[Tracy Henke]]
|website = [http://www.americansforprosperity.org www.americansforprosperity.org]}}

'''Americans for Prosperity''' ('''AFP''') is an [[American conservative]] [[political advocacy group]] headquartered in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Temple-West
| first = Patrick
| coauthors = Alina Selyukh
| title = IRS steps up scrutiny of tax-exempt political groups
| work = Reuters
| location = Washington
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| date = 2012-06-29
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/29/us-usa-campaign-irs-idUSBRE85S09420120629
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| title = Wealthy outside political groups find a home in Minnesota
| work = MPR News
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/25/politics/wealthy-outside-political-groups-target-minnesota/
}}</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/12/americans-prosperity-slams-obama-suggesting-foreign-influence/</ref> AFP's stated mission is "educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing citizens as advocates in the public policy process".<ref name=about/> The group played a major role in the 2010 [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] takeover of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/us/cato-institute-and-koch-in-rift-over-independence.html "Cato Institute Is Caught in a Rift Over Its Direction," New York Times, March 6, 2012]</ref> and has been called "one of the most powerful conservative organizations in electoral politics".<ref>[http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/03/01/behind_the_cato_koch_kerfuffle.html "Behind the Cato-Koch Kerfuffle," Slate, March 1, 2012]</ref>

==Background==
Americans for Prosperity was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] 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> remained chairman of FreedomWorks, while [[David H. Koch]] remained chairman of the AFP Foundation. Like CSE, AFP was founded with the support of [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles Koch]], both 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101015060122/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all| archivedate= 15 October 2010 | deadurl= no}}</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>

===Mission===
Americans for Prosperity describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government. The organization focuses on eight issue areas: budget and spending; taxes; property rights; health care and entitlements; banking and financial services; labor, education, and pensions; energy and environment; and technology.<ref name=about>{{cite web|title=About Americans for Prosperity|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/about|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref>

According to AFP, their mission is to promote "limited government and free markets on the local, state, and federal levels", and to do so, they support:<ref name=about/>
* Cutting taxes and government spending in order to halt the encroachment of government in the economic lives of citizens by fighting proposed tax increases and pointing out evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse.
* Removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and opportunity by sparking citizen involvement early in the regulatory process in order to reduce red tape.
* Restoring fairness to the judicial system.

==Leadership and structure==
Like its predecessor, [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]], and other advocacy groups (for example, the [[National Taxpayers Union]]), Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity, a [[501(c)(4)]] organization established in 2004, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a [[501(c)(3)]] organization established in 1984.

On the national level, Americans for Prosperity is led by its president, [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]. From 2003-2007, AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]], the president of MediaSpeak Strategies. Other current executive staff include Chief Operating Officer Luke Hilgemann and Vice President of State Operations Teresa Oelke.<ref>{{cite web|title=Staff|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/staff/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref> [[James C. Miller]], James E. Stephenson, Frayda Levy, Richard Fink, and Nancy Pfotenhauer serve on the board of directors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Directors|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/directors/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref>

As of March 2012, Americans for Prosperity had 1.9 million members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/catching-up-with-tim-phillips-of-americans-for-prosperity.html |title=Tim Phillips, New York Times, March 3, 2012, accessed Mar 2012 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2012-03-18}}</ref> AFP had its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which oversees 35 state chapters.<ref name=about/>

==Funding==
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of these expenditures, $2.1 million went to national office operations and $2.9 million went to the state-based chapters. By 2010, AFP's and the AFP Foundation's combined budget was $40 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nonprofit Report for Americans for Prosperity Foundation|url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/52-1527294/americans-prosperity-foundation.aspx|work=[[GuideStar]]|publisher=GuideStar USA, Inc|accessdate=May 8, 2012}}</ref>

Based on the AFP Foundation's financial operations and programs, the independent nonprofit review organization, [[Charity Navigator]], gave it a three-star rating out of four stars overall - four stars for financial operations, and two for accountability and transparency - and 53.8 out of a possible 70 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110629022528/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511| archivedate= 29 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

According to AFP, 90,000 people across 50 states have donated to AFP or the AFP Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Browning|first=William|title=Americans for Prosperity by the Numbers|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-numbers-172200443.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[Yahoo! News]] Contributor Network|date=October 17, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

==Events==
Since 2007, the AFP Foundation has hosted the "Defending the American Dream Summit", which is now the second largest annual gathering of conservatives in Washington, DC (the first is the [[Conservative Political Action Conference]]). Topics have included government spending and taxation, health care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation. Presidential candidates who attended the inaugural event included [[Rudy Giuliani]], [[Mike Huckabee]], [[John McCain]], [[Ron Paul]], [[Sam Brownback]], [[Mitt Romney]], and [[Fred Thompson]]. 2,000 people attended the 2011 summit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title='Occupiers' Attack Defending the American Dream Summit|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.com/110911-occupiers-attack-defending-american-dream-summit|accessdate=May 8, 2012|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|date=November 8, 2011}}</ref>

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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110126005750/http://americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast| archivedate= 26 January 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> AFP created the "Cost of Hot Air Tour", a nationwide tour that included [[webcast]]s from the [[United Nations]] meetings [[2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference|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 [[2010 United Nations Climate Change Conference|COP16]] in Cancun in 2010.

In 2008, in the same city ([[Austin, Texas]]) and at the same time (July) as the liberal [[Netroots Nation]] conference, AFP hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers and activists that aimed to develop conservative social media strategies.<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><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> RightOnline has since become an annual event, with 1,500 attendees in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/conservative-fun-with-andrew-breitbart-et-al-at-right-online/240646/ |title=Conservative Fun with Andrew Breitbart et al. at Right Online - Tina Dupuy - Politics - The Atlantic}}</ref>

In 2011, in conjunction with [[Sarah Palin]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Schultz|first=Zac|title=Sarah Palin Travels To Madison|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Sarah_Palin_to_Visit_Madison_119856054.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[WMTV]]|date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> AFP helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic|Madison, Wisconsin]], where Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]'s budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. President Phillips said Walker's proposed cuts were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits".<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> After the budget reforms in [[Wisconsin]] passed, the AFP Foundation initiated an advertising and town-hall effort called "It's Working!" to promote them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/its-rally-season-in-wisconsin-c24gjov-142091613.html |title=Capitol rally to mark one year since Act 10 - JSOnline |publisher=JSOnline |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

Also in 2011, AFP sponsored the first debate among the Republican presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Candidates who participated included [[Mitt Romney]], [[Tim Pawlenty]], [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Rick Santorum]], and [[Herman Cain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/04/americans_for_p.html |title=Americans For Prosperity Dinner live blog - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com |publisher=Boston Globe |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

AFP announced plans to participate in a rally protesting the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] during the Supreme Court's oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the law.<ref name=ppacarallies>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/us/politics/white-house-works-to-shape-debate-over-health-law.html | title=White House Works to Shape Debate Over Health Law | first=Robert | last=Pear | date=March 9, 2012 | work=New York Times}}</ref>

==Programs==

===No Climate Tax Pledge===
In 2008, AFP circulated an anti-tax pledge to government officials at the federal, state, and local levels. A candidate who signs the "No Climate Tax Pledge" vows to "oppose any legislation relating to [[climate change]] that includes a net increase in state or local government revenue."<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]] and Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Jeff Flake]], and [[Fred Upton]]. Of the 12 Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2011, nine have signed the pledge.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/06/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206 Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power], Los Angeles Times, February 6, 2011</ref>

===Health Care===
In May 2009, AFP launched Patients United Now, a project to, according to their website, oppose "a government takeover of the United States health care system."<ref>[http://patientsunitednow.com/?q=about Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], About | Patients United Now</ref>

Patients United Now ran television ads advancing this viewpoint. In one ad, a Canadian woman, [[Shona Holmes health care incident|Shona Holmes]], says she was not able to get timely treatment for brain tumor surgery and ultimately was treated in the U.S. Columnist [[David Lazarus]] of the ''Los Angeles Times'' responded that the Canadian government does not offer medical treatment but has a government-run insurance program.<ref name="Lazarus">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-fi-lazarus9-2009aug09,0,3572458.column |title=Healthcare debate framed by fear-mongering ads|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2009-08-09 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Amy Menefee, a spokeswoman for Patients United Now, stated that "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."

Also in 2009, AFP initiated the Hands Off My Healthcare Tour, which sponsored 250<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title=President Obama's health care law is unraveling|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/29/president-obamas-health-care-law-is-unraveling/|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Caller]]|date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> rallies and collected signatures in an effort to raise awareness about free-market-based health care reforms.<ref>[http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/612300/group-protests-obama-s-push-for-health-care-reform/ Group protests Obama's push for health care reform], July 22, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.wect.com/story/10865825/americans-for-prosperity-protest-the-presidents-health-care-plan Americans for Prosperity protest the President's health care plan] August 7, 2009</ref>

===Net Neutrality===
AFP has been an active member of the [[Internet Freedom Coalition]].<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/story/conservative-group-takes-aim-at-net-neutrality-2011-03-09?mod=wsj_share_tweet</ref><ref>http://www.internetfreedomcoalition.com/?p=419</ref>

==Activities==
During the 2010 election cycle, AFP claims to have spent $40 million on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing. Of the six freshman Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2010, five benefitted from AFP ads and grassroots activity.<ref name='LATimes2011-02'>{{cite news | first = Tom | last = Hamburger | coauthors = Kathleen Hennessey, Neela Banerjee | title = Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power | date = 2011-02-06 | publisher = [[Tribune Company]] | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = 2011-02-06| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110217132904/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story| archivedate= 17 February 2011 | deadurl= no}}</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>John Gallagher, [http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab Conservative group: Fake eviction notices were 'meant to startle people'] ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' Jun. 7, 2011</ref>

In August 2011, AFP "sent absentee voter applications instructing voters to return the paperwork two days late in at least two recall elections."<ref name=Opoien>{{cite web|url=http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=34266|title=Unofficial absentee ballot mailings raise voter intimidation issues in Wisconsin recall elections|first=Jessica|last=Opoien|accessdate=November 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Opoien/> 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 16."<ref>{{cite web|last=Sargent|first=Greg|title=Americans for Prosperity sent misleading absentee ballot far more widely than previously known|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/americans-for-prosperity-sent-misleading-absentee-ballot-far-more-widely-than-previously-known/2011/03/03/gIQAxhcywI_blog.html|work=Washington Post|accessdate=21 November 2011}}</ref>

In 2011, AFP said that it would review payments it had made to [[Mark Block]]'s Prosperity USA, which allegedly made improper payments to the [[Herman Cain presidential campaign, 2012]].<ref>Stone, Peter H. [http://www.iwatchnews.org/2011/11/03/7279/koch-related-group-reviewing-financial-transactions-cain-aides-charity "Koch-related group is reviewing financial transactions with Cain aide's charity."] ''iWatch News'', 3 November 2011.</ref><ref>Bice, Daniel. [http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/state-firms-cash-to-herman-cain-may-breach-federal-campaign-tax-laws-132898423.html "State firm's cash to Herman Cain may breach federal campaign, tax laws."] ''Journal Sentinel'', 30 October 2011.</ref><ref>Benjamin, Mark. [http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/01/the-other-cain-scandal-campaign-transactions-may-have-broken-federal-law/ "The Other Cain Scandal: Campaign Transactions May Have Broken Federal Law."] ''Time Magazine'', 1 November 2011.</ref> As a tax-exempt charity, Prosperity USA is prohibited from donating money or services to a political campaign.<ref>Eggen, Dan. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/herman-cain-campaigns-financial-ties-to-wisconsin-charity-questioned/2011/10/31/gIQAJ61gZM_story.html "Herman Cain campaign's financial ties to Wisconsin charity questioned."] ''Washington Post'', 31 October 2011.</ref> According to an internal review, the payments were proper since they occurred before Cain launched his campaign.<ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/americans-prosperity-our-reimbursements-herman-cain-were-legal_607897.html "Americans for Prosperity: Our Reimbursements to Herman Cain Were Legal," John McCormack, Weekly Standard, November 9, 2011]</ref>

===2012 presidential election===
From 2011-2012, in what the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' called "perhaps the biggest attack on Mr. Obama so far in the 2012 election campaign,"<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref> AFP spent $8.4 million ($2.4 in 2011<ref>[http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/11/28/377053/koch-americans-for-prosperity-solyndra-attack-ad-video/ "Koch-Fueled Americans for Prosperity Spends $2.4 Million on Solyndra Attack Ad (VIDEO)"], Stephen Lacey, ThinkProgress, November 28, 2011)</ref> and $6 million in 2012<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ "Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref>) on television ads that criticized the federal loan to now-bankrupt manufacturer of solar panels, Solyndra.

In September 2012, the ''[[Washington Post]]'' called AFP "One of the major players on the right", reporting that AFP planned to spend $125 million on the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 United States presidential election]]. President Phillips said the organization has 116 staff members on the ground targeting 9 million voters who are undecided about how to assess Obama's economic record.<ref name=presidential>{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/conservative-groups-reaching-new-levels-of-sophistication-in-mobilizing-voters/2012/09/20/3c3cd8e8-026c-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_story.html| title= Conservative groups reaching new levels of sophistication in mobilizing voters | work=[[Washington Post]] | coauthors=Peter Wallsten, Tom Hamburger| date=September 20, 2012|accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>

==Criticism==
In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House argued that AFP and the AFP Foundation are a de facto political action group, thus violating 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> President Obama said: "Right now all around this country there are groups with harmless-sounding names like Americans for Prosperity, who are running millions of dollars of ads against Democratic candidates all across the country. And they don't have to say who exactly the Americans for Prosperity are. You don't know if it's a foreign-controlled corporation. You don't know if it's a big oil company, or a big bank."<ref name=thefix>{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/who-is-americans-for-prosperit.html | title=Who is "Americans for Prosperity"? | work=Washington Post | first=Felicia | last=Sonmez | date=August 26, 2010}}</ref> The administration later called AFP a "special-interest front group run by the oil billionaire Koch brothers," who it said are "obsessed with making Barack Obama a one-term president."<ref name=ppacarallies/> In response, Phillips called the idea that AFP is taking money from foreign sources "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 saw an increase in financial contributions, explaining 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/>

Also in August 2010, the [[Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]] (DCCC) filed a complaint against AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFP Foundation 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> On May 6, 2011, the Federal Election Commission dismissed the complaint.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly Digest: Week of May 2 - 4|url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2011/20110506_digest.shtml|publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=May 8, 2012|date=May 6, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

A May 2012 ad criticizing the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]] was rated by the nonpartisan fact checking organization [[PolitiFact.com]] as one of "the sneakiest" of the election cycle to that point. Claims from the ad were judged to be "Mostly False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded traffic lights in China|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-streetlights-c/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> "False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded jobs in Finland|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-jobs-finland/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> and "Pants on Fire",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded a solar company building a Mexico plant|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/02/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-solar-company-/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> the organization's lowest rating of truth. A separate analysis of the entire ad showed problems with the truth of every one of the ad's claims.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowers|first=Becky|title=Line by line: How an ad uses sleight-of-hand to distort facts on stimulus|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2012/may/04/line-line-sleight-hand-afp/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Political activities of the Koch brothers]]
* [[Tito the Builder]]<ref name="insidenova">{{cite news
|url=http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2011/apr/14/tito-builder-considering-state-politics-ar-973334/|date=April 14, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2011|title=Tito the Builder considering state politics|publisher=insidenova|first=Keith|last=Walker}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Americans for Prosperity}}
* [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php Americans for Prosperity]
* [http://www.americansforprosperityfoundation.com/ Americans for Prosperity Foundation]
* [http://www.politifact.com/personalities/americans-prosperity/ File] at [[PolitiFact]]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cmte=C30001051 Profile] at [[OpenSecrets.org]]

{{Koch family}}
{{Tea Party movement}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Americans For Prosperity}}
[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Think tanks based in the United States]]
[[Category:Political and economic think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations]]
[[Category:Koch family]]
[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]

Americans for Prosperity

2013-09-12T05:48:29Z

Polmandc: /* Events */ disamb.

{{Infobox Organization
|name = Americans for Prosperity
|image_border = AFProsperity.png
|caption =
|membership =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|extinction =
|type = Non-profit political advocacy group
|status =
|purpose = AFP is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process.<ref name=about/>
|headquarters = [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|formation = 2004
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]
|leader_title2 = Executive Vice President
|leader_name2 = [[Tracy Henke]]
|website = [http://www.americansforprosperity.org www.americansforprosperity.org]}}

'''Americans for Prosperity''' ('''AFP''') is an [[American conservative]] [[political advocacy group]] headquartered in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Temple-West
| first = Patrick
| coauthors = Alina Selyukh
| title = IRS steps up scrutiny of tax-exempt political groups
| work = Reuters
| location = Washington
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| date = 2012-06-29
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/29/us-usa-campaign-irs-idUSBRE85S09420120629
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| title = Wealthy outside political groups find a home in Minnesota
| work = MPR News
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/25/politics/wealthy-outside-political-groups-target-minnesota/
}}</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/12/americans-prosperity-slams-obama-suggesting-foreign-influence/</ref> AFP's stated mission is "educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing citizens as advocates in the public policy process".<ref name=about/> The group played a major role in the 2010 [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] takeover of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/us/cato-institute-and-koch-in-rift-over-independence.html "Cato Institute Is Caught in a Rift Over Its Direction," New York Times, March 6, 2012]</ref> and has been called "one of the most powerful conservative organizations in electoral politics".<ref>[http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/03/01/behind_the_cato_koch_kerfuffle.html "Behind the Cato-Koch Kerfuffle," Slate, March 1, 2012]</ref>

==Background==
Americans for Prosperity was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] 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> remained chairman of FreedomWorks, while [[David H. Koch]] remained chairman of the AFP Foundation. Like CSE, AFP was founded with the support of [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles Koch]], both 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101015060122/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all| archivedate= 15 October 2010 | deadurl= no}}</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>

===Mission===
Americans for Prosperity describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government. The organization focuses on eight issue areas: budget and spending; taxes; property rights; health care and entitlements; banking and financial services; labor, education, and pensions; energy and environment; and technology.<ref name=about>{{cite web|title=About Americans for Prosperity|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/about|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref>

According to AFP, their mission is to promote "limited government and free markets on the local, state, and federal levels", and to do so, they support:<ref name=about/>
* Cutting taxes and government spending in order to halt the encroachment of government in the economic lives of citizens by fighting proposed tax increases and pointing out evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse.
* Removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and opportunity by sparking citizen involvement early in the regulatory process in order to reduce red tape.
* Restoring fairness to the judicial system.

==Leadership and structure==
Like its predecessor, [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]], and other advocacy groups (for example, the [[National Taxpayers Union]]), Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity, a [[501(c)(4)]] organization established in 2004, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a [[501(c)(3)]] organization established in 1984.

On the national level, Americans for Prosperity is led by its president, [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]. From 2003-2007, AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]], the president of MediaSpeak Strategies. Other current executive staff include Chief Operating Officer Luke Hilgemann and Vice President of State Operations Teresa Oelke.<ref>{{cite web|title=Staff|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/staff/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref> [[James C. Miller]], James E. Stephenson, Frayda Levy, Richard Fink, and Nancy Pfotenhauer serve on the board of directors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Directors|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/directors/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref>

As of March 2012, Americans for Prosperity had 1.9 million members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/catching-up-with-tim-phillips-of-americans-for-prosperity.html |title=Tim Phillips, New York Times, March 3, 2012, accessed Mar 2012 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2012-03-18}}</ref> AFP had its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which oversees 35 state chapters.<ref name=about/>

==Funding==
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of these expenditures, $2.1 million went to national office operations and $2.9 million went to the state-based chapters. By 2010, AFP's and the AFP Foundation's combined budget was $40 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nonprofit Report for Americans for Prosperity Foundation|url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/52-1527294/americans-prosperity-foundation.aspx|work=[[GuideStar]]|publisher=GuideStar USA, Inc|accessdate=May 8, 2012}}</ref>

Based on the AFP Foundation's financial operations and programs, the independent nonprofit review organization, [[Charity Navigator]], gave it a three-star rating out of four stars overall - four stars for financial operations, and two for accountability and transparency - and 53.8 out of a possible 70 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110629022528/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511| archivedate= 29 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

According to AFP, 90,000 people across 50 states have donated to AFP or the AFP Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Browning|first=William|title=Americans for Prosperity by the Numbers|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-numbers-172200443.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[Yahoo! News]] Contributor Network|date=October 17, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

==Events==
Since 2007, the AFP Foundation has hosted the "Defending the American Dream Summit", which is now the second largest annual gathering of conservatives in Washington, DC (the first is the [[Conservative Political Action Conference]]). Topics have included government spending and taxation, health care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation. Presidential candidates who attended the inaugural event included [[Rudy Giuliani]], [[Mike Huckabee]], [[John McCain]], [[Ron Paul]], [[Sam Brownback]], [[Mitt Romney]], and [[Fred Thompson]]. 2,000 people attended the 2011 summit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title='Occupiers' Attack Defending the American Dream Summit|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.com/110911-occupiers-attack-defending-american-dream-summit|accessdate=May 8, 2012|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|date=November 8, 2011}}</ref>

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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110126005750/http://americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast| archivedate= 26 January 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> AFP created the "Cost of Hot Air Tour", a nationwide tour that included [[webcast]]s from the [[United Nations]] meetings [[2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference|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 [[2010 United Nations Climate Change Conference|COP16]] in Cancun in 2010.

In 2008, in the same city ([[Austin, Texas]]) and at the same time (July) as the liberal [http://www.NetrootsNation.org/ Netroots Nation] conference, AFP hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers and activists that aimed to develop conservative social media strategies.<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><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> RightOnline has since become an annual event, with 1,500 attendees in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/conservative-fun-with-andrew-breitbart-et-al-at-right-online/240646/ |title=Conservative Fun with Andrew Breitbart et al. at Right Online - Tina Dupuy - Politics - The Atlantic}}</ref>

In 2011, in conjunction with [[Sarah Palin]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Schultz|first=Zac|title=Sarah Palin Travels To Madison|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Sarah_Palin_to_Visit_Madison_119856054.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[WMTV]]|date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> AFP helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic|Madison, Wisconsin]], where Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]'s budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. President Phillips said Walker's proposed cuts were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits".<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> After the budget reforms in [[Wisconsin]] passed, the AFP Foundation initiated an advertising and town-hall effort called "It's Working!" to promote them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/its-rally-season-in-wisconsin-c24gjov-142091613.html |title=Capitol rally to mark one year since Act 10 - JSOnline |publisher=JSOnline |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

Also in 2011, AFP sponsored the first debate among the Republican presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Candidates who participated included [[Mitt Romney]], [[Tim Pawlenty]], [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Rick Santorum]], and [[Herman Cain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/04/americans_for_p.html |title=Americans For Prosperity Dinner live blog - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com |publisher=Boston Globe |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

AFP announced plans to participate in a rally protesting the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] during the Supreme Court's oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the law.<ref name=ppacarallies>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/us/politics/white-house-works-to-shape-debate-over-health-law.html | title=White House Works to Shape Debate Over Health Law | first=Robert | last=Pear | date=March 9, 2012 | work=New York Times}}</ref>

==Programs==

===No Climate Tax Pledge===
In 2008, AFP circulated an anti-tax pledge to government officials at the federal, state, and local levels. A candidate who signs the "No Climate Tax Pledge" vows to "oppose any legislation relating to [[climate change]] that includes a net increase in state or local government revenue."<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]] and Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Jeff Flake]], and [[Fred Upton]]. Of the 12 Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2011, nine have signed the pledge.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/06/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206 Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power], Los Angeles Times, February 6, 2011</ref>

===Health Care===
In May 2009, AFP launched Patients United Now, a project to, according to their website, oppose "a government takeover of the United States health care system."<ref>[http://patientsunitednow.com/?q=about Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], About | Patients United Now</ref>

Patients United Now ran television ads advancing this viewpoint. In one ad, a Canadian woman, [[Shona Holmes health care incident|Shona Holmes]], says she was not able to get timely treatment for brain tumor surgery and ultimately was treated in the U.S. Columnist [[David Lazarus]] of the ''Los Angeles Times'' responded that the Canadian government does not offer medical treatment but has a government-run insurance program.<ref name="Lazarus">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-fi-lazarus9-2009aug09,0,3572458.column |title=Healthcare debate framed by fear-mongering ads|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2009-08-09 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Amy Menefee, a spokeswoman for Patients United Now, stated that "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."

Also in 2009, AFP initiated the Hands Off My Healthcare Tour, which sponsored 250<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title=President Obama's health care law is unraveling|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/29/president-obamas-health-care-law-is-unraveling/|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Caller]]|date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> rallies and collected signatures in an effort to raise awareness about free-market-based health care reforms.<ref>[http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/612300/group-protests-obama-s-push-for-health-care-reform/ Group protests Obama's push for health care reform], July 22, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.wect.com/story/10865825/americans-for-prosperity-protest-the-presidents-health-care-plan Americans for Prosperity protest the President's health care plan] August 7, 2009</ref>

===Net Neutrality===
AFP has been an active member of the [[Internet Freedom Coalition]].<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/story/conservative-group-takes-aim-at-net-neutrality-2011-03-09?mod=wsj_share_tweet</ref><ref>http://www.internetfreedomcoalition.com/?p=419</ref>

==Activities==
During the 2010 election cycle, AFP claims to have spent $40 million on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing. Of the six freshman Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2010, five benefitted from AFP ads and grassroots activity.<ref name='LATimes2011-02'>{{cite news | first = Tom | last = Hamburger | coauthors = Kathleen Hennessey, Neela Banerjee | title = Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power | date = 2011-02-06 | publisher = [[Tribune Company]] | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = 2011-02-06| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110217132904/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story| archivedate= 17 February 2011 | deadurl= no}}</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>John Gallagher, [http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab Conservative group: Fake eviction notices were 'meant to startle people'] ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' Jun. 7, 2011</ref>

In August 2011, AFP "sent absentee voter applications instructing voters to return the paperwork two days late in at least two recall elections."<ref name=Opoien>{{cite web|url=http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=34266|title=Unofficial absentee ballot mailings raise voter intimidation issues in Wisconsin recall elections|first=Jessica|last=Opoien|accessdate=November 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Opoien/> 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 16."<ref>{{cite web|last=Sargent|first=Greg|title=Americans for Prosperity sent misleading absentee ballot far more widely than previously known|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/americans-for-prosperity-sent-misleading-absentee-ballot-far-more-widely-than-previously-known/2011/03/03/gIQAxhcywI_blog.html|work=Washington Post|accessdate=21 November 2011}}</ref>

In 2011, AFP said that it would review payments it had made to [[Mark Block]]'s Prosperity USA, which allegedly made improper payments to the [[Herman Cain presidential campaign, 2012]].<ref>Stone, Peter H. [http://www.iwatchnews.org/2011/11/03/7279/koch-related-group-reviewing-financial-transactions-cain-aides-charity "Koch-related group is reviewing financial transactions with Cain aide's charity."] ''iWatch News'', 3 November 2011.</ref><ref>Bice, Daniel. [http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/state-firms-cash-to-herman-cain-may-breach-federal-campaign-tax-laws-132898423.html "State firm's cash to Herman Cain may breach federal campaign, tax laws."] ''Journal Sentinel'', 30 October 2011.</ref><ref>Benjamin, Mark. [http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/01/the-other-cain-scandal-campaign-transactions-may-have-broken-federal-law/ "The Other Cain Scandal: Campaign Transactions May Have Broken Federal Law."] ''Time Magazine'', 1 November 2011.</ref> As a tax-exempt charity, Prosperity USA is prohibited from donating money or services to a political campaign.<ref>Eggen, Dan. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/herman-cain-campaigns-financial-ties-to-wisconsin-charity-questioned/2011/10/31/gIQAJ61gZM_story.html "Herman Cain campaign's financial ties to Wisconsin charity questioned."] ''Washington Post'', 31 October 2011.</ref> According to an internal review, the payments were proper since they occurred before Cain launched his campaign.<ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/americans-prosperity-our-reimbursements-herman-cain-were-legal_607897.html "Americans for Prosperity: Our Reimbursements to Herman Cain Were Legal," John McCormack, Weekly Standard, November 9, 2011]</ref>

===2012 presidential election===
From 2011-2012, in what the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' called "perhaps the biggest attack on Mr. Obama so far in the 2012 election campaign,"<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref> AFP spent $8.4 million ($2.4 in 2011<ref>[http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/11/28/377053/koch-americans-for-prosperity-solyndra-attack-ad-video/ "Koch-Fueled Americans for Prosperity Spends $2.4 Million on Solyndra Attack Ad (VIDEO)"], Stephen Lacey, ThinkProgress, November 28, 2011)</ref> and $6 million in 2012<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ "Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref>) on television ads that criticized the federal loan to now-bankrupt manufacturer of solar panels, Solyndra.

In September 2012, the ''[[Washington Post]]'' called AFP "One of the major players on the right", reporting that AFP planned to spend $125 million on the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 United States presidential election]]. President Phillips said the organization has 116 staff members on the ground targeting 9 million voters who are undecided about how to assess Obama's economic record.<ref name=presidential>{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/conservative-groups-reaching-new-levels-of-sophistication-in-mobilizing-voters/2012/09/20/3c3cd8e8-026c-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_story.html| title= Conservative groups reaching new levels of sophistication in mobilizing voters | work=[[Washington Post]] | coauthors=Peter Wallsten, Tom Hamburger| date=September 20, 2012|accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>

==Criticism==
In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House argued that AFP and the AFP Foundation are a de facto political action group, thus violating 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> President Obama said: "Right now all around this country there are groups with harmless-sounding names like Americans for Prosperity, who are running millions of dollars of ads against Democratic candidates all across the country. And they don't have to say who exactly the Americans for Prosperity are. You don't know if it's a foreign-controlled corporation. You don't know if it's a big oil company, or a big bank."<ref name=thefix>{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/who-is-americans-for-prosperit.html | title=Who is "Americans for Prosperity"? | work=Washington Post | first=Felicia | last=Sonmez | date=August 26, 2010}}</ref> The administration later called AFP a "special-interest front group run by the oil billionaire Koch brothers," who it said are "obsessed with making Barack Obama a one-term president."<ref name=ppacarallies/> In response, Phillips called the idea that AFP is taking money from foreign sources "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 saw an increase in financial contributions, explaining 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/>

Also in August 2010, the [[Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]] (DCCC) filed a complaint against AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFP Foundation 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> On May 6, 2011, the Federal Election Commission dismissed the complaint.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly Digest: Week of May 2 - 4|url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2011/20110506_digest.shtml|publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=May 8, 2012|date=May 6, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

A May 2012 ad criticizing the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]] was rated by the nonpartisan fact checking organization [[PolitiFact.com]] as one of "the sneakiest" of the election cycle to that point. Claims from the ad were judged to be "Mostly False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded traffic lights in China|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-streetlights-c/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> "False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded jobs in Finland|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-jobs-finland/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> and "Pants on Fire",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded a solar company building a Mexico plant|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/02/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-solar-company-/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> the organization's lowest rating of truth. A separate analysis of the entire ad showed problems with the truth of every one of the ad's claims.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowers|first=Becky|title=Line by line: How an ad uses sleight-of-hand to distort facts on stimulus|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2012/may/04/line-line-sleight-hand-afp/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Political activities of the Koch brothers]]
* [[Tito the Builder]]<ref name="insidenova">{{cite news
|url=http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2011/apr/14/tito-builder-considering-state-politics-ar-973334/|date=April 14, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2011|title=Tito the Builder considering state politics|publisher=insidenova|first=Keith|last=Walker}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Americans for Prosperity}}
* [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php Americans for Prosperity]
* [http://www.americansforprosperityfoundation.com/ Americans for Prosperity Foundation]
* [http://www.politifact.com/personalities/americans-prosperity/ File] at [[PolitiFact]]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cmte=C30001051 Profile] at [[OpenSecrets.org]]

{{Koch family}}
{{Tea Party movement}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Americans For Prosperity}}
[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Think tanks based in the United States]]
[[Category:Political and economic think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations]]
[[Category:Koch family]]
[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]

Americans for Prosperity

2013-09-12T05:45:19Z

Polmandc: /* Events */ quotation marks

{{Infobox Organization
|name = Americans for Prosperity
|image_border = AFProsperity.png
|caption =
|membership =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|extinction =
|type = Non-profit political advocacy group
|status =
|purpose = AFP is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process.<ref name=about/>
|headquarters = [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|formation = 2004
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]
|leader_title2 = Executive Vice President
|leader_name2 = [[Tracy Henke]]
|website = [http://www.americansforprosperity.org www.americansforprosperity.org]}}

'''Americans for Prosperity''' ('''AFP''') is an [[American conservative]] [[political advocacy group]] headquartered in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Temple-West
| first = Patrick
| coauthors = Alina Selyukh
| title = IRS steps up scrutiny of tax-exempt political groups
| work = Reuters
| location = Washington
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| date = 2012-06-29
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/29/us-usa-campaign-irs-idUSBRE85S09420120629
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| title = Wealthy outside political groups find a home in Minnesota
| work = MPR News
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/25/politics/wealthy-outside-political-groups-target-minnesota/
}}</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/12/americans-prosperity-slams-obama-suggesting-foreign-influence/</ref> AFP's stated mission is "educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing citizens as advocates in the public policy process".<ref name=about/> The group played a major role in the 2010 [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] takeover of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/us/cato-institute-and-koch-in-rift-over-independence.html "Cato Institute Is Caught in a Rift Over Its Direction," New York Times, March 6, 2012]</ref> and has been called "one of the most powerful conservative organizations in electoral politics".<ref>[http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/03/01/behind_the_cato_koch_kerfuffle.html "Behind the Cato-Koch Kerfuffle," Slate, March 1, 2012]</ref>

==Background==
Americans for Prosperity was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] 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> remained chairman of FreedomWorks, while [[David H. Koch]] remained chairman of the AFP Foundation. Like CSE, AFP was founded with the support of [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles Koch]], both 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101015060122/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all| archivedate= 15 October 2010 | deadurl= no}}</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>

===Mission===
Americans for Prosperity describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government. The organization focuses on eight issue areas: budget and spending; taxes; property rights; health care and entitlements; banking and financial services; labor, education, and pensions; energy and environment; and technology.<ref name=about>{{cite web|title=About Americans for Prosperity|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/about|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref>

According to AFP, their mission is to promote "limited government and free markets on the local, state, and federal levels", and to do so, they support:<ref name=about/>
* Cutting taxes and government spending in order to halt the encroachment of government in the economic lives of citizens by fighting proposed tax increases and pointing out evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse.
* Removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and opportunity by sparking citizen involvement early in the regulatory process in order to reduce red tape.
* Restoring fairness to the judicial system.

==Leadership and structure==
Like its predecessor, [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]], and other advocacy groups (for example, the [[National Taxpayers Union]]), Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity, a [[501(c)(4)]] organization established in 2004, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a [[501(c)(3)]] organization established in 1984.

On the national level, Americans for Prosperity is led by its president, [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]. From 2003-2007, AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]], the president of MediaSpeak Strategies. Other current executive staff include Chief Operating Officer Luke Hilgemann and Vice President of State Operations Teresa Oelke.<ref>{{cite web|title=Staff|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/staff/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref> [[James C. Miller]], James E. Stephenson, Frayda Levy, Richard Fink, and Nancy Pfotenhauer serve on the board of directors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Directors|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/directors/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref>

As of March 2012, Americans for Prosperity had 1.9 million members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/catching-up-with-tim-phillips-of-americans-for-prosperity.html |title=Tim Phillips, New York Times, March 3, 2012, accessed Mar 2012 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2012-03-18}}</ref> AFP had its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which oversees 35 state chapters.<ref name=about/>

==Funding==
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of these expenditures, $2.1 million went to national office operations and $2.9 million went to the state-based chapters. By 2010, AFP's and the AFP Foundation's combined budget was $40 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nonprofit Report for Americans for Prosperity Foundation|url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/52-1527294/americans-prosperity-foundation.aspx|work=[[GuideStar]]|publisher=GuideStar USA, Inc|accessdate=May 8, 2012}}</ref>

Based on the AFP Foundation's financial operations and programs, the independent nonprofit review organization, [[Charity Navigator]], gave it a three-star rating out of four stars overall - four stars for financial operations, and two for accountability and transparency - and 53.8 out of a possible 70 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110629022528/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511| archivedate= 29 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

According to AFP, 90,000 people across 50 states have donated to AFP or the AFP Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Browning|first=William|title=Americans for Prosperity by the Numbers|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-numbers-172200443.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[Yahoo! News]] Contributor Network|date=October 17, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

==Events==
Since 2007, the AFP Foundation has hosted the "Defending the American Dream Summit", which is now the second largest annual gathering of conservatives in Washington, DC (the first is the [[Conservative Political Action Conference]]). Topics have included government spending and taxation, health care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation. Presidential candidates who attended the inaugural event included [[Rudy Giuliani]], [[Mike Huckabee]], [[John McCain]], [[Ron Paul]], [[Sam Brownback]], [[Mitt Romney]], and [[Fred Thompson]]. 2,000 people attended the 2011 summit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title='Occupiers' Attack Defending the American Dream Summit|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.com/110911-occupiers-attack-defending-american-dream-summit|accessdate=May 8, 2012|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|date=November 8, 2011}}</ref>

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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110126005750/http://americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast| archivedate= 26 January 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> AFP created the "Cost of Hot Air Tour", a nationwide tour that included [[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.

In 2008, in the same city ([[Austin, Texas]]) and at the same time (July) as the liberal [http://www.NetrootsNation.org/ Netroots Nation] conference, AFP hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers and activists that aimed to develop conservative social media strategies.<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><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> RightOnline has since become an annual event, with 1,500 attendees in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/conservative-fun-with-andrew-breitbart-et-al-at-right-online/240646/ |title=Conservative Fun with Andrew Breitbart et al. at Right Online - Tina Dupuy - Politics - The Atlantic}}</ref>

In 2011, in conjunction with [[Sarah Palin]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Schultz|first=Zac|title=Sarah Palin Travels To Madison|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Sarah_Palin_to_Visit_Madison_119856054.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[WMTV]]|date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> AFP helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic|Madison, Wisconsin]], where Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]'s budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. President Phillips said Walker's proposed cuts were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits".<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> After the budget reforms in [[Wisconsin]] passed, the AFP Foundation initiated an advertising and town-hall effort called "It's Working!" to promote them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/its-rally-season-in-wisconsin-c24gjov-142091613.html |title=Capitol rally to mark one year since Act 10 - JSOnline |publisher=JSOnline |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

Also in 2011, AFP sponsored the first debate among the Republican presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Candidates who participated included [[Mitt Romney]], [[Tim Pawlenty]], [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Rick Santorum]], and [[Herman Cain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/04/americans_for_p.html |title=Americans For Prosperity Dinner live blog - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com |publisher=Boston Globe |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

AFP announced plans to participate in a rally protesting the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] during the Supreme Court's oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the law.<ref name=ppacarallies>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/us/politics/white-house-works-to-shape-debate-over-health-law.html | title=White House Works to Shape Debate Over Health Law | first=Robert | last=Pear | date=March 9, 2012 | work=New York Times}}</ref>

==Programs==

===No Climate Tax Pledge===
In 2008, AFP circulated an anti-tax pledge to government officials at the federal, state, and local levels. A candidate who signs the "No Climate Tax Pledge" vows to "oppose any legislation relating to [[climate change]] that includes a net increase in state or local government revenue."<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]] and Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Jeff Flake]], and [[Fred Upton]]. Of the 12 Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2011, nine have signed the pledge.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/06/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206 Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power], Los Angeles Times, February 6, 2011</ref>

===Health Care===
In May 2009, AFP launched Patients United Now, a project to, according to their website, oppose "a government takeover of the United States health care system."<ref>[http://patientsunitednow.com/?q=about Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], About | Patients United Now</ref>

Patients United Now ran television ads advancing this viewpoint. In one ad, a Canadian woman, [[Shona Holmes health care incident|Shona Holmes]], says she was not able to get timely treatment for brain tumor surgery and ultimately was treated in the U.S. Columnist [[David Lazarus]] of the ''Los Angeles Times'' responded that the Canadian government does not offer medical treatment but has a government-run insurance program.<ref name="Lazarus">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-fi-lazarus9-2009aug09,0,3572458.column |title=Healthcare debate framed by fear-mongering ads|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2009-08-09 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Amy Menefee, a spokeswoman for Patients United Now, stated that "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."

Also in 2009, AFP initiated the Hands Off My Healthcare Tour, which sponsored 250<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title=President Obama's health care law is unraveling|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/29/president-obamas-health-care-law-is-unraveling/|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Caller]]|date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> rallies and collected signatures in an effort to raise awareness about free-market-based health care reforms.<ref>[http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/612300/group-protests-obama-s-push-for-health-care-reform/ Group protests Obama's push for health care reform], July 22, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.wect.com/story/10865825/americans-for-prosperity-protest-the-presidents-health-care-plan Americans for Prosperity protest the President's health care plan] August 7, 2009</ref>

===Net Neutrality===
AFP has been an active member of the [[Internet Freedom Coalition]].<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/story/conservative-group-takes-aim-at-net-neutrality-2011-03-09?mod=wsj_share_tweet</ref><ref>http://www.internetfreedomcoalition.com/?p=419</ref>

==Activities==
During the 2010 election cycle, AFP claims to have spent $40 million on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing. Of the six freshman Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2010, five benefitted from AFP ads and grassroots activity.<ref name='LATimes2011-02'>{{cite news | first = Tom | last = Hamburger | coauthors = Kathleen Hennessey, Neela Banerjee | title = Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power | date = 2011-02-06 | publisher = [[Tribune Company]] | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = 2011-02-06| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110217132904/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story| archivedate= 17 February 2011 | deadurl= no}}</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>John Gallagher, [http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab Conservative group: Fake eviction notices were 'meant to startle people'] ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' Jun. 7, 2011</ref>

In August 2011, AFP "sent absentee voter applications instructing voters to return the paperwork two days late in at least two recall elections."<ref name=Opoien>{{cite web|url=http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=34266|title=Unofficial absentee ballot mailings raise voter intimidation issues in Wisconsin recall elections|first=Jessica|last=Opoien|accessdate=November 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Opoien/> 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 16."<ref>{{cite web|last=Sargent|first=Greg|title=Americans for Prosperity sent misleading absentee ballot far more widely than previously known|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/americans-for-prosperity-sent-misleading-absentee-ballot-far-more-widely-than-previously-known/2011/03/03/gIQAxhcywI_blog.html|work=Washington Post|accessdate=21 November 2011}}</ref>

In 2011, AFP said that it would review payments it had made to [[Mark Block]]'s Prosperity USA, which allegedly made improper payments to the [[Herman Cain presidential campaign, 2012]].<ref>Stone, Peter H. [http://www.iwatchnews.org/2011/11/03/7279/koch-related-group-reviewing-financial-transactions-cain-aides-charity "Koch-related group is reviewing financial transactions with Cain aide's charity."] ''iWatch News'', 3 November 2011.</ref><ref>Bice, Daniel. [http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/state-firms-cash-to-herman-cain-may-breach-federal-campaign-tax-laws-132898423.html "State firm's cash to Herman Cain may breach federal campaign, tax laws."] ''Journal Sentinel'', 30 October 2011.</ref><ref>Benjamin, Mark. [http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/01/the-other-cain-scandal-campaign-transactions-may-have-broken-federal-law/ "The Other Cain Scandal: Campaign Transactions May Have Broken Federal Law."] ''Time Magazine'', 1 November 2011.</ref> As a tax-exempt charity, Prosperity USA is prohibited from donating money or services to a political campaign.<ref>Eggen, Dan. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/herman-cain-campaigns-financial-ties-to-wisconsin-charity-questioned/2011/10/31/gIQAJ61gZM_story.html "Herman Cain campaign's financial ties to Wisconsin charity questioned."] ''Washington Post'', 31 October 2011.</ref> According to an internal review, the payments were proper since they occurred before Cain launched his campaign.<ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/americans-prosperity-our-reimbursements-herman-cain-were-legal_607897.html "Americans for Prosperity: Our Reimbursements to Herman Cain Were Legal," John McCormack, Weekly Standard, November 9, 2011]</ref>

===2012 presidential election===
From 2011-2012, in what the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' called "perhaps the biggest attack on Mr. Obama so far in the 2012 election campaign,"<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref> AFP spent $8.4 million ($2.4 in 2011<ref>[http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/11/28/377053/koch-americans-for-prosperity-solyndra-attack-ad-video/ "Koch-Fueled Americans for Prosperity Spends $2.4 Million on Solyndra Attack Ad (VIDEO)"], Stephen Lacey, ThinkProgress, November 28, 2011)</ref> and $6 million in 2012<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ "Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref>) on television ads that criticized the federal loan to now-bankrupt manufacturer of solar panels, Solyndra.

In September 2012, the ''[[Washington Post]]'' called AFP "One of the major players on the right", reporting that AFP planned to spend $125 million on the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 United States presidential election]]. President Phillips said the organization has 116 staff members on the ground targeting 9 million voters who are undecided about how to assess Obama's economic record.<ref name=presidential>{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/conservative-groups-reaching-new-levels-of-sophistication-in-mobilizing-voters/2012/09/20/3c3cd8e8-026c-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_story.html| title= Conservative groups reaching new levels of sophistication in mobilizing voters | work=[[Washington Post]] | coauthors=Peter Wallsten, Tom Hamburger| date=September 20, 2012|accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>

==Criticism==
In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House argued that AFP and the AFP Foundation are a de facto political action group, thus violating 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> President Obama said: "Right now all around this country there are groups with harmless-sounding names like Americans for Prosperity, who are running millions of dollars of ads against Democratic candidates all across the country. And they don't have to say who exactly the Americans for Prosperity are. You don't know if it's a foreign-controlled corporation. You don't know if it's a big oil company, or a big bank."<ref name=thefix>{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/who-is-americans-for-prosperit.html | title=Who is "Americans for Prosperity"? | work=Washington Post | first=Felicia | last=Sonmez | date=August 26, 2010}}</ref> The administration later called AFP a "special-interest front group run by the oil billionaire Koch brothers," who it said are "obsessed with making Barack Obama a one-term president."<ref name=ppacarallies/> In response, Phillips called the idea that AFP is taking money from foreign sources "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 saw an increase in financial contributions, explaining 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/>

Also in August 2010, the [[Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]] (DCCC) filed a complaint against AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFP Foundation 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> On May 6, 2011, the Federal Election Commission dismissed the complaint.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly Digest: Week of May 2 - 4|url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2011/20110506_digest.shtml|publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=May 8, 2012|date=May 6, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

A May 2012 ad criticizing the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]] was rated by the nonpartisan fact checking organization [[PolitiFact.com]] as one of "the sneakiest" of the election cycle to that point. Claims from the ad were judged to be "Mostly False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded traffic lights in China|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-streetlights-c/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> "False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded jobs in Finland|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-jobs-finland/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> and "Pants on Fire",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded a solar company building a Mexico plant|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/02/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-solar-company-/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> the organization's lowest rating of truth. A separate analysis of the entire ad showed problems with the truth of every one of the ad's claims.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowers|first=Becky|title=Line by line: How an ad uses sleight-of-hand to distort facts on stimulus|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2012/may/04/line-line-sleight-hand-afp/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Political activities of the Koch brothers]]
* [[Tito the Builder]]<ref name="insidenova">{{cite news
|url=http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2011/apr/14/tito-builder-considering-state-politics-ar-973334/|date=April 14, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2011|title=Tito the Builder considering state politics|publisher=insidenova|first=Keith|last=Walker}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Americans for Prosperity}}
* [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php Americans for Prosperity]
* [http://www.americansforprosperityfoundation.com/ Americans for Prosperity Foundation]
* [http://www.politifact.com/personalities/americans-prosperity/ File] at [[PolitiFact]]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cmte=C30001051 Profile] at [[OpenSecrets.org]]

{{Koch family}}
{{Tea Party movement}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Americans For Prosperity}}
[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Think tanks based in the United States]]
[[Category:Political and economic think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations]]
[[Category:Koch family]]
[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]

Americans for Prosperity

2013-09-12T05:42:32Z

Polmandc: /* Events */ s.

{{Infobox Organization
|name = Americans for Prosperity
|image_border = AFProsperity.png
|caption =
|membership =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|extinction =
|type = Non-profit political advocacy group
|status =
|purpose = AFP is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process.<ref name=about/>
|headquarters = [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|formation = 2004
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]
|leader_title2 = Executive Vice President
|leader_name2 = [[Tracy Henke]]
|website = [http://www.americansforprosperity.org www.americansforprosperity.org]}}

'''Americans for Prosperity''' ('''AFP''') is an [[American conservative]] [[political advocacy group]] headquartered in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Temple-West
| first = Patrick
| coauthors = Alina Selyukh
| title = IRS steps up scrutiny of tax-exempt political groups
| work = Reuters
| location = Washington
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| date = 2012-06-29
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/29/us-usa-campaign-irs-idUSBRE85S09420120629
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| title = Wealthy outside political groups find a home in Minnesota
| work = MPR News
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/25/politics/wealthy-outside-political-groups-target-minnesota/
}}</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/12/americans-prosperity-slams-obama-suggesting-foreign-influence/</ref> AFP's stated mission is "educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing citizens as advocates in the public policy process".<ref name=about/> The group played a major role in the 2010 [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] takeover of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/us/cato-institute-and-koch-in-rift-over-independence.html "Cato Institute Is Caught in a Rift Over Its Direction," New York Times, March 6, 2012]</ref> and has been called "one of the most powerful conservative organizations in electoral politics".<ref>[http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/03/01/behind_the_cato_koch_kerfuffle.html "Behind the Cato-Koch Kerfuffle," Slate, March 1, 2012]</ref>

==Background==
Americans for Prosperity was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] 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> remained chairman of FreedomWorks, while [[David H. Koch]] remained chairman of the AFP Foundation. Like CSE, AFP was founded with the support of [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles Koch]], both 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101015060122/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all| archivedate= 15 October 2010 | deadurl= no}}</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>

===Mission===
Americans for Prosperity describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government. The organization focuses on eight issue areas: budget and spending; taxes; property rights; health care and entitlements; banking and financial services; labor, education, and pensions; energy and environment; and technology.<ref name=about>{{cite web|title=About Americans for Prosperity|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/about|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref>

According to AFP, their mission is to promote "limited government and free markets on the local, state, and federal levels", and to do so, they support:<ref name=about/>
* Cutting taxes and government spending in order to halt the encroachment of government in the economic lives of citizens by fighting proposed tax increases and pointing out evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse.
* Removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and opportunity by sparking citizen involvement early in the regulatory process in order to reduce red tape.
* Restoring fairness to the judicial system.

==Leadership and structure==
Like its predecessor, [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]], and other advocacy groups (for example, the [[National Taxpayers Union]]), Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity, a [[501(c)(4)]] organization established in 2004, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a [[501(c)(3)]] organization established in 1984.

On the national level, Americans for Prosperity is led by its president, [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]. From 2003-2007, AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]], the president of MediaSpeak Strategies. Other current executive staff include Chief Operating Officer Luke Hilgemann and Vice President of State Operations Teresa Oelke.<ref>{{cite web|title=Staff|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/staff/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref> [[James C. Miller]], James E. Stephenson, Frayda Levy, Richard Fink, and Nancy Pfotenhauer serve on the board of directors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Directors|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/directors/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref>

As of March 2012, Americans for Prosperity had 1.9 million members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/catching-up-with-tim-phillips-of-americans-for-prosperity.html |title=Tim Phillips, New York Times, March 3, 2012, accessed Mar 2012 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2012-03-18}}</ref> AFP had its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which oversees 35 state chapters.<ref name=about/>

==Funding==
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of these expenditures, $2.1 million went to national office operations and $2.9 million went to the state-based chapters. By 2010, AFP's and the AFP Foundation's combined budget was $40 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nonprofit Report for Americans for Prosperity Foundation|url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/52-1527294/americans-prosperity-foundation.aspx|work=[[GuideStar]]|publisher=GuideStar USA, Inc|accessdate=May 8, 2012}}</ref>

Based on the AFP Foundation's financial operations and programs, the independent nonprofit review organization, [[Charity Navigator]], gave it a three-star rating out of four stars overall - four stars for financial operations, and two for accountability and transparency - and 53.8 out of a possible 70 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110629022528/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511| archivedate= 29 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

According to AFP, 90,000 people across 50 states have donated to AFP or the AFP Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Browning|first=William|title=Americans for Prosperity by the Numbers|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-numbers-172200443.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[Yahoo! News]] Contributor Network|date=October 17, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

==Events==
Since 2007, the AFP Foundation has hosted the "Defending the American Dream Summit", which is now the second largest annual gathering of conservatives in Washington, DC (the first is the [[Conservative Political Action Conference]]). Topics have included government spending and taxation, health care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation. Presidential candidates who attended the inaugural event included [[Rudy Giuliani]], [[Mike Huckabee]], [[John McCain]], [[Ron Paul]], [[Sam Brownback]], [[Mitt Romney]], and [[Fred Thompson]]. 2,000 people attended the 2011 summit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title='Occupiers' Attack Defending the American Dream Summit|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.com/110911-occupiers-attack-defending-american-dream-summit|accessdate=May 8, 2012|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|date=November 8, 2011}}</ref>

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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110126005750/http://americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast| archivedate= 26 January 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> AFP created the Cost of Hot Air Tour, a nationwide tour that included [[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.

In 2008, in the same city ([[Austin, Texas]]) and at the same time (July) as the liberal [http://www.NetrootsNation.org/ Netroots Nation] conference, AFP hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers and activists that aimed to develop conservative social media strategies.<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><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> RightOnline has since become an annual event, with 1,500 attendees in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/conservative-fun-with-andrew-breitbart-et-al-at-right-online/240646/ |title=Conservative Fun with Andrew Breitbart et al. at Right Online - Tina Dupuy - Politics - The Atlantic}}</ref>

In 2011, in conjunction with [[Sarah Palin]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Schultz|first=Zac|title=Sarah Palin Travels To Madison|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Sarah_Palin_to_Visit_Madison_119856054.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[WMTV]]|date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> AFP helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic|Madison, Wisconsin]], where Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]'s budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. President Phillips said Walker's proposed cuts were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits".<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> After the budget reforms in [[Wisconsin]] passed, the AFP Foundation initiated an advertising and town-hall effort called "It's Working!" to promote them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/its-rally-season-in-wisconsin-c24gjov-142091613.html |title=Capitol rally to mark one year since Act 10 - JSOnline |publisher=JSOnline |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

Also in 2011, AFP sponsored the first debate among the Republican presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Candidates who participated included [[Mitt Romney]], [[Tim Pawlenty]], [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Rick Santorum]], and [[Herman Cain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/04/americans_for_p.html |title=Americans For Prosperity Dinner live blog - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com |publisher=Boston Globe |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

AFP announced plans to participate in a rally protesting the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] during the Supreme Court's oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the law.<ref name=ppacarallies>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/us/politics/white-house-works-to-shape-debate-over-health-law.html | title=White House Works to Shape Debate Over Health Law | first=Robert | last=Pear | date=March 9, 2012 | work=New York Times}}</ref>

==Programs==

===No Climate Tax Pledge===
In 2008, AFP circulated an anti-tax pledge to government officials at the federal, state, and local levels. A candidate who signs the "No Climate Tax Pledge" vows to "oppose any legislation relating to [[climate change]] that includes a net increase in state or local government revenue."<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]] and Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Jeff Flake]], and [[Fred Upton]]. Of the 12 Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2011, nine have signed the pledge.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/06/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206 Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power], Los Angeles Times, February 6, 2011</ref>

===Health Care===
In May 2009, AFP launched Patients United Now, a project to, according to their website, oppose "a government takeover of the United States health care system."<ref>[http://patientsunitednow.com/?q=about Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], About | Patients United Now</ref>

Patients United Now ran television ads advancing this viewpoint. In one ad, a Canadian woman, [[Shona Holmes health care incident|Shona Holmes]], says she was not able to get timely treatment for brain tumor surgery and ultimately was treated in the U.S. Columnist [[David Lazarus]] of the ''Los Angeles Times'' responded that the Canadian government does not offer medical treatment but has a government-run insurance program.<ref name="Lazarus">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-fi-lazarus9-2009aug09,0,3572458.column |title=Healthcare debate framed by fear-mongering ads|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2009-08-09 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Amy Menefee, a spokeswoman for Patients United Now, stated that "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."

Also in 2009, AFP initiated the Hands Off My Healthcare Tour, which sponsored 250<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title=President Obama's health care law is unraveling|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/29/president-obamas-health-care-law-is-unraveling/|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Caller]]|date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> rallies and collected signatures in an effort to raise awareness about free-market-based health care reforms.<ref>[http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/612300/group-protests-obama-s-push-for-health-care-reform/ Group protests Obama's push for health care reform], July 22, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.wect.com/story/10865825/americans-for-prosperity-protest-the-presidents-health-care-plan Americans for Prosperity protest the President's health care plan] August 7, 2009</ref>

===Net Neutrality===
AFP has been an active member of the [[Internet Freedom Coalition]].<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/story/conservative-group-takes-aim-at-net-neutrality-2011-03-09?mod=wsj_share_tweet</ref><ref>http://www.internetfreedomcoalition.com/?p=419</ref>

==Activities==
During the 2010 election cycle, AFP claims to have spent $40 million on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing. Of the six freshman Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2010, five benefitted from AFP ads and grassroots activity.<ref name='LATimes2011-02'>{{cite news | first = Tom | last = Hamburger | coauthors = Kathleen Hennessey, Neela Banerjee | title = Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power | date = 2011-02-06 | publisher = [[Tribune Company]] | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = 2011-02-06| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110217132904/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story| archivedate= 17 February 2011 | deadurl= no}}</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>John Gallagher, [http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab Conservative group: Fake eviction notices were 'meant to startle people'] ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' Jun. 7, 2011</ref>

In August 2011, AFP "sent absentee voter applications instructing voters to return the paperwork two days late in at least two recall elections."<ref name=Opoien>{{cite web|url=http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=34266|title=Unofficial absentee ballot mailings raise voter intimidation issues in Wisconsin recall elections|first=Jessica|last=Opoien|accessdate=November 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Opoien/> 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 16."<ref>{{cite web|last=Sargent|first=Greg|title=Americans for Prosperity sent misleading absentee ballot far more widely than previously known|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/americans-for-prosperity-sent-misleading-absentee-ballot-far-more-widely-than-previously-known/2011/03/03/gIQAxhcywI_blog.html|work=Washington Post|accessdate=21 November 2011}}</ref>

In 2011, AFP said that it would review payments it had made to [[Mark Block]]'s Prosperity USA, which allegedly made improper payments to the [[Herman Cain presidential campaign, 2012]].<ref>Stone, Peter H. [http://www.iwatchnews.org/2011/11/03/7279/koch-related-group-reviewing-financial-transactions-cain-aides-charity "Koch-related group is reviewing financial transactions with Cain aide's charity."] ''iWatch News'', 3 November 2011.</ref><ref>Bice, Daniel. [http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/state-firms-cash-to-herman-cain-may-breach-federal-campaign-tax-laws-132898423.html "State firm's cash to Herman Cain may breach federal campaign, tax laws."] ''Journal Sentinel'', 30 October 2011.</ref><ref>Benjamin, Mark. [http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/01/the-other-cain-scandal-campaign-transactions-may-have-broken-federal-law/ "The Other Cain Scandal: Campaign Transactions May Have Broken Federal Law."] ''Time Magazine'', 1 November 2011.</ref> As a tax-exempt charity, Prosperity USA is prohibited from donating money or services to a political campaign.<ref>Eggen, Dan. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/herman-cain-campaigns-financial-ties-to-wisconsin-charity-questioned/2011/10/31/gIQAJ61gZM_story.html "Herman Cain campaign's financial ties to Wisconsin charity questioned."] ''Washington Post'', 31 October 2011.</ref> According to an internal review, the payments were proper since they occurred before Cain launched his campaign.<ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/americans-prosperity-our-reimbursements-herman-cain-were-legal_607897.html "Americans for Prosperity: Our Reimbursements to Herman Cain Were Legal," John McCormack, Weekly Standard, November 9, 2011]</ref>

===2012 presidential election===
From 2011-2012, in what the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' called "perhaps the biggest attack on Mr. Obama so far in the 2012 election campaign,"<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref> AFP spent $8.4 million ($2.4 in 2011<ref>[http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/11/28/377053/koch-americans-for-prosperity-solyndra-attack-ad-video/ "Koch-Fueled Americans for Prosperity Spends $2.4 Million on Solyndra Attack Ad (VIDEO)"], Stephen Lacey, ThinkProgress, November 28, 2011)</ref> and $6 million in 2012<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ "Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref>) on television ads that criticized the federal loan to now-bankrupt manufacturer of solar panels, Solyndra.

In September 2012, the ''[[Washington Post]]'' called AFP "One of the major players on the right", reporting that AFP planned to spend $125 million on the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 United States presidential election]]. President Phillips said the organization has 116 staff members on the ground targeting 9 million voters who are undecided about how to assess Obama's economic record.<ref name=presidential>{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/conservative-groups-reaching-new-levels-of-sophistication-in-mobilizing-voters/2012/09/20/3c3cd8e8-026c-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_story.html| title= Conservative groups reaching new levels of sophistication in mobilizing voters | work=[[Washington Post]] | coauthors=Peter Wallsten, Tom Hamburger| date=September 20, 2012|accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>

==Criticism==
In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House argued that AFP and the AFP Foundation are a de facto political action group, thus violating 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> President Obama said: "Right now all around this country there are groups with harmless-sounding names like Americans for Prosperity, who are running millions of dollars of ads against Democratic candidates all across the country. And they don't have to say who exactly the Americans for Prosperity are. You don't know if it's a foreign-controlled corporation. You don't know if it's a big oil company, or a big bank."<ref name=thefix>{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/who-is-americans-for-prosperit.html | title=Who is "Americans for Prosperity"? | work=Washington Post | first=Felicia | last=Sonmez | date=August 26, 2010}}</ref> The administration later called AFP a "special-interest front group run by the oil billionaire Koch brothers," who it said are "obsessed with making Barack Obama a one-term president."<ref name=ppacarallies/> In response, Phillips called the idea that AFP is taking money from foreign sources "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 saw an increase in financial contributions, explaining 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/>

Also in August 2010, the [[Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]] (DCCC) filed a complaint against AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFP Foundation 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> On May 6, 2011, the Federal Election Commission dismissed the complaint.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly Digest: Week of May 2 - 4|url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2011/20110506_digest.shtml|publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=May 8, 2012|date=May 6, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

A May 2012 ad criticizing the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]] was rated by the nonpartisan fact checking organization [[PolitiFact.com]] as one of "the sneakiest" of the election cycle to that point. Claims from the ad were judged to be "Mostly False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded traffic lights in China|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-streetlights-c/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> "False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded jobs in Finland|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-jobs-finland/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> and "Pants on Fire",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded a solar company building a Mexico plant|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/02/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-solar-company-/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> the organization's lowest rating of truth. A separate analysis of the entire ad showed problems with the truth of every one of the ad's claims.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowers|first=Becky|title=Line by line: How an ad uses sleight-of-hand to distort facts on stimulus|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2012/may/04/line-line-sleight-hand-afp/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Political activities of the Koch brothers]]
* [[Tito the Builder]]<ref name="insidenova">{{cite news
|url=http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2011/apr/14/tito-builder-considering-state-politics-ar-973334/|date=April 14, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2011|title=Tito the Builder considering state politics|publisher=insidenova|first=Keith|last=Walker}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Americans for Prosperity}}
* [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php Americans for Prosperity]
* [http://www.americansforprosperityfoundation.com/ Americans for Prosperity Foundation]
* [http://www.politifact.com/personalities/americans-prosperity/ File] at [[PolitiFact]]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cmte=C30001051 Profile] at [[OpenSecrets.org]]

{{Koch family}}
{{Tea Party movement}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Americans For Prosperity}}
[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Think tanks based in the United States]]
[[Category:Political and economic think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations]]
[[Category:Koch family]]
[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]

Americans for Prosperity

2013-09-12T05:41:13Z

Polmandc: /* Events */ + links

{{Infobox Organization
|name = Americans for Prosperity
|image_border = AFProsperity.png
|caption =
|membership =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|extinction =
|type = Non-profit political advocacy group
|status =
|purpose = AFP is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process.<ref name=about/>
|headquarters = [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|formation = 2004
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]
|leader_title2 = Executive Vice President
|leader_name2 = [[Tracy Henke]]
|website = [http://www.americansforprosperity.org www.americansforprosperity.org]}}

'''Americans for Prosperity''' ('''AFP''') is an [[American conservative]] [[political advocacy group]] headquartered in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Temple-West
| first = Patrick
| coauthors = Alina Selyukh
| title = IRS steps up scrutiny of tax-exempt political groups
| work = Reuters
| location = Washington
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| date = 2012-06-29
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/29/us-usa-campaign-irs-idUSBRE85S09420120629
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| title = Wealthy outside political groups find a home in Minnesota
| work = MPR News
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/25/politics/wealthy-outside-political-groups-target-minnesota/
}}</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/12/americans-prosperity-slams-obama-suggesting-foreign-influence/</ref> AFP's stated mission is "educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing citizens as advocates in the public policy process".<ref name=about/> The group played a major role in the 2010 [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] takeover of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/us/cato-institute-and-koch-in-rift-over-independence.html "Cato Institute Is Caught in a Rift Over Its Direction," New York Times, March 6, 2012]</ref> and has been called "one of the most powerful conservative organizations in electoral politics".<ref>[http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/03/01/behind_the_cato_koch_kerfuffle.html "Behind the Cato-Koch Kerfuffle," Slate, March 1, 2012]</ref>

==Background==
Americans for Prosperity was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] 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> remained chairman of FreedomWorks, while [[David H. Koch]] remained chairman of the AFP Foundation. Like CSE, AFP was founded with the support of [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles Koch]], both 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101015060122/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all| archivedate= 15 October 2010 | deadurl= no}}</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>

===Mission===
Americans for Prosperity describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government. The organization focuses on eight issue areas: budget and spending; taxes; property rights; health care and entitlements; banking and financial services; labor, education, and pensions; energy and environment; and technology.<ref name=about>{{cite web|title=About Americans for Prosperity|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/about|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref>

According to AFP, their mission is to promote "limited government and free markets on the local, state, and federal levels", and to do so, they support:<ref name=about/>
* Cutting taxes and government spending in order to halt the encroachment of government in the economic lives of citizens by fighting proposed tax increases and pointing out evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse.
* Removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and opportunity by sparking citizen involvement early in the regulatory process in order to reduce red tape.
* Restoring fairness to the judicial system.

==Leadership and structure==
Like its predecessor, [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]], and other advocacy groups (for example, the [[National Taxpayers Union]]), Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity, a [[501(c)(4)]] organization established in 2004, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a [[501(c)(3)]] organization established in 1984.

On the national level, Americans for Prosperity is led by its president, [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]. From 2003-2007, AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]], the president of MediaSpeak Strategies. Other current executive staff include Chief Operating Officer Luke Hilgemann and Vice President of State Operations Teresa Oelke.<ref>{{cite web|title=Staff|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/staff/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref> [[James C. Miller]], James E. Stephenson, Frayda Levy, Richard Fink, and Nancy Pfotenhauer serve on the board of directors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Directors|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/directors/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref>

As of March 2012, Americans for Prosperity had 1.9 million members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/catching-up-with-tim-phillips-of-americans-for-prosperity.html |title=Tim Phillips, New York Times, March 3, 2012, accessed Mar 2012 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2012-03-18}}</ref> AFP had its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which oversees 35 state chapters.<ref name=about/>

==Funding==
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of these expenditures, $2.1 million went to national office operations and $2.9 million went to the state-based chapters. By 2010, AFP's and the AFP Foundation's combined budget was $40 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nonprofit Report for Americans for Prosperity Foundation|url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/52-1527294/americans-prosperity-foundation.aspx|work=[[GuideStar]]|publisher=GuideStar USA, Inc|accessdate=May 8, 2012}}</ref>

Based on the AFP Foundation's financial operations and programs, the independent nonprofit review organization, [[Charity Navigator]], gave it a three-star rating out of four stars overall - four stars for financial operations, and two for accountability and transparency - and 53.8 out of a possible 70 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110629022528/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511| archivedate= 29 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

According to AFP, 90,000 people across 50 states have donated to AFP or the AFP Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Browning|first=William|title=Americans for Prosperity by the Numbers|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-numbers-172200443.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[Yahoo! News]] Contributor Network|date=October 17, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

==Events==
Since 2007, the AFP Foundation has hosted the "Defending the American Dream Summit", which is now the second largest annual gathering of conservatives in Washington, DC (the first is the [[Conservative Political Action Conference]]). Topics have included government spending and taxation, health care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation. Presidential candidates who attended the inaugural event included [[Rudy Giuliani]], [[Mike Huckabee]], [[John McCain]], [[Ron Paul]], [[Sam Brownback]], [[Mitt Romney]], and [[Fred Thompson]]. 2,000 people attended the 2011 summit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title='Occupiers' Attack Defending the American Dream Summit|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.com/110911-occupiers-attack-defending-american-dream-summit|accessdate=May 8, 2012|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|date=November 8, 2011}}</ref>

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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110126005750/http://americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast| archivedate= 26 January 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> AFP created the Cost of Hot Air Tour, a nationwide tour that included [[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.

In 2008, in the same city ([[Austin, Texas]]) and at the same time (July) as the liberal [http://www.NetrootsNation.org/ Netroots Nation] conference, AFP hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers and activists that aimed to develop conservative social media strategies.<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><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> RightOnline has since become an annual event, with 1,500 attendees in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/conservative-fun-with-andrew-breitbart-et-al-at-right-online/240646/ |title=Conservative Fun with Andrew Breitbart et al. at Right Online - Tina Dupuy - Politics - The Atlantic}}</ref>

In 2011, in conjunction with [[Sarah Palin]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Schultz|first=Zac|title=Sarah Palin Travels To Madison|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Sarah_Palin_to_Visit_Madison_119856054.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[WMTV]]|date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> AFP helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic|Madison, Wisconsin]], where Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]'s budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. President Phillips said Walker's proposed cuts were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits."<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> After the budget reforms in [[Wisconsin]] passed, the AFP Foundation initiated an advertising and town-hall effort called "It's Working!" to promote them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/its-rally-season-in-wisconsin-c24gjov-142091613.html |title=Capitol rally to mark one year since Act 10 - JSOnline |publisher=JSOnline |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

Also in 2011, AFP sponsored the first debate among the Republican presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Candidates who participated included [[Mitt Romney]], [[Tim Pawlenty]], [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Rick Santorum]], and [[Herman Cain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/04/americans_for_p.html |title=Americans For Prosperity Dinner live blog - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com |publisher=Boston Globe |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

AFP announced plans to participate in a rally protesting the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] during the Supreme Court's oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the law.<ref name=ppacarallies>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/us/politics/white-house-works-to-shape-debate-over-health-law.html | title=White House Works to Shape Debate Over Health Law | first=Robert | last=Pear | date=March 9, 2012 | work=New York Times}}</ref>

==Programs==

===No Climate Tax Pledge===
In 2008, AFP circulated an anti-tax pledge to government officials at the federal, state, and local levels. A candidate who signs the "No Climate Tax Pledge" vows to "oppose any legislation relating to [[climate change]] that includes a net increase in state or local government revenue."<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]] and Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Jeff Flake]], and [[Fred Upton]]. Of the 12 Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2011, nine have signed the pledge.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/06/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206 Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power], Los Angeles Times, February 6, 2011</ref>

===Health Care===
In May 2009, AFP launched Patients United Now, a project to, according to their website, oppose "a government takeover of the United States health care system."<ref>[http://patientsunitednow.com/?q=about Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], About | Patients United Now</ref>

Patients United Now ran television ads advancing this viewpoint. In one ad, a Canadian woman, [[Shona Holmes health care incident|Shona Holmes]], says she was not able to get timely treatment for brain tumor surgery and ultimately was treated in the U.S. Columnist [[David Lazarus]] of the ''Los Angeles Times'' responded that the Canadian government does not offer medical treatment but has a government-run insurance program.<ref name="Lazarus">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-fi-lazarus9-2009aug09,0,3572458.column |title=Healthcare debate framed by fear-mongering ads|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2009-08-09 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Amy Menefee, a spokeswoman for Patients United Now, stated that "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."

Also in 2009, AFP initiated the Hands Off My Healthcare Tour, which sponsored 250<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title=President Obama's health care law is unraveling|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/29/president-obamas-health-care-law-is-unraveling/|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Caller]]|date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> rallies and collected signatures in an effort to raise awareness about free-market-based health care reforms.<ref>[http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/612300/group-protests-obama-s-push-for-health-care-reform/ Group protests Obama's push for health care reform], July 22, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.wect.com/story/10865825/americans-for-prosperity-protest-the-presidents-health-care-plan Americans for Prosperity protest the President's health care plan] August 7, 2009</ref>

===Net Neutrality===
AFP has been an active member of the [[Internet Freedom Coalition]].<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/story/conservative-group-takes-aim-at-net-neutrality-2011-03-09?mod=wsj_share_tweet</ref><ref>http://www.internetfreedomcoalition.com/?p=419</ref>

==Activities==
During the 2010 election cycle, AFP claims to have spent $40 million on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing. Of the six freshman Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2010, five benefitted from AFP ads and grassroots activity.<ref name='LATimes2011-02'>{{cite news | first = Tom | last = Hamburger | coauthors = Kathleen Hennessey, Neela Banerjee | title = Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power | date = 2011-02-06 | publisher = [[Tribune Company]] | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = 2011-02-06| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110217132904/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story| archivedate= 17 February 2011 | deadurl= no}}</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>John Gallagher, [http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab Conservative group: Fake eviction notices were 'meant to startle people'] ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' Jun. 7, 2011</ref>

In August 2011, AFP "sent absentee voter applications instructing voters to return the paperwork two days late in at least two recall elections."<ref name=Opoien>{{cite web|url=http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=34266|title=Unofficial absentee ballot mailings raise voter intimidation issues in Wisconsin recall elections|first=Jessica|last=Opoien|accessdate=November 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Opoien/> 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 16."<ref>{{cite web|last=Sargent|first=Greg|title=Americans for Prosperity sent misleading absentee ballot far more widely than previously known|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/americans-for-prosperity-sent-misleading-absentee-ballot-far-more-widely-than-previously-known/2011/03/03/gIQAxhcywI_blog.html|work=Washington Post|accessdate=21 November 2011}}</ref>

In 2011, AFP said that it would review payments it had made to [[Mark Block]]'s Prosperity USA, which allegedly made improper payments to the [[Herman Cain presidential campaign, 2012]].<ref>Stone, Peter H. [http://www.iwatchnews.org/2011/11/03/7279/koch-related-group-reviewing-financial-transactions-cain-aides-charity "Koch-related group is reviewing financial transactions with Cain aide's charity."] ''iWatch News'', 3 November 2011.</ref><ref>Bice, Daniel. [http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/state-firms-cash-to-herman-cain-may-breach-federal-campaign-tax-laws-132898423.html "State firm's cash to Herman Cain may breach federal campaign, tax laws."] ''Journal Sentinel'', 30 October 2011.</ref><ref>Benjamin, Mark. [http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/01/the-other-cain-scandal-campaign-transactions-may-have-broken-federal-law/ "The Other Cain Scandal: Campaign Transactions May Have Broken Federal Law."] ''Time Magazine'', 1 November 2011.</ref> As a tax-exempt charity, Prosperity USA is prohibited from donating money or services to a political campaign.<ref>Eggen, Dan. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/herman-cain-campaigns-financial-ties-to-wisconsin-charity-questioned/2011/10/31/gIQAJ61gZM_story.html "Herman Cain campaign's financial ties to Wisconsin charity questioned."] ''Washington Post'', 31 October 2011.</ref> According to an internal review, the payments were proper since they occurred before Cain launched his campaign.<ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/americans-prosperity-our-reimbursements-herman-cain-were-legal_607897.html "Americans for Prosperity: Our Reimbursements to Herman Cain Were Legal," John McCormack, Weekly Standard, November 9, 2011]</ref>

===2012 presidential election===
From 2011-2012, in what the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' called "perhaps the biggest attack on Mr. Obama so far in the 2012 election campaign,"<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref> AFP spent $8.4 million ($2.4 in 2011<ref>[http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/11/28/377053/koch-americans-for-prosperity-solyndra-attack-ad-video/ "Koch-Fueled Americans for Prosperity Spends $2.4 Million on Solyndra Attack Ad (VIDEO)"], Stephen Lacey, ThinkProgress, November 28, 2011)</ref> and $6 million in 2012<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ "Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref>) on television ads that criticized the federal loan to now-bankrupt manufacturer of solar panels, Solyndra.

In September 2012, the ''[[Washington Post]]'' called AFP "One of the major players on the right", reporting that AFP planned to spend $125 million on the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 United States presidential election]]. President Phillips said the organization has 116 staff members on the ground targeting 9 million voters who are undecided about how to assess Obama's economic record.<ref name=presidential>{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/conservative-groups-reaching-new-levels-of-sophistication-in-mobilizing-voters/2012/09/20/3c3cd8e8-026c-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_story.html| title= Conservative groups reaching new levels of sophistication in mobilizing voters | work=[[Washington Post]] | coauthors=Peter Wallsten, Tom Hamburger| date=September 20, 2012|accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>

==Criticism==
In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House argued that AFP and the AFP Foundation are a de facto political action group, thus violating 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> President Obama said: "Right now all around this country there are groups with harmless-sounding names like Americans for Prosperity, who are running millions of dollars of ads against Democratic candidates all across the country. And they don't have to say who exactly the Americans for Prosperity are. You don't know if it's a foreign-controlled corporation. You don't know if it's a big oil company, or a big bank."<ref name=thefix>{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/who-is-americans-for-prosperit.html | title=Who is "Americans for Prosperity"? | work=Washington Post | first=Felicia | last=Sonmez | date=August 26, 2010}}</ref> The administration later called AFP a "special-interest front group run by the oil billionaire Koch brothers," who it said are "obsessed with making Barack Obama a one-term president."<ref name=ppacarallies/> In response, Phillips called the idea that AFP is taking money from foreign sources "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 saw an increase in financial contributions, explaining 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/>

Also in August 2010, the [[Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]] (DCCC) filed a complaint against AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFP Foundation 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> On May 6, 2011, the Federal Election Commission dismissed the complaint.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly Digest: Week of May 2 - 4|url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2011/20110506_digest.shtml|publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=May 8, 2012|date=May 6, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

A May 2012 ad criticizing the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]] was rated by the nonpartisan fact checking organization [[PolitiFact.com]] as one of "the sneakiest" of the election cycle to that point. Claims from the ad were judged to be "Mostly False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded traffic lights in China|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-streetlights-c/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> "False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded jobs in Finland|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-jobs-finland/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> and "Pants on Fire",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded a solar company building a Mexico plant|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/02/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-solar-company-/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> the organization's lowest rating of truth. A separate analysis of the entire ad showed problems with the truth of every one of the ad's claims.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowers|first=Becky|title=Line by line: How an ad uses sleight-of-hand to distort facts on stimulus|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2012/may/04/line-line-sleight-hand-afp/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Political activities of the Koch brothers]]
* [[Tito the Builder]]<ref name="insidenova">{{cite news
|url=http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2011/apr/14/tito-builder-considering-state-politics-ar-973334/|date=April 14, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2011|title=Tito the Builder considering state politics|publisher=insidenova|first=Keith|last=Walker}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Americans for Prosperity}}
* [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php Americans for Prosperity]
* [http://www.americansforprosperityfoundation.com/ Americans for Prosperity Foundation]
* [http://www.politifact.com/personalities/americans-prosperity/ File] at [[PolitiFact]]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cmte=C30001051 Profile] at [[OpenSecrets.org]]

{{Koch family}}
{{Tea Party movement}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Americans For Prosperity}}
[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Think tanks based in the United States]]
[[Category:Political and economic think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations]]
[[Category:Koch family]]
[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]

Americans for Prosperity

2013-09-12T05:33:48Z

Polmandc: /* Events */ s.

{{Infobox Organization
|name = Americans for Prosperity
|image_border = AFProsperity.png
|caption =
|membership =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|extinction =
|type = Non-profit political advocacy group
|status =
|purpose = AFP is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process.<ref name=about/>
|headquarters = [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|formation = 2004
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]
|leader_title2 = Executive Vice President
|leader_name2 = [[Tracy Henke]]
|website = [http://www.americansforprosperity.org www.americansforprosperity.org]}}

'''Americans for Prosperity''' ('''AFP''') is an [[American conservative]] [[political advocacy group]] headquartered in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Temple-West
| first = Patrick
| coauthors = Alina Selyukh
| title = IRS steps up scrutiny of tax-exempt political groups
| work = Reuters
| location = Washington
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| date = 2012-06-29
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/29/us-usa-campaign-irs-idUSBRE85S09420120629
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| title = Wealthy outside political groups find a home in Minnesota
| work = MPR News
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/25/politics/wealthy-outside-political-groups-target-minnesota/
}}</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/12/americans-prosperity-slams-obama-suggesting-foreign-influence/</ref> AFP's stated mission is "educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing citizens as advocates in the public policy process".<ref name=about/> The group played a major role in the 2010 [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] takeover of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/us/cato-institute-and-koch-in-rift-over-independence.html "Cato Institute Is Caught in a Rift Over Its Direction," New York Times, March 6, 2012]</ref> and has been called "one of the most powerful conservative organizations in electoral politics".<ref>[http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/03/01/behind_the_cato_koch_kerfuffle.html "Behind the Cato-Koch Kerfuffle," Slate, March 1, 2012]</ref>

==Background==
Americans for Prosperity was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] 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> remained chairman of FreedomWorks, while [[David H. Koch]] remained chairman of the AFP Foundation. Like CSE, AFP was founded with the support of [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles Koch]], both 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101015060122/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all| archivedate= 15 October 2010 | deadurl= no}}</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>

===Mission===
Americans for Prosperity describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government. The organization focuses on eight issue areas: budget and spending; taxes; property rights; health care and entitlements; banking and financial services; labor, education, and pensions; energy and environment; and technology.<ref name=about>{{cite web|title=About Americans for Prosperity|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/about|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref>

According to AFP, their mission is to promote "limited government and free markets on the local, state, and federal levels", and to do so, they support:<ref name=about/>
* Cutting taxes and government spending in order to halt the encroachment of government in the economic lives of citizens by fighting proposed tax increases and pointing out evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse.
* Removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and opportunity by sparking citizen involvement early in the regulatory process in order to reduce red tape.
* Restoring fairness to the judicial system.

==Leadership and structure==
Like its predecessor, [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]], and other advocacy groups (for example, the [[National Taxpayers Union]]), Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity, a [[501(c)(4)]] organization established in 2004, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a [[501(c)(3)]] organization established in 1984.

On the national level, Americans for Prosperity is led by its president, [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]. From 2003-2007, AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]], the president of MediaSpeak Strategies. Other current executive staff include Chief Operating Officer Luke Hilgemann and Vice President of State Operations Teresa Oelke.<ref>{{cite web|title=Staff|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/staff/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref> [[James C. Miller]], James E. Stephenson, Frayda Levy, Richard Fink, and Nancy Pfotenhauer serve on the board of directors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Directors|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/directors/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref>

As of March 2012, Americans for Prosperity had 1.9 million members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/catching-up-with-tim-phillips-of-americans-for-prosperity.html |title=Tim Phillips, New York Times, March 3, 2012, accessed Mar 2012 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2012-03-18}}</ref> AFP had its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which oversees 35 state chapters.<ref name=about/>

==Funding==
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of these expenditures, $2.1 million went to national office operations and $2.9 million went to the state-based chapters. By 2010, AFP's and the AFP Foundation's combined budget was $40 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nonprofit Report for Americans for Prosperity Foundation|url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/52-1527294/americans-prosperity-foundation.aspx|work=[[GuideStar]]|publisher=GuideStar USA, Inc|accessdate=May 8, 2012}}</ref>

Based on the AFP Foundation's financial operations and programs, the independent nonprofit review organization, [[Charity Navigator]], gave it a three-star rating out of four stars overall - four stars for financial operations, and two for accountability and transparency - and 53.8 out of a possible 70 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110629022528/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511| archivedate= 29 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

According to AFP, 90,000 people across 50 states have donated to AFP or the AFP Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Browning|first=William|title=Americans for Prosperity by the Numbers|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-numbers-172200443.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[Yahoo! News]] Contributor Network|date=October 17, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

==Events==
Since 2007, the AFP Foundation has hosted the "Defending the American Dream Summit", which is now the second largest annual gathering of conservatives in Washington, DC (the first is the [[Conservative Political Action Conference]]). Topics have included government spending and taxation, health care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation. Presidential candidates who attended the inaugural event included Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Ron Paul, Sam Brownback, Mitt Romney, and Fred Thompson. 2,000 people attended the 2011 summit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title='Occupiers' Attack Defending the American Dream Summit|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.com/110911-occupiers-attack-defending-american-dream-summit|accessdate=May 8, 2012|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|date=November 8, 2011}}</ref>

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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110126005750/http://americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast| archivedate= 26 January 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> AFP created the Cost of Hot Air Tour, a nationwide tour that included [[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.

In 2008, in the same city ([[Austin, Texas]]) and at the same time (July) as the liberal [http://www.NetrootsNation.org/ Netroots Nation] conference, AFP hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers and activists that aimed to develop conservative social media strategies.<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><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> RightOnline has since become an annual event, with 1,500 attendees in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/conservative-fun-with-andrew-breitbart-et-al-at-right-online/240646/ |title=Conservative Fun with Andrew Breitbart et al. at Right Online - Tina Dupuy - Politics - The Atlantic}}</ref>

In 2011, in conjunction with [[Sarah Palin]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Schultz|first=Zac|title=Sarah Palin Travels To Madison|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Sarah_Palin_to_Visit_Madison_119856054.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[WMTV]]|date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> AFP helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic|Madison, Wisconsin]], where Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]'s budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. President Phillips said Walker's proposed cuts were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits."<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> After the budget reforms in [[Wisconsin]] passed, the AFP Foundation initiated an advertising and town-hall effort called "It's Working!" to promote them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/its-rally-season-in-wisconsin-c24gjov-142091613.html |title=Capitol rally to mark one year since Act 10 - JSOnline |publisher=JSOnline |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

Also in 2011, AFP sponsored the first debate among the Republican presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Candidates who participated included [[Mitt Romney]], [[Tim Pawlenty]], [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Rick Santorum]], and [[Herman Cain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/04/americans_for_p.html |title=Americans For Prosperity Dinner live blog - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com |publisher=Boston Globe |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

AFP announced plans to participate in a rally protesting the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] during the Supreme Court's oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the law.<ref name=ppacarallies>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/us/politics/white-house-works-to-shape-debate-over-health-law.html | title=White House Works to Shape Debate Over Health Law | first=Robert | last=Pear | date=March 9, 2012 | work=New York Times}}</ref>

==Programs==

===No Climate Tax Pledge===
In 2008, AFP circulated an anti-tax pledge to government officials at the federal, state, and local levels. A candidate who signs the "No Climate Tax Pledge" vows to "oppose any legislation relating to [[climate change]] that includes a net increase in state or local government revenue."<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]] and Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Jeff Flake]], and [[Fred Upton]]. Of the 12 Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2011, nine have signed the pledge.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/06/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206 Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power], Los Angeles Times, February 6, 2011</ref>

===Health Care===
In May 2009, AFP launched Patients United Now, a project to, according to their website, oppose "a government takeover of the United States health care system."<ref>[http://patientsunitednow.com/?q=about Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], About | Patients United Now</ref>

Patients United Now ran television ads advancing this viewpoint. In one ad, a Canadian woman, [[Shona Holmes health care incident|Shona Holmes]], says she was not able to get timely treatment for brain tumor surgery and ultimately was treated in the U.S. Columnist [[David Lazarus]] of the ''Los Angeles Times'' responded that the Canadian government does not offer medical treatment but has a government-run insurance program.<ref name="Lazarus">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-fi-lazarus9-2009aug09,0,3572458.column |title=Healthcare debate framed by fear-mongering ads|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2009-08-09 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Amy Menefee, a spokeswoman for Patients United Now, stated that "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."

Also in 2009, AFP initiated the Hands Off My Healthcare Tour, which sponsored 250<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title=President Obama's health care law is unraveling|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/29/president-obamas-health-care-law-is-unraveling/|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Caller]]|date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> rallies and collected signatures in an effort to raise awareness about free-market-based health care reforms.<ref>[http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/612300/group-protests-obama-s-push-for-health-care-reform/ Group protests Obama's push for health care reform], July 22, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.wect.com/story/10865825/americans-for-prosperity-protest-the-presidents-health-care-plan Americans for Prosperity protest the President's health care plan] August 7, 2009</ref>

===Net Neutrality===
AFP has been an active member of the [[Internet Freedom Coalition]].<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/story/conservative-group-takes-aim-at-net-neutrality-2011-03-09?mod=wsj_share_tweet</ref><ref>http://www.internetfreedomcoalition.com/?p=419</ref>

==Activities==
During the 2010 election cycle, AFP claims to have spent $40 million on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing. Of the six freshman Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2010, five benefitted from AFP ads and grassroots activity.<ref name='LATimes2011-02'>{{cite news | first = Tom | last = Hamburger | coauthors = Kathleen Hennessey, Neela Banerjee | title = Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power | date = 2011-02-06 | publisher = [[Tribune Company]] | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = 2011-02-06| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110217132904/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story| archivedate= 17 February 2011 | deadurl= no}}</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>John Gallagher, [http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab Conservative group: Fake eviction notices were 'meant to startle people'] ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' Jun. 7, 2011</ref>

In August 2011, AFP "sent absentee voter applications instructing voters to return the paperwork two days late in at least two recall elections."<ref name=Opoien>{{cite web|url=http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=34266|title=Unofficial absentee ballot mailings raise voter intimidation issues in Wisconsin recall elections|first=Jessica|last=Opoien|accessdate=November 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Opoien/> 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 16."<ref>{{cite web|last=Sargent|first=Greg|title=Americans for Prosperity sent misleading absentee ballot far more widely than previously known|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/americans-for-prosperity-sent-misleading-absentee-ballot-far-more-widely-than-previously-known/2011/03/03/gIQAxhcywI_blog.html|work=Washington Post|accessdate=21 November 2011}}</ref>

In 2011, AFP said that it would review payments it had made to [[Mark Block]]'s Prosperity USA, which allegedly made improper payments to the [[Herman Cain presidential campaign, 2012]].<ref>Stone, Peter H. [http://www.iwatchnews.org/2011/11/03/7279/koch-related-group-reviewing-financial-transactions-cain-aides-charity "Koch-related group is reviewing financial transactions with Cain aide's charity."] ''iWatch News'', 3 November 2011.</ref><ref>Bice, Daniel. [http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/state-firms-cash-to-herman-cain-may-breach-federal-campaign-tax-laws-132898423.html "State firm's cash to Herman Cain may breach federal campaign, tax laws."] ''Journal Sentinel'', 30 October 2011.</ref><ref>Benjamin, Mark. [http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/01/the-other-cain-scandal-campaign-transactions-may-have-broken-federal-law/ "The Other Cain Scandal: Campaign Transactions May Have Broken Federal Law."] ''Time Magazine'', 1 November 2011.</ref> As a tax-exempt charity, Prosperity USA is prohibited from donating money or services to a political campaign.<ref>Eggen, Dan. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/herman-cain-campaigns-financial-ties-to-wisconsin-charity-questioned/2011/10/31/gIQAJ61gZM_story.html "Herman Cain campaign's financial ties to Wisconsin charity questioned."] ''Washington Post'', 31 October 2011.</ref> According to an internal review, the payments were proper since they occurred before Cain launched his campaign.<ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/americans-prosperity-our-reimbursements-herman-cain-were-legal_607897.html "Americans for Prosperity: Our Reimbursements to Herman Cain Were Legal," John McCormack, Weekly Standard, November 9, 2011]</ref>

===2012 presidential election===
From 2011-2012, in what the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' called "perhaps the biggest attack on Mr. Obama so far in the 2012 election campaign,"<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref> AFP spent $8.4 million ($2.4 in 2011<ref>[http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/11/28/377053/koch-americans-for-prosperity-solyndra-attack-ad-video/ "Koch-Fueled Americans for Prosperity Spends $2.4 Million on Solyndra Attack Ad (VIDEO)"], Stephen Lacey, ThinkProgress, November 28, 2011)</ref> and $6 million in 2012<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ "Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref>) on television ads that criticized the federal loan to now-bankrupt manufacturer of solar panels, Solyndra.

In September 2012, the ''[[Washington Post]]'' called AFP "One of the major players on the right", reporting that AFP planned to spend $125 million on the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 United States presidential election]]. President Phillips said the organization has 116 staff members on the ground targeting 9 million voters who are undecided about how to assess Obama's economic record.<ref name=presidential>{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/conservative-groups-reaching-new-levels-of-sophistication-in-mobilizing-voters/2012/09/20/3c3cd8e8-026c-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_story.html| title= Conservative groups reaching new levels of sophistication in mobilizing voters | work=[[Washington Post]] | coauthors=Peter Wallsten, Tom Hamburger| date=September 20, 2012|accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>

==Criticism==
In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House argued that AFP and the AFP Foundation are a de facto political action group, thus violating 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> President Obama said: "Right now all around this country there are groups with harmless-sounding names like Americans for Prosperity, who are running millions of dollars of ads against Democratic candidates all across the country. And they don't have to say who exactly the Americans for Prosperity are. You don't know if it's a foreign-controlled corporation. You don't know if it's a big oil company, or a big bank."<ref name=thefix>{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/who-is-americans-for-prosperit.html | title=Who is "Americans for Prosperity"? | work=Washington Post | first=Felicia | last=Sonmez | date=August 26, 2010}}</ref> The administration later called AFP a "special-interest front group run by the oil billionaire Koch brothers," who it said are "obsessed with making Barack Obama a one-term president."<ref name=ppacarallies/> In response, Phillips called the idea that AFP is taking money from foreign sources "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 saw an increase in financial contributions, explaining 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/>

Also in August 2010, the [[Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]] (DCCC) filed a complaint against AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFP Foundation 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> On May 6, 2011, the Federal Election Commission dismissed the complaint.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly Digest: Week of May 2 - 4|url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2011/20110506_digest.shtml|publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=May 8, 2012|date=May 6, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

A May 2012 ad criticizing the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]] was rated by the nonpartisan fact checking organization [[PolitiFact.com]] as one of "the sneakiest" of the election cycle to that point. Claims from the ad were judged to be "Mostly False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded traffic lights in China|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-streetlights-c/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> "False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded jobs in Finland|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-jobs-finland/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> and "Pants on Fire",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded a solar company building a Mexico plant|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/02/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-solar-company-/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> the organization's lowest rating of truth. A separate analysis of the entire ad showed problems with the truth of every one of the ad's claims.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowers|first=Becky|title=Line by line: How an ad uses sleight-of-hand to distort facts on stimulus|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2012/may/04/line-line-sleight-hand-afp/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Political activities of the Koch brothers]]
* [[Tito the Builder]]<ref name="insidenova">{{cite news
|url=http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2011/apr/14/tito-builder-considering-state-politics-ar-973334/|date=April 14, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2011|title=Tito the Builder considering state politics|publisher=insidenova|first=Keith|last=Walker}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Americans for Prosperity}}
* [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php Americans for Prosperity]
* [http://www.americansforprosperityfoundation.com/ Americans for Prosperity Foundation]
* [http://www.politifact.com/personalities/americans-prosperity/ File] at [[PolitiFact]]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cmte=C30001051 Profile] at [[OpenSecrets.org]]

{{Koch family}}
{{Tea Party movement}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Americans For Prosperity}}
[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Think tanks based in the United States]]
[[Category:Political and economic think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations]]
[[Category:Koch family]]
[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]

Americans for Prosperity

2013-09-10T06:00:53Z

Polmandc: /* Leadership and structure */ update

{{Infobox Organization
|name = Americans for Prosperity
|image_border = AFProsperity.png
|caption =
|membership =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|extinction =
|type = Non-profit political advocacy group
|status =
|purpose = AFP is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process.<ref name=about/>
|headquarters = [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|formation = 2004
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]
|leader_title2 = Executive Vice President
|leader_name2 = [[Tracy Henke]]
|website = [http://www.americansforprosperity.org www.americansforprosperity.org]}}

'''Americans for Prosperity''' ('''AFP''') is an [[American conservative]] [[political advocacy group]] headquartered in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Temple-West
| first = Patrick
| coauthors = Alina Selyukh
| title = IRS steps up scrutiny of tax-exempt political groups
| work = Reuters
| location = Washington
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| date = 2012-06-29
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/29/us-usa-campaign-irs-idUSBRE85S09420120629
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| title = Wealthy outside political groups find a home in Minnesota
| work = MPR News
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/25/politics/wealthy-outside-political-groups-target-minnesota/
}}</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/12/americans-prosperity-slams-obama-suggesting-foreign-influence/</ref> AFP's stated mission is "educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing citizens as advocates in the public policy process".<ref name=about/> The group played a major role in the 2010 [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] takeover of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/us/cato-institute-and-koch-in-rift-over-independence.html "Cato Institute Is Caught in a Rift Over Its Direction," New York Times, March 6, 2012]</ref> and has been called "one of the most powerful conservative organizations in electoral politics".<ref>[http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/03/01/behind_the_cato_koch_kerfuffle.html "Behind the Cato-Koch Kerfuffle," Slate, March 1, 2012]</ref>

==Background==
Americans for Prosperity was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] 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> remained chairman of FreedomWorks, while [[David H. Koch]] remained chairman of the AFP Foundation. Like CSE, AFP was founded with the support of [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles Koch]], both 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101015060122/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all| archivedate= 15 October 2010 | deadurl= no}}</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>

===Mission===
Americans for Prosperity describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government. The organization focuses on eight issue areas: budget and spending; taxes; property rights; health care and entitlements; banking and financial services; labor, education, and pensions; energy and environment; and technology.<ref name=about>{{cite web|title=About Americans for Prosperity|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/about|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref>

According to AFP, their mission is to promote "limited government and free markets on the local, state, and federal levels", and to do so, they support:<ref name=about/>
* Cutting taxes and government spending in order to halt the encroachment of government in the economic lives of citizens by fighting proposed tax increases and pointing out evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse.
* Removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and opportunity by sparking citizen involvement early in the regulatory process in order to reduce red tape.
* Restoring fairness to the judicial system.

==Leadership and structure==
Like its predecessor, [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]], and other advocacy groups (for example, the [[National Taxpayers Union]]), Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity, a [[501(c)(4)]] organization established in 2004, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a [[501(c)(3)]] organization established in 1984.

On the national level, Americans for Prosperity is led by its president, [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]. From 2003-2007, AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]], the president of MediaSpeak Strategies. Other current executive staff include Chief Operating Officer Luke Hilgemann and Vice President of State Operations Teresa Oelke.<ref>{{cite web|title=Staff|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/staff/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref> [[James C. Miller]], James E. Stephenson, Frayda Levy, Richard Fink, and Nancy Pfotenhauer serve on the board of directors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Directors|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/directors/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref>

As of March 2012, Americans for Prosperity had 1.9 million members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/catching-up-with-tim-phillips-of-americans-for-prosperity.html |title=Tim Phillips, New York Times, March 3, 2012, accessed Mar 2012 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2012-03-18}}</ref> AFP had its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which oversees 35 state chapters.<ref name=about/>

==Funding==
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of these expenditures, $2.1 million went to national office operations and $2.9 million went to the state-based chapters. By 2010, AFP's and the AFP Foundation's combined budget was $40 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nonprofit Report for Americans for Prosperity Foundation|url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/52-1527294/americans-prosperity-foundation.aspx|work=[[GuideStar]]|publisher=GuideStar USA, Inc|accessdate=May 8, 2012}}</ref>

Based on the AFP Foundation's financial operations and programs, the independent nonprofit review organization, [[Charity Navigator]], gave it a three-star rating out of four stars overall - four stars for financial operations, and two for accountability and transparency - and 53.8 out of a possible 70 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110629022528/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511| archivedate= 29 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

According to AFP, 90,000 people across 50 states have donated to AFP or the AFP Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Browning|first=William|title=Americans for Prosperity by the Numbers|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-numbers-172200443.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[Yahoo! News]] Contributor Network|date=October 17, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

==Events==
Since 2007, the AFP Foundation has hosted the "Defending the American Dream Summit," which is now the second largest annual gathering of conservatives in Washington, DC (the first is the [[Conservative Political Action Conference]]). Topics have included government spending and taxation, health care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation. Presidential candidates who attended the inaugural event included Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Ron Paul, Sam Brownback, Mitt Romney, and Fred Thompson. 2,000 people attended the 2011 summit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title='Occupiers' Attack Defending the American Dream Summit|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.com/110911-occupiers-attack-defending-american-dream-summit|accessdate=May 8, 2012|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|date=November 8, 2011}}</ref>

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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110126005750/http://americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast| archivedate= 26 January 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> AFP created the Cost of Hot Air Tour, a nationwide tour that included [[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.

In 2008, in the same city ([[Austin, Texas]]) and at the same time (July) as the liberal [http://www.NetrootsNation.org/ Netroots Nation] conference, AFP hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers and activists that aimed to develop conservative social media strategies.<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><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> RightOnline has since become an annual event, with 1,500 attendees in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/conservative-fun-with-andrew-breitbart-et-al-at-right-online/240646/ |title=Conservative Fun with Andrew Breitbart et al. at Right Online - Tina Dupuy - Politics - The Atlantic}}</ref>

In 2011, in conjunction with [[Sarah Palin]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Schultz|first=Zac|title=Sarah Palin Travels To Madison|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Sarah_Palin_to_Visit_Madison_119856054.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[WMTV]]|date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> AFP helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic|Madison, Wisconsin]], where Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]'s budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. President Phillips said Walker's proposed cuts were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits."<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> After the budget reforms in [[Wisconsin]] passed, the AFP Foundation initiated an advertising and town-hall effort called "It's Working!" to promote them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/its-rally-season-in-wisconsin-c24gjov-142091613.html |title=Capitol rally to mark one year since Act 10 - JSOnline |publisher=JSOnline |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

Also in 2011, AFP sponsored the first debate among the Republican presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Candidates who participated included [[Mitt Romney]], [[Tim Pawlenty]], [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Rick Santorum]], and [[Herman Cain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/04/americans_for_p.html |title=Americans For Prosperity Dinner live blog - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com |publisher=Boston Globe |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

AFP announced plans to participate in a rally protesting the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] during the Supreme Court's oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the law.<ref name=ppacarallies>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/us/politics/white-house-works-to-shape-debate-over-health-law.html | title=White House Works to Shape Debate Over Health Law | first=Robert | last=Pear | date=March 9, 2012 | work=New York Times}}</ref>

==Programs==

===No Climate Tax Pledge===
In 2008, AFP circulated an anti-tax pledge to government officials at the federal, state, and local levels. A candidate who signs the "No Climate Tax Pledge" vows to "oppose any legislation relating to [[climate change]] that includes a net increase in state or local government revenue."<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]] and Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Jeff Flake]], and [[Fred Upton]]. Of the 12 Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2011, nine have signed the pledge.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/06/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206 Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power], Los Angeles Times, February 6, 2011</ref>

===Health Care===
In May 2009, AFP launched Patients United Now, a project to, according to their website, oppose "a government takeover of the United States health care system."<ref>[http://patientsunitednow.com/?q=about Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], About | Patients United Now</ref>

Patients United Now ran television ads advancing this viewpoint. In one ad, a Canadian woman, [[Shona Holmes health care incident|Shona Holmes]], says she was not able to get timely treatment for brain tumor surgery and ultimately was treated in the U.S. Columnist [[David Lazarus]] of the ''Los Angeles Times'' responded that the Canadian government does not offer medical treatment but has a government-run insurance program.<ref name="Lazarus">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-fi-lazarus9-2009aug09,0,3572458.column |title=Healthcare debate framed by fear-mongering ads|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2009-08-09 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Amy Menefee, a spokeswoman for Patients United Now, stated that "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."

Also in 2009, AFP initiated the Hands Off My Healthcare Tour, which sponsored 250<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title=President Obama's health care law is unraveling|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/29/president-obamas-health-care-law-is-unraveling/|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Caller]]|date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> rallies and collected signatures in an effort to raise awareness about free-market-based health care reforms.<ref>[http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/612300/group-protests-obama-s-push-for-health-care-reform/ Group protests Obama's push for health care reform], July 22, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.wect.com/story/10865825/americans-for-prosperity-protest-the-presidents-health-care-plan Americans for Prosperity protest the President's health care plan] August 7, 2009</ref>

===Net Neutrality===
AFP has been an active member of the [[Internet Freedom Coalition]].<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/story/conservative-group-takes-aim-at-net-neutrality-2011-03-09?mod=wsj_share_tweet</ref><ref>http://www.internetfreedomcoalition.com/?p=419</ref>

==Activities==
During the 2010 election cycle, AFP claims to have spent $40 million on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing. Of the six freshman Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2010, five benefitted from AFP ads and grassroots activity.<ref name='LATimes2011-02'>{{cite news | first = Tom | last = Hamburger | coauthors = Kathleen Hennessey, Neela Banerjee | title = Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power | date = 2011-02-06 | publisher = [[Tribune Company]] | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = 2011-02-06| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110217132904/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story| archivedate= 17 February 2011 | deadurl= no}}</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>John Gallagher, [http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab Conservative group: Fake eviction notices were 'meant to startle people'] ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' Jun. 7, 2011</ref>

In August 2011, AFP "sent absentee voter applications instructing voters to return the paperwork two days late in at least two recall elections."<ref name=Opoien>{{cite web|url=http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=34266|title=Unofficial absentee ballot mailings raise voter intimidation issues in Wisconsin recall elections|first=Jessica|last=Opoien|accessdate=November 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Opoien/> 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 16."<ref>{{cite web|last=Sargent|first=Greg|title=Americans for Prosperity sent misleading absentee ballot far more widely than previously known|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/americans-for-prosperity-sent-misleading-absentee-ballot-far-more-widely-than-previously-known/2011/03/03/gIQAxhcywI_blog.html|work=Washington Post|accessdate=21 November 2011}}</ref>

In 2011, AFP said that it would review payments it had made to [[Mark Block]]'s Prosperity USA, which allegedly made improper payments to the [[Herman Cain presidential campaign, 2012]].<ref>Stone, Peter H. [http://www.iwatchnews.org/2011/11/03/7279/koch-related-group-reviewing-financial-transactions-cain-aides-charity "Koch-related group is reviewing financial transactions with Cain aide's charity."] ''iWatch News'', 3 November 2011.</ref><ref>Bice, Daniel. [http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/state-firms-cash-to-herman-cain-may-breach-federal-campaign-tax-laws-132898423.html "State firm's cash to Herman Cain may breach federal campaign, tax laws."] ''Journal Sentinel'', 30 October 2011.</ref><ref>Benjamin, Mark. [http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/01/the-other-cain-scandal-campaign-transactions-may-have-broken-federal-law/ "The Other Cain Scandal: Campaign Transactions May Have Broken Federal Law."] ''Time Magazine'', 1 November 2011.</ref> As a tax-exempt charity, Prosperity USA is prohibited from donating money or services to a political campaign.<ref>Eggen, Dan. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/herman-cain-campaigns-financial-ties-to-wisconsin-charity-questioned/2011/10/31/gIQAJ61gZM_story.html "Herman Cain campaign's financial ties to Wisconsin charity questioned."] ''Washington Post'', 31 October 2011.</ref> According to an internal review, the payments were proper since they occurred before Cain launched his campaign.<ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/americans-prosperity-our-reimbursements-herman-cain-were-legal_607897.html "Americans for Prosperity: Our Reimbursements to Herman Cain Were Legal," John McCormack, Weekly Standard, November 9, 2011]</ref>

===2012 presidential election===
From 2011-2012, in what the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' called "perhaps the biggest attack on Mr. Obama so far in the 2012 election campaign,"<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref> AFP spent $8.4 million ($2.4 in 2011<ref>[http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/11/28/377053/koch-americans-for-prosperity-solyndra-attack-ad-video/ "Koch-Fueled Americans for Prosperity Spends $2.4 Million on Solyndra Attack Ad (VIDEO)"], Stephen Lacey, ThinkProgress, November 28, 2011)</ref> and $6 million in 2012<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ "Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref>) on television ads that criticized the federal loan to now-bankrupt manufacturer of solar panels, Solyndra.

In September 2012, the ''[[Washington Post]]'' called AFP "One of the major players on the right", reporting that AFP planned to spend $125 million on the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 United States presidential election]]. President Phillips said the organization has 116 staff members on the ground targeting 9 million voters who are undecided about how to assess Obama's economic record.<ref name=presidential>{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/conservative-groups-reaching-new-levels-of-sophistication-in-mobilizing-voters/2012/09/20/3c3cd8e8-026c-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_story.html| title= Conservative groups reaching new levels of sophistication in mobilizing voters | work=[[Washington Post]] | coauthors=Peter Wallsten, Tom Hamburger| date=September 20, 2012|accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>

==Criticism==
In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House argued that AFP and the AFP Foundation are a de facto political action group, thus violating 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> President Obama said: "Right now all around this country there are groups with harmless-sounding names like Americans for Prosperity, who are running millions of dollars of ads against Democratic candidates all across the country. And they don't have to say who exactly the Americans for Prosperity are. You don't know if it's a foreign-controlled corporation. You don't know if it's a big oil company, or a big bank."<ref name=thefix>{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/who-is-americans-for-prosperit.html | title=Who is "Americans for Prosperity"? | work=Washington Post | first=Felicia | last=Sonmez | date=August 26, 2010}}</ref> The administration later called AFP a "special-interest front group run by the oil billionaire Koch brothers," who it said are "obsessed with making Barack Obama a one-term president."<ref name=ppacarallies/> In response, Phillips called the idea that AFP is taking money from foreign sources "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 saw an increase in financial contributions, explaining 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/>

Also in August 2010, the [[Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]] (DCCC) filed a complaint against AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFP Foundation 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> On May 6, 2011, the Federal Election Commission dismissed the complaint.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly Digest: Week of May 2 - 4|url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2011/20110506_digest.shtml|publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=May 8, 2012|date=May 6, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

A May 2012 ad criticizing the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]] was rated by the nonpartisan fact checking organization [[PolitiFact.com]] as one of "the sneakiest" of the election cycle to that point. Claims from the ad were judged to be "Mostly False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded traffic lights in China|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-streetlights-c/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> "False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded jobs in Finland|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-jobs-finland/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> and "Pants on Fire",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded a solar company building a Mexico plant|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/02/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-solar-company-/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> the organization's lowest rating of truth. A separate analysis of the entire ad showed problems with the truth of every one of the ad's claims.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowers|first=Becky|title=Line by line: How an ad uses sleight-of-hand to distort facts on stimulus|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2012/may/04/line-line-sleight-hand-afp/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Political activities of the Koch brothers]]
* [[Tito the Builder]]<ref name="insidenova">{{cite news
|url=http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2011/apr/14/tito-builder-considering-state-politics-ar-973334/|date=April 14, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2011|title=Tito the Builder considering state politics|publisher=insidenova|first=Keith|last=Walker}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Americans for Prosperity}}
* [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php Americans for Prosperity]
* [http://www.americansforprosperityfoundation.com/ Americans for Prosperity Foundation]
* [http://www.politifact.com/personalities/americans-prosperity/ File] at [[PolitiFact]]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cmte=C30001051 Profile] at [[OpenSecrets.org]]

{{Koch family}}
{{Tea Party movement}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Americans For Prosperity}}
[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Think tanks based in the United States]]
[[Category:Political and economic think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations]]
[[Category:Koch family]]
[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]

Americans for Prosperity

2013-09-10T05:57:24Z

Polmandc: /* Leadership and structure */ update

{{Infobox Organization
|name = Americans for Prosperity
|image_border = AFProsperity.png
|caption =
|membership =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|extinction =
|type = Non-profit political advocacy group
|status =
|purpose = AFP is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process.<ref name=about/>
|headquarters = [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|formation = 2004
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]
|leader_title2 = Executive Vice President
|leader_name2 = [[Tracy Henke]]
|website = [http://www.americansforprosperity.org www.americansforprosperity.org]}}

'''Americans for Prosperity''' ('''AFP''') is an [[American conservative]] [[political advocacy group]] headquartered in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Temple-West
| first = Patrick
| coauthors = Alina Selyukh
| title = IRS steps up scrutiny of tax-exempt political groups
| work = Reuters
| location = Washington
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| date = 2012-06-29
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/29/us-usa-campaign-irs-idUSBRE85S09420120629
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| title = Wealthy outside political groups find a home in Minnesota
| work = MPR News
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/25/politics/wealthy-outside-political-groups-target-minnesota/
}}</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/12/americans-prosperity-slams-obama-suggesting-foreign-influence/</ref> AFP's stated mission is "educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing citizens as advocates in the public policy process".<ref name=about/> The group played a major role in the 2010 [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] takeover of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/us/cato-institute-and-koch-in-rift-over-independence.html "Cato Institute Is Caught in a Rift Over Its Direction," New York Times, March 6, 2012]</ref> and has been called "one of the most powerful conservative organizations in electoral politics".<ref>[http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/03/01/behind_the_cato_koch_kerfuffle.html "Behind the Cato-Koch Kerfuffle," Slate, March 1, 2012]</ref>

==Background==
Americans for Prosperity was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] 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> remained chairman of FreedomWorks, while [[David H. Koch]] remained chairman of the AFP Foundation. Like CSE, AFP was founded with the support of [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles Koch]], both 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101015060122/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all| archivedate= 15 October 2010 | deadurl= no}}</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>

===Mission===
Americans for Prosperity describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government. The organization focuses on eight issue areas: budget and spending; taxes; property rights; health care and entitlements; banking and financial services; labor, education, and pensions; energy and environment; and technology.<ref name=about>{{cite web|title=About Americans for Prosperity|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/about|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref>

According to AFP, their mission is to promote "limited government and free markets on the local, state, and federal levels", and to do so, they support:<ref name=about/>
* Cutting taxes and government spending in order to halt the encroachment of government in the economic lives of citizens by fighting proposed tax increases and pointing out evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse.
* Removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and opportunity by sparking citizen involvement early in the regulatory process in order to reduce red tape.
* Restoring fairness to the judicial system.

==Leadership and structure==
Like its predecessor, [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]], and other advocacy groups (for example, the [[National Taxpayers Union]]), Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity, a [[501(c)(4)]] organization established in 2004, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a [[501(c)(3)]] organization established in 1984.

On the national level, Americans for Prosperity is led by its president, [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]. From 2003-2007, AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]], the president of MediaSpeak Strategies. Other current executive staff include Chief Operating Officer [[Tracy Henke]] and Vice President of State Operations Alan Cobb. [[James C. Miller]], James E. Stephenson, Frayda Levy, Richard Fink, and Nancy Pfotenhauer serve on the board of directors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Directors|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|url=http://americansforprosperity.org/about/directors/|accessdate=2013-09-10}}</ref>

As of March 2012, Americans for Prosperity had 1.9 million members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/catching-up-with-tim-phillips-of-americans-for-prosperity.html |title=Tim Phillips, New York Times, March 3, 2012, accessed Mar 2012 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2012-03-18}}</ref> AFP had its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which oversees 35 state chapters.<ref name=about/>

==Funding==
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of these expenditures, $2.1 million went to national office operations and $2.9 million went to the state-based chapters. By 2010, AFP's and the AFP Foundation's combined budget was $40 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nonprofit Report for Americans for Prosperity Foundation|url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/52-1527294/americans-prosperity-foundation.aspx|work=[[GuideStar]]|publisher=GuideStar USA, Inc|accessdate=May 8, 2012}}</ref>

Based on the AFP Foundation's financial operations and programs, the independent nonprofit review organization, [[Charity Navigator]], gave it a three-star rating out of four stars overall - four stars for financial operations, and two for accountability and transparency - and 53.8 out of a possible 70 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110629022528/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511| archivedate= 29 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

According to AFP, 90,000 people across 50 states have donated to AFP or the AFP Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Browning|first=William|title=Americans for Prosperity by the Numbers|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-numbers-172200443.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[Yahoo! News]] Contributor Network|date=October 17, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

==Events==
Since 2007, the AFP Foundation has hosted the "Defending the American Dream Summit," which is now the second largest annual gathering of conservatives in Washington, DC (the first is the [[Conservative Political Action Conference]]). Topics have included government spending and taxation, health care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation. Presidential candidates who attended the inaugural event included Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Ron Paul, Sam Brownback, Mitt Romney, and Fred Thompson. 2,000 people attended the 2011 summit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title='Occupiers' Attack Defending the American Dream Summit|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.com/110911-occupiers-attack-defending-american-dream-summit|accessdate=May 8, 2012|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|date=November 8, 2011}}</ref>

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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110126005750/http://americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast| archivedate= 26 January 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> AFP created the Cost of Hot Air Tour, a nationwide tour that included [[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.

In 2008, in the same city ([[Austin, Texas]]) and at the same time (July) as the liberal [http://www.NetrootsNation.org/ Netroots Nation] conference, AFP hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers and activists that aimed to develop conservative social media strategies.<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><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> RightOnline has since become an annual event, with 1,500 attendees in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/conservative-fun-with-andrew-breitbart-et-al-at-right-online/240646/ |title=Conservative Fun with Andrew Breitbart et al. at Right Online - Tina Dupuy - Politics - The Atlantic}}</ref>

In 2011, in conjunction with [[Sarah Palin]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Schultz|first=Zac|title=Sarah Palin Travels To Madison|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Sarah_Palin_to_Visit_Madison_119856054.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[WMTV]]|date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> AFP helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic|Madison, Wisconsin]], where Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]'s budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. President Phillips said Walker's proposed cuts were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits."<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> After the budget reforms in [[Wisconsin]] passed, the AFP Foundation initiated an advertising and town-hall effort called "It's Working!" to promote them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/its-rally-season-in-wisconsin-c24gjov-142091613.html |title=Capitol rally to mark one year since Act 10 - JSOnline |publisher=JSOnline |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

Also in 2011, AFP sponsored the first debate among the Republican presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Candidates who participated included [[Mitt Romney]], [[Tim Pawlenty]], [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Rick Santorum]], and [[Herman Cain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/04/americans_for_p.html |title=Americans For Prosperity Dinner live blog - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com |publisher=Boston Globe |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

AFP announced plans to participate in a rally protesting the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] during the Supreme Court's oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the law.<ref name=ppacarallies>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/us/politics/white-house-works-to-shape-debate-over-health-law.html | title=White House Works to Shape Debate Over Health Law | first=Robert | last=Pear | date=March 9, 2012 | work=New York Times}}</ref>

==Programs==

===No Climate Tax Pledge===
In 2008, AFP circulated an anti-tax pledge to government officials at the federal, state, and local levels. A candidate who signs the "No Climate Tax Pledge" vows to "oppose any legislation relating to [[climate change]] that includes a net increase in state or local government revenue."<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]] and Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Jeff Flake]], and [[Fred Upton]]. Of the 12 Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2011, nine have signed the pledge.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/06/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206 Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power], Los Angeles Times, February 6, 2011</ref>

===Health Care===
In May 2009, AFP launched Patients United Now, a project to, according to their website, oppose "a government takeover of the United States health care system."<ref>[http://patientsunitednow.com/?q=about Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], About | Patients United Now</ref>

Patients United Now ran television ads advancing this viewpoint. In one ad, a Canadian woman, [[Shona Holmes health care incident|Shona Holmes]], says she was not able to get timely treatment for brain tumor surgery and ultimately was treated in the U.S. Columnist [[David Lazarus]] of the ''Los Angeles Times'' responded that the Canadian government does not offer medical treatment but has a government-run insurance program.<ref name="Lazarus">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-fi-lazarus9-2009aug09,0,3572458.column |title=Healthcare debate framed by fear-mongering ads|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2009-08-09 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Amy Menefee, a spokeswoman for Patients United Now, stated that "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."

Also in 2009, AFP initiated the Hands Off My Healthcare Tour, which sponsored 250<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title=President Obama's health care law is unraveling|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/29/president-obamas-health-care-law-is-unraveling/|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Caller]]|date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> rallies and collected signatures in an effort to raise awareness about free-market-based health care reforms.<ref>[http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/612300/group-protests-obama-s-push-for-health-care-reform/ Group protests Obama's push for health care reform], July 22, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.wect.com/story/10865825/americans-for-prosperity-protest-the-presidents-health-care-plan Americans for Prosperity protest the President's health care plan] August 7, 2009</ref>

===Net Neutrality===
AFP has been an active member of the [[Internet Freedom Coalition]].<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/story/conservative-group-takes-aim-at-net-neutrality-2011-03-09?mod=wsj_share_tweet</ref><ref>http://www.internetfreedomcoalition.com/?p=419</ref>

==Activities==
During the 2010 election cycle, AFP claims to have spent $40 million on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing. Of the six freshman Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2010, five benefitted from AFP ads and grassroots activity.<ref name='LATimes2011-02'>{{cite news | first = Tom | last = Hamburger | coauthors = Kathleen Hennessey, Neela Banerjee | title = Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power | date = 2011-02-06 | publisher = [[Tribune Company]] | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = 2011-02-06| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110217132904/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story| archivedate= 17 February 2011 | deadurl= no}}</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>John Gallagher, [http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab Conservative group: Fake eviction notices were 'meant to startle people'] ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' Jun. 7, 2011</ref>

In August 2011, AFP "sent absentee voter applications instructing voters to return the paperwork two days late in at least two recall elections."<ref name=Opoien>{{cite web|url=http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=34266|title=Unofficial absentee ballot mailings raise voter intimidation issues in Wisconsin recall elections|first=Jessica|last=Opoien|accessdate=November 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Opoien/> 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 16."<ref>{{cite web|last=Sargent|first=Greg|title=Americans for Prosperity sent misleading absentee ballot far more widely than previously known|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/americans-for-prosperity-sent-misleading-absentee-ballot-far-more-widely-than-previously-known/2011/03/03/gIQAxhcywI_blog.html|work=Washington Post|accessdate=21 November 2011}}</ref>

In 2011, AFP said that it would review payments it had made to [[Mark Block]]'s Prosperity USA, which allegedly made improper payments to the [[Herman Cain presidential campaign, 2012]].<ref>Stone, Peter H. [http://www.iwatchnews.org/2011/11/03/7279/koch-related-group-reviewing-financial-transactions-cain-aides-charity "Koch-related group is reviewing financial transactions with Cain aide's charity."] ''iWatch News'', 3 November 2011.</ref><ref>Bice, Daniel. [http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/state-firms-cash-to-herman-cain-may-breach-federal-campaign-tax-laws-132898423.html "State firm's cash to Herman Cain may breach federal campaign, tax laws."] ''Journal Sentinel'', 30 October 2011.</ref><ref>Benjamin, Mark. [http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/01/the-other-cain-scandal-campaign-transactions-may-have-broken-federal-law/ "The Other Cain Scandal: Campaign Transactions May Have Broken Federal Law."] ''Time Magazine'', 1 November 2011.</ref> As a tax-exempt charity, Prosperity USA is prohibited from donating money or services to a political campaign.<ref>Eggen, Dan. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/herman-cain-campaigns-financial-ties-to-wisconsin-charity-questioned/2011/10/31/gIQAJ61gZM_story.html "Herman Cain campaign's financial ties to Wisconsin charity questioned."] ''Washington Post'', 31 October 2011.</ref> According to an internal review, the payments were proper since they occurred before Cain launched his campaign.<ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/americans-prosperity-our-reimbursements-herman-cain-were-legal_607897.html "Americans for Prosperity: Our Reimbursements to Herman Cain Were Legal," John McCormack, Weekly Standard, November 9, 2011]</ref>

===2012 presidential election===
From 2011-2012, in what the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' called "perhaps the biggest attack on Mr. Obama so far in the 2012 election campaign,"<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref> AFP spent $8.4 million ($2.4 in 2011<ref>[http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/11/28/377053/koch-americans-for-prosperity-solyndra-attack-ad-video/ "Koch-Fueled Americans for Prosperity Spends $2.4 Million on Solyndra Attack Ad (VIDEO)"], Stephen Lacey, ThinkProgress, November 28, 2011)</ref> and $6 million in 2012<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ "Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref>) on television ads that criticized the federal loan to now-bankrupt manufacturer of solar panels, Solyndra.

In September 2012, the ''[[Washington Post]]'' called AFP "One of the major players on the right", reporting that AFP planned to spend $125 million on the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 United States presidential election]]. President Phillips said the organization has 116 staff members on the ground targeting 9 million voters who are undecided about how to assess Obama's economic record.<ref name=presidential>{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/conservative-groups-reaching-new-levels-of-sophistication-in-mobilizing-voters/2012/09/20/3c3cd8e8-026c-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_story.html| title= Conservative groups reaching new levels of sophistication in mobilizing voters | work=[[Washington Post]] | coauthors=Peter Wallsten, Tom Hamburger| date=September 20, 2012|accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>

==Criticism==
In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House argued that AFP and the AFP Foundation are a de facto political action group, thus violating 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> President Obama said: "Right now all around this country there are groups with harmless-sounding names like Americans for Prosperity, who are running millions of dollars of ads against Democratic candidates all across the country. And they don't have to say who exactly the Americans for Prosperity are. You don't know if it's a foreign-controlled corporation. You don't know if it's a big oil company, or a big bank."<ref name=thefix>{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/who-is-americans-for-prosperit.html | title=Who is "Americans for Prosperity"? | work=Washington Post | first=Felicia | last=Sonmez | date=August 26, 2010}}</ref> The administration later called AFP a "special-interest front group run by the oil billionaire Koch brothers," who it said are "obsessed with making Barack Obama a one-term president."<ref name=ppacarallies/> In response, Phillips called the idea that AFP is taking money from foreign sources "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 saw an increase in financial contributions, explaining 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/>

Also in August 2010, the [[Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]] (DCCC) filed a complaint against AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFP Foundation 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> On May 6, 2011, the Federal Election Commission dismissed the complaint.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly Digest: Week of May 2 - 4|url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2011/20110506_digest.shtml|publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=May 8, 2012|date=May 6, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

A May 2012 ad criticizing the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]] was rated by the nonpartisan fact checking organization [[PolitiFact.com]] as one of "the sneakiest" of the election cycle to that point. Claims from the ad were judged to be "Mostly False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded traffic lights in China|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-streetlights-c/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> "False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded jobs in Finland|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-jobs-finland/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> and "Pants on Fire",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded a solar company building a Mexico plant|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/02/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-solar-company-/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> the organization's lowest rating of truth. A separate analysis of the entire ad showed problems with the truth of every one of the ad's claims.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowers|first=Becky|title=Line by line: How an ad uses sleight-of-hand to distort facts on stimulus|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2012/may/04/line-line-sleight-hand-afp/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Political activities of the Koch brothers]]
* [[Tito the Builder]]<ref name="insidenova">{{cite news
|url=http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2011/apr/14/tito-builder-considering-state-politics-ar-973334/|date=April 14, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2011|title=Tito the Builder considering state politics|publisher=insidenova|first=Keith|last=Walker}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Americans for Prosperity}}
* [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php Americans for Prosperity]
* [http://www.americansforprosperityfoundation.com/ Americans for Prosperity Foundation]
* [http://www.politifact.com/personalities/americans-prosperity/ File] at [[PolitiFact]]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cmte=C30001051 Profile] at [[OpenSecrets.org]]

{{Koch family}}
{{Tea Party movement}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Americans For Prosperity}}
[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Think tanks based in the United States]]
[[Category:Political and economic think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations]]
[[Category:Koch family]]
[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]

Americans for Prosperity

2013-09-10T05:50:45Z

Polmandc: /* Leadership and structure */ fix

{{Infobox Organization
|name = Americans for Prosperity
|image_border = AFProsperity.png
|caption =
|membership =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|extinction =
|type = Non-profit political advocacy group
|status =
|purpose = AFP is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process.<ref name=about/>
|headquarters = [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|formation = 2004
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]
|leader_title2 = Executive Vice President
|leader_name2 = [[Tracy Henke]]
|website = [http://www.americansforprosperity.org www.americansforprosperity.org]}}

'''Americans for Prosperity''' ('''AFP''') is an [[American conservative]] [[political advocacy group]] headquartered in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Temple-West
| first = Patrick
| coauthors = Alina Selyukh
| title = IRS steps up scrutiny of tax-exempt political groups
| work = Reuters
| location = Washington
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| date = 2012-06-29
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/29/us-usa-campaign-irs-idUSBRE85S09420120629
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| title = Wealthy outside political groups find a home in Minnesota
| work = MPR News
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/25/politics/wealthy-outside-political-groups-target-minnesota/
}}</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/12/americans-prosperity-slams-obama-suggesting-foreign-influence/</ref> AFP's stated mission is "educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing citizens as advocates in the public policy process".<ref name=about/> The group played a major role in the 2010 [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] takeover of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/us/cato-institute-and-koch-in-rift-over-independence.html "Cato Institute Is Caught in a Rift Over Its Direction," New York Times, March 6, 2012]</ref> and has been called "one of the most powerful conservative organizations in electoral politics".<ref>[http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/03/01/behind_the_cato_koch_kerfuffle.html "Behind the Cato-Koch Kerfuffle," Slate, March 1, 2012]</ref>

==Background==
Americans for Prosperity was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] 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> remained chairman of FreedomWorks, while [[David H. Koch]] remained chairman of the AFP Foundation. Like CSE, AFP was founded with the support of [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles Koch]], both 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101015060122/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all| archivedate= 15 October 2010 | deadurl= no}}</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>

===Mission===
Americans for Prosperity describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government. The organization focuses on eight issue areas: budget and spending; taxes; property rights; health care and entitlements; banking and financial services; labor, education, and pensions; energy and environment; and technology.<ref name=about>{{cite web|title=About Americans for Prosperity|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/about|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref>

According to AFP, their mission is to promote "limited government and free markets on the local, state, and federal levels", and to do so, they support:<ref name=about/>
* Cutting taxes and government spending in order to halt the encroachment of government in the economic lives of citizens by fighting proposed tax increases and pointing out evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse.
* Removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and opportunity by sparking citizen involvement early in the regulatory process in order to reduce red tape.
* Restoring fairness to the judicial system.

==Leadership and structure==
Like its predecessor, [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]], and other advocacy groups (for example, the [[National Taxpayers Union]]), Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity, a [[501(c)(4)]] organization established in 2004, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a [[501(c)(3)]] organization established in 1984.

On the national level, Americans for Prosperity is led by its president, [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]. From 2003-2007, AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]], the president of MediaSpeak Strategies. Other current executive staff include Chief Operating Officer [[Tracy Henke]] and Vice President of State Operations Alan Cobb. [[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.

As of March 2012, Americans for Prosperity had 1.9 million members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/catching-up-with-tim-phillips-of-americans-for-prosperity.html |title=Tim Phillips, New York Times, March 3, 2012, accessed Mar 2012 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2012-03-18}}</ref> AFP had its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which oversees 35 state chapters.<ref name=about/>

==Funding==
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of these expenditures, $2.1 million went to national office operations and $2.9 million went to the state-based chapters. By 2010, AFP's and the AFP Foundation's combined budget was $40 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nonprofit Report for Americans for Prosperity Foundation|url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/52-1527294/americans-prosperity-foundation.aspx|work=[[GuideStar]]|publisher=GuideStar USA, Inc|accessdate=May 8, 2012}}</ref>

Based on the AFP Foundation's financial operations and programs, the independent nonprofit review organization, [[Charity Navigator]], gave it a three-star rating out of four stars overall - four stars for financial operations, and two for accountability and transparency - and 53.8 out of a possible 70 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110629022528/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511| archivedate= 29 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

According to AFP, 90,000 people across 50 states have donated to AFP or the AFP Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Browning|first=William|title=Americans for Prosperity by the Numbers|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-numbers-172200443.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[Yahoo! News]] Contributor Network|date=October 17, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

==Events==
Since 2007, the AFP Foundation has hosted the "Defending the American Dream Summit," which is now the second largest annual gathering of conservatives in Washington, DC (the first is the [[Conservative Political Action Conference]]). Topics have included government spending and taxation, health care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation. Presidential candidates who attended the inaugural event included Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Ron Paul, Sam Brownback, Mitt Romney, and Fred Thompson. 2,000 people attended the 2011 summit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title='Occupiers' Attack Defending the American Dream Summit|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.com/110911-occupiers-attack-defending-american-dream-summit|accessdate=May 8, 2012|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|date=November 8, 2011}}</ref>

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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110126005750/http://americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast| archivedate= 26 January 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> AFP created the Cost of Hot Air Tour, a nationwide tour that included [[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.

In 2008, in the same city ([[Austin, Texas]]) and at the same time (July) as the liberal [http://www.NetrootsNation.org/ Netroots Nation] conference, AFP hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers and activists that aimed to develop conservative social media strategies.<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><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> RightOnline has since become an annual event, with 1,500 attendees in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/conservative-fun-with-andrew-breitbart-et-al-at-right-online/240646/ |title=Conservative Fun with Andrew Breitbart et al. at Right Online - Tina Dupuy - Politics - The Atlantic}}</ref>

In 2011, in conjunction with [[Sarah Palin]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Schultz|first=Zac|title=Sarah Palin Travels To Madison|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Sarah_Palin_to_Visit_Madison_119856054.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[WMTV]]|date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> AFP helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic|Madison, Wisconsin]], where Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]'s budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. President Phillips said Walker's proposed cuts were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits."<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> After the budget reforms in [[Wisconsin]] passed, the AFP Foundation initiated an advertising and town-hall effort called "It's Working!" to promote them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/its-rally-season-in-wisconsin-c24gjov-142091613.html |title=Capitol rally to mark one year since Act 10 - JSOnline |publisher=JSOnline |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

Also in 2011, AFP sponsored the first debate among the Republican presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Candidates who participated included [[Mitt Romney]], [[Tim Pawlenty]], [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Rick Santorum]], and [[Herman Cain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/04/americans_for_p.html |title=Americans For Prosperity Dinner live blog - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com |publisher=Boston Globe |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

AFP announced plans to participate in a rally protesting the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] during the Supreme Court's oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the law.<ref name=ppacarallies>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/us/politics/white-house-works-to-shape-debate-over-health-law.html | title=White House Works to Shape Debate Over Health Law | first=Robert | last=Pear | date=March 9, 2012 | work=New York Times}}</ref>

==Programs==

===No Climate Tax Pledge===
In 2008, AFP circulated an anti-tax pledge to government officials at the federal, state, and local levels. A candidate who signs the "No Climate Tax Pledge" vows to "oppose any legislation relating to [[climate change]] that includes a net increase in state or local government revenue."<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]] and Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Jeff Flake]], and [[Fred Upton]]. Of the 12 Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2011, nine have signed the pledge.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/06/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206 Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power], Los Angeles Times, February 6, 2011</ref>

===Health Care===
In May 2009, AFP launched Patients United Now, a project to, according to their website, oppose "a government takeover of the United States health care system."<ref>[http://patientsunitednow.com/?q=about Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], About | Patients United Now</ref>

Patients United Now ran television ads advancing this viewpoint. In one ad, a Canadian woman, [[Shona Holmes health care incident|Shona Holmes]], says she was not able to get timely treatment for brain tumor surgery and ultimately was treated in the U.S. Columnist [[David Lazarus]] of the ''Los Angeles Times'' responded that the Canadian government does not offer medical treatment but has a government-run insurance program.<ref name="Lazarus">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-fi-lazarus9-2009aug09,0,3572458.column |title=Healthcare debate framed by fear-mongering ads|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2009-08-09 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Amy Menefee, a spokeswoman for Patients United Now, stated that "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."

Also in 2009, AFP initiated the Hands Off My Healthcare Tour, which sponsored 250<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title=President Obama's health care law is unraveling|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/29/president-obamas-health-care-law-is-unraveling/|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Caller]]|date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> rallies and collected signatures in an effort to raise awareness about free-market-based health care reforms.<ref>[http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/612300/group-protests-obama-s-push-for-health-care-reform/ Group protests Obama's push for health care reform], July 22, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.wect.com/story/10865825/americans-for-prosperity-protest-the-presidents-health-care-plan Americans for Prosperity protest the President's health care plan] August 7, 2009</ref>

===Net Neutrality===
AFP has been an active member of the [[Internet Freedom Coalition]].<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/story/conservative-group-takes-aim-at-net-neutrality-2011-03-09?mod=wsj_share_tweet</ref><ref>http://www.internetfreedomcoalition.com/?p=419</ref>

==Activities==
During the 2010 election cycle, AFP claims to have spent $40 million on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing. Of the six freshman Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2010, five benefitted from AFP ads and grassroots activity.<ref name='LATimes2011-02'>{{cite news | first = Tom | last = Hamburger | coauthors = Kathleen Hennessey, Neela Banerjee | title = Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power | date = 2011-02-06 | publisher = [[Tribune Company]] | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = 2011-02-06| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110217132904/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story| archivedate= 17 February 2011 | deadurl= no}}</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>John Gallagher, [http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab Conservative group: Fake eviction notices were 'meant to startle people'] ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' Jun. 7, 2011</ref>

In August 2011, AFP "sent absentee voter applications instructing voters to return the paperwork two days late in at least two recall elections."<ref name=Opoien>{{cite web|url=http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=34266|title=Unofficial absentee ballot mailings raise voter intimidation issues in Wisconsin recall elections|first=Jessica|last=Opoien|accessdate=November 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Opoien/> 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 16."<ref>{{cite web|last=Sargent|first=Greg|title=Americans for Prosperity sent misleading absentee ballot far more widely than previously known|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/americans-for-prosperity-sent-misleading-absentee-ballot-far-more-widely-than-previously-known/2011/03/03/gIQAxhcywI_blog.html|work=Washington Post|accessdate=21 November 2011}}</ref>

In 2011, AFP said that it would review payments it had made to [[Mark Block]]'s Prosperity USA, which allegedly made improper payments to the [[Herman Cain presidential campaign, 2012]].<ref>Stone, Peter H. [http://www.iwatchnews.org/2011/11/03/7279/koch-related-group-reviewing-financial-transactions-cain-aides-charity "Koch-related group is reviewing financial transactions with Cain aide's charity."] ''iWatch News'', 3 November 2011.</ref><ref>Bice, Daniel. [http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/state-firms-cash-to-herman-cain-may-breach-federal-campaign-tax-laws-132898423.html "State firm's cash to Herman Cain may breach federal campaign, tax laws."] ''Journal Sentinel'', 30 October 2011.</ref><ref>Benjamin, Mark. [http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/01/the-other-cain-scandal-campaign-transactions-may-have-broken-federal-law/ "The Other Cain Scandal: Campaign Transactions May Have Broken Federal Law."] ''Time Magazine'', 1 November 2011.</ref> As a tax-exempt charity, Prosperity USA is prohibited from donating money or services to a political campaign.<ref>Eggen, Dan. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/herman-cain-campaigns-financial-ties-to-wisconsin-charity-questioned/2011/10/31/gIQAJ61gZM_story.html "Herman Cain campaign's financial ties to Wisconsin charity questioned."] ''Washington Post'', 31 October 2011.</ref> According to an internal review, the payments were proper since they occurred before Cain launched his campaign.<ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/americans-prosperity-our-reimbursements-herman-cain-were-legal_607897.html "Americans for Prosperity: Our Reimbursements to Herman Cain Were Legal," John McCormack, Weekly Standard, November 9, 2011]</ref>

===2012 presidential election===
From 2011-2012, in what the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' called "perhaps the biggest attack on Mr. Obama so far in the 2012 election campaign,"<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref> AFP spent $8.4 million ($2.4 in 2011<ref>[http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/11/28/377053/koch-americans-for-prosperity-solyndra-attack-ad-video/ "Koch-Fueled Americans for Prosperity Spends $2.4 Million on Solyndra Attack Ad (VIDEO)"], Stephen Lacey, ThinkProgress, November 28, 2011)</ref> and $6 million in 2012<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ "Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref>) on television ads that criticized the federal loan to now-bankrupt manufacturer of solar panels, Solyndra.

In September 2012, the ''[[Washington Post]]'' called AFP "One of the major players on the right", reporting that AFP planned to spend $125 million on the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 United States presidential election]]. President Phillips said the organization has 116 staff members on the ground targeting 9 million voters who are undecided about how to assess Obama's economic record.<ref name=presidential>{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/conservative-groups-reaching-new-levels-of-sophistication-in-mobilizing-voters/2012/09/20/3c3cd8e8-026c-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_story.html| title= Conservative groups reaching new levels of sophistication in mobilizing voters | work=[[Washington Post]] | coauthors=Peter Wallsten, Tom Hamburger| date=September 20, 2012|accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>

==Criticism==
In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House argued that AFP and the AFP Foundation are a de facto political action group, thus violating 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> President Obama said: "Right now all around this country there are groups with harmless-sounding names like Americans for Prosperity, who are running millions of dollars of ads against Democratic candidates all across the country. And they don't have to say who exactly the Americans for Prosperity are. You don't know if it's a foreign-controlled corporation. You don't know if it's a big oil company, or a big bank."<ref name=thefix>{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/who-is-americans-for-prosperit.html | title=Who is "Americans for Prosperity"? | work=Washington Post | first=Felicia | last=Sonmez | date=August 26, 2010}}</ref> The administration later called AFP a "special-interest front group run by the oil billionaire Koch brothers," who it said are "obsessed with making Barack Obama a one-term president."<ref name=ppacarallies/> In response, Phillips called the idea that AFP is taking money from foreign sources "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 saw an increase in financial contributions, explaining 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/>

Also in August 2010, the [[Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]] (DCCC) filed a complaint against AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFP Foundation 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> On May 6, 2011, the Federal Election Commission dismissed the complaint.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly Digest: Week of May 2 - 4|url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2011/20110506_digest.shtml|publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=May 8, 2012|date=May 6, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

A May 2012 ad criticizing the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]] was rated by the nonpartisan fact checking organization [[PolitiFact.com]] as one of "the sneakiest" of the election cycle to that point. Claims from the ad were judged to be "Mostly False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded traffic lights in China|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-streetlights-c/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> "False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded jobs in Finland|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-jobs-finland/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> and "Pants on Fire",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded a solar company building a Mexico plant|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/02/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-solar-company-/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> the organization's lowest rating of truth. A separate analysis of the entire ad showed problems with the truth of every one of the ad's claims.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowers|first=Becky|title=Line by line: How an ad uses sleight-of-hand to distort facts on stimulus|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2012/may/04/line-line-sleight-hand-afp/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Political activities of the Koch brothers]]
* [[Tito the Builder]]<ref name="insidenova">{{cite news
|url=http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2011/apr/14/tito-builder-considering-state-politics-ar-973334/|date=April 14, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2011|title=Tito the Builder considering state politics|publisher=insidenova|first=Keith|last=Walker}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Americans for Prosperity}}
* [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php Americans for Prosperity]
* [http://www.americansforprosperityfoundation.com/ Americans for Prosperity Foundation]
* [http://www.politifact.com/personalities/americans-prosperity/ File] at [[PolitiFact]]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cmte=C30001051 Profile] at [[OpenSecrets.org]]

{{Koch family}}
{{Tea Party movement}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Americans For Prosperity}}
[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Think tanks based in the United States]]
[[Category:Political and economic think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations]]
[[Category:Koch family]]
[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]

Americans for Prosperity

2013-09-10T05:14:40Z

Polmandc: /* Mission */ wording

{{Infobox Organization
|name = Americans for Prosperity
|image_border = AFProsperity.png
|caption =
|membership =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|extinction =
|type = Non-profit political advocacy group
|status =
|purpose = AFP is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process.<ref name=about/>
|headquarters = [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|formation = 2004
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]
|leader_title2 = Executive Vice President
|leader_name2 = [[Tracy Henke]]
|website = [http://www.americansforprosperity.org www.americansforprosperity.org]}}

'''Americans for Prosperity''' ('''AFP''') is an [[American conservative]] [[political advocacy group]] headquartered in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Temple-West
| first = Patrick
| coauthors = Alina Selyukh
| title = IRS steps up scrutiny of tax-exempt political groups
| work = Reuters
| location = Washington
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| date = 2012-06-29
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/29/us-usa-campaign-irs-idUSBRE85S09420120629
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| title = Wealthy outside political groups find a home in Minnesota
| work = MPR News
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/25/politics/wealthy-outside-political-groups-target-minnesota/
}}</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/12/americans-prosperity-slams-obama-suggesting-foreign-influence/</ref> AFP's stated mission is "educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing citizens as advocates in the public policy process".<ref name=about/> The group played a major role in the 2010 [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] takeover of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/us/cato-institute-and-koch-in-rift-over-independence.html "Cato Institute Is Caught in a Rift Over Its Direction," New York Times, March 6, 2012]</ref> and has been called "one of the most powerful conservative organizations in electoral politics".<ref>[http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/03/01/behind_the_cato_koch_kerfuffle.html "Behind the Cato-Koch Kerfuffle," Slate, March 1, 2012]</ref>

==Background==
Americans for Prosperity was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] 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> remained chairman of FreedomWorks, while [[David H. Koch]] remained chairman of the AFP Foundation. Like CSE, AFP was founded with the support of [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles Koch]], both 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101015060122/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all| archivedate= 15 October 2010 | deadurl= no}}</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>

===Mission===
Americans for Prosperity describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government. The organization focuses on eight issue areas: budget and spending; taxes; property rights; health care and entitlements; banking and financial services; labor, education, and pensions; energy and environment; and technology.<ref name=about>{{cite web|title=About Americans for Prosperity|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/about|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref>

According to AFP, their mission is to promote "limited government and free markets on the local, state, and federal levels", and to do so, they support:<ref name=about/>
* Cutting taxes and government spending in order to halt the encroachment of government in the economic lives of citizens by fighting proposed tax increases and pointing out evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse.
* Removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and opportunity by sparking citizen involvement early in the regulatory process in order to reduce red tape.
* Restoring fairness to the judicial system.

==Leadership and structure==
Like its predecessor, [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]], and other advocacy groups (for example, the [[National Taxpayers Union]]), Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity, a [[501(c)(4)]] organization established in 2004, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a [[501(c)(3)]] organization established in 1984.

On the national level, Americans for Prosperity is led by its president, [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]. From 2003-2007, AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]], the president of MediaSpeak Strategies. Other current executive staff include Chief Operating Officer [[Tracy Henke]] and Vice President of State Operations Alan Cobb. [[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.

As of March 2012, Americans for Prosperity had 1.9 million members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/catching-up-with-tim-phillips-of-americans-for-prosperity.html |title=Tim Phillips, New York Times, March 3, 2012, accessed Mar 2012 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2012-03-18}}</ref> AFP had its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which oversees 35 state chapters.<ref name=about/>

==Funding==
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of these expenditures, $2.1 million went to national office operations and $2.9 million went to the state-based chapters. By 2010, AFP's and the AFP Foundation's combined budget was $40 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nonprofit Report for Americans for Prosperity Foundation|url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/52-1527294/americans-prosperity-foundation.aspx|work=[[GuideStar]]|publisher=GuideStar USA, Inc|accessdate=May 8, 2012}}</ref>

Based on the AFP Foundation's financial operations and programs, the independent nonprofit review organization, [[Charity Navigator]], gave it a three-star rating out of four stars overall - four stars for financial operations, and two for accountability and transparency - and 53.8 out of a possible 70 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110629022528/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511| archivedate= 29 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

According to AFP, 90,000 people across 50 states have donated to AFP or the AFP Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Browning|first=William|title=Americans for Prosperity by the Numbers|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-numbers-172200443.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[Yahoo! News]] Contributor Network|date=October 17, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

==Events==
Since 2007, the AFP Foundation has hosted the "Defending the American Dream Summit," which is now the second largest annual gathering of conservatives in Washington, DC (the first is the [[Conservative Political Action Conference]]). Topics have included government spending and taxation, health care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation. Presidential candidates who attended the inaugural event included Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Ron Paul, Sam Brownback, Mitt Romney, and Fred Thompson. 2,000 people attended the 2011 summit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title='Occupiers' Attack Defending the American Dream Summit|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.com/110911-occupiers-attack-defending-american-dream-summit|accessdate=May 8, 2012|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|date=November 8, 2011}}</ref>

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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110126005750/http://americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast| archivedate= 26 January 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> AFP created the Cost of Hot Air Tour, a nationwide tour that included [[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.

In 2008, in the same city ([[Austin, Texas]]) and at the same time (July) as the liberal [http://www.NetrootsNation.org/ Netroots Nation] conference, AFP hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers and activists that aimed to develop conservative social media strategies.<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><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> RightOnline has since become an annual event, with 1,500 attendees in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/conservative-fun-with-andrew-breitbart-et-al-at-right-online/240646/ |title=Conservative Fun with Andrew Breitbart et al. at Right Online - Tina Dupuy - Politics - The Atlantic}}</ref>

In 2011, in conjunction with [[Sarah Palin]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Schultz|first=Zac|title=Sarah Palin Travels To Madison|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Sarah_Palin_to_Visit_Madison_119856054.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[WMTV]]|date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> AFP helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic|Madison, Wisconsin]], where Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]'s budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. President Phillips said Walker's proposed cuts were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits."<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> After the budget reforms in [[Wisconsin]] passed, the AFP Foundation initiated an advertising and town-hall effort called "It's Working!" to promote them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/its-rally-season-in-wisconsin-c24gjov-142091613.html |title=Capitol rally to mark one year since Act 10 - JSOnline |publisher=JSOnline |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

Also in 2011, AFP sponsored the first debate among the Republican presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Candidates who participated included [[Mitt Romney]], [[Tim Pawlenty]], [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Rick Santorum]], and [[Herman Cain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/04/americans_for_p.html |title=Americans For Prosperity Dinner live blog - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com |publisher=Boston Globe |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

AFP announced plans to participate in a rally protesting the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] during the Supreme Court's oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the law.<ref name=ppacarallies>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/us/politics/white-house-works-to-shape-debate-over-health-law.html | title=White House Works to Shape Debate Over Health Law | first=Robert | last=Pear | date=March 9, 2012 | work=New York Times}}</ref>

==Programs==

===No Climate Tax Pledge===
In 2008, AFP circulated an anti-tax pledge to government officials at the federal, state, and local levels. A candidate who signs the "No Climate Tax Pledge" vows to "oppose any legislation relating to [[climate change]] that includes a net increase in state or local government revenue."<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]] and Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Jeff Flake]], and [[Fred Upton]]. Of the 12 Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2011, nine have signed the pledge.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/06/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206 Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power], Los Angeles Times, February 6, 2011</ref>

===Health Care===
In May 2009, AFP launched Patients United Now, a project to, according to their website, oppose "a government takeover of the United States health care system."<ref>[http://patientsunitednow.com/?q=about Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], About | Patients United Now</ref>

Patients United Now ran television ads advancing this viewpoint. In one ad, a Canadian woman, [[Shona Holmes health care incident|Shona Holmes]], says she was not able to get timely treatment for brain tumor surgery and ultimately was treated in the U.S. Columnist [[David Lazarus]] of the ''Los Angeles Times'' responded that the Canadian government does not offer medical treatment but has a government-run insurance program.<ref name="Lazarus">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-fi-lazarus9-2009aug09,0,3572458.column |title=Healthcare debate framed by fear-mongering ads|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2009-08-09 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Amy Menefee, a spokeswoman for Patients United Now, stated that "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."

Also in 2009, AFP initiated the Hands Off My Healthcare Tour, which sponsored 250<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title=President Obama's health care law is unraveling|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/29/president-obamas-health-care-law-is-unraveling/|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Caller]]|date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> rallies and collected signatures in an effort to raise awareness about free-market-based health care reforms.<ref>[http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/612300/group-protests-obama-s-push-for-health-care-reform/ Group protests Obama's push for health care reform], July 22, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.wect.com/story/10865825/americans-for-prosperity-protest-the-presidents-health-care-plan Americans for Prosperity protest the President's health care plan] August 7, 2009</ref>

===Net Neutrality===
AFP has been an active member of the [[Internet Freedom Coalition]].<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/story/conservative-group-takes-aim-at-net-neutrality-2011-03-09?mod=wsj_share_tweet</ref><ref>http://www.internetfreedomcoalition.com/?p=419</ref>

==Activities==
During the 2010 election cycle, AFP claims to have spent $40 million on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing. Of the six freshman Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2010, five benefitted from AFP ads and grassroots activity.<ref name='LATimes2011-02'>{{cite news | first = Tom | last = Hamburger | coauthors = Kathleen Hennessey, Neela Banerjee | title = Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power | date = 2011-02-06 | publisher = [[Tribune Company]] | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = 2011-02-06| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110217132904/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story| archivedate= 17 February 2011 | deadurl= no}}</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>John Gallagher, [http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab Conservative group: Fake eviction notices were 'meant to startle people'] ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' Jun. 7, 2011</ref>

In August 2011, AFP "sent absentee voter applications instructing voters to return the paperwork two days late in at least two recall elections."<ref name=Opoien>{{cite web|url=http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=34266|title=Unofficial absentee ballot mailings raise voter intimidation issues in Wisconsin recall elections|first=Jessica|last=Opoien|accessdate=November 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Opoien/> 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 16."<ref>{{cite web|last=Sargent|first=Greg|title=Americans for Prosperity sent misleading absentee ballot far more widely than previously known|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/americans-for-prosperity-sent-misleading-absentee-ballot-far-more-widely-than-previously-known/2011/03/03/gIQAxhcywI_blog.html|work=Washington Post|accessdate=21 November 2011}}</ref>

In 2011, AFP said that it would review payments it had made to [[Mark Block]]'s Prosperity USA, which allegedly made improper payments to the [[Herman Cain presidential campaign, 2012]].<ref>Stone, Peter H. [http://www.iwatchnews.org/2011/11/03/7279/koch-related-group-reviewing-financial-transactions-cain-aides-charity "Koch-related group is reviewing financial transactions with Cain aide's charity."] ''iWatch News'', 3 November 2011.</ref><ref>Bice, Daniel. [http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/state-firms-cash-to-herman-cain-may-breach-federal-campaign-tax-laws-132898423.html "State firm's cash to Herman Cain may breach federal campaign, tax laws."] ''Journal Sentinel'', 30 October 2011.</ref><ref>Benjamin, Mark. [http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/01/the-other-cain-scandal-campaign-transactions-may-have-broken-federal-law/ "The Other Cain Scandal: Campaign Transactions May Have Broken Federal Law."] ''Time Magazine'', 1 November 2011.</ref> As a tax-exempt charity, Prosperity USA is prohibited from donating money or services to a political campaign.<ref>Eggen, Dan. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/herman-cain-campaigns-financial-ties-to-wisconsin-charity-questioned/2011/10/31/gIQAJ61gZM_story.html "Herman Cain campaign's financial ties to Wisconsin charity questioned."] ''Washington Post'', 31 October 2011.</ref> According to an internal review, the payments were proper since they occurred before Cain launched his campaign.<ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/americans-prosperity-our-reimbursements-herman-cain-were-legal_607897.html "Americans for Prosperity: Our Reimbursements to Herman Cain Were Legal," John McCormack, Weekly Standard, November 9, 2011]</ref>

===2012 presidential election===
From 2011-2012, in what the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' called "perhaps the biggest attack on Mr. Obama so far in the 2012 election campaign,"<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref> AFP spent $8.4 million ($2.4 in 2011<ref>[http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/11/28/377053/koch-americans-for-prosperity-solyndra-attack-ad-video/ "Koch-Fueled Americans for Prosperity Spends $2.4 Million on Solyndra Attack Ad (VIDEO)"], Stephen Lacey, ThinkProgress, November 28, 2011)</ref> and $6 million in 2012<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ "Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref>) on television ads that criticized the federal loan to now-bankrupt manufacturer of solar panels, Solyndra.

In September 2012, the ''[[Washington Post]]'' called AFP "One of the major players on the right", reporting that AFP planned to spend $125 million on the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 United States presidential election]]. President Phillips said the organization has 116 staff members on the ground targeting 9 million voters who are undecided about how to assess Obama's economic record.<ref name=presidential>{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/conservative-groups-reaching-new-levels-of-sophistication-in-mobilizing-voters/2012/09/20/3c3cd8e8-026c-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_story.html| title= Conservative groups reaching new levels of sophistication in mobilizing voters | work=[[Washington Post]] | coauthors=Peter Wallsten, Tom Hamburger| date=September 20, 2012|accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>

==Criticism==
In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House argued that AFP and the AFP Foundation are a de facto political action group, thus violating 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> President Obama said: "Right now all around this country there are groups with harmless-sounding names like Americans for Prosperity, who are running millions of dollars of ads against Democratic candidates all across the country. And they don't have to say who exactly the Americans for Prosperity are. You don't know if it's a foreign-controlled corporation. You don't know if it's a big oil company, or a big bank."<ref name=thefix>{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/who-is-americans-for-prosperit.html | title=Who is "Americans for Prosperity"? | work=Washington Post | first=Felicia | last=Sonmez | date=August 26, 2010}}</ref> The administration later called AFP a "special-interest front group run by the oil billionaire Koch brothers," who it said are "obsessed with making Barack Obama a one-term president."<ref name=ppacarallies/> In response, Phillips called the idea that AFP is taking money from foreign sources "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 saw an increase in financial contributions, explaining 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/>

Also in August 2010, the [[Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]] (DCCC) filed a complaint against AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFP Foundation 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> On May 6, 2011, the Federal Election Commission dismissed the complaint.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly Digest: Week of May 2 - 4|url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2011/20110506_digest.shtml|publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=May 8, 2012|date=May 6, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

A May 2012 ad criticizing the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]] was rated by the nonpartisan fact checking organization [[PolitiFact.com]] as one of "the sneakiest" of the election cycle to that point. Claims from the ad were judged to be "Mostly False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded traffic lights in China|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-streetlights-c/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> "False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded jobs in Finland|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-jobs-finland/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> and "Pants on Fire",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded a solar company building a Mexico plant|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/02/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-solar-company-/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> the organization's lowest rating of truth. A separate analysis of the entire ad showed problems with the truth of every one of the ad's claims.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowers|first=Becky|title=Line by line: How an ad uses sleight-of-hand to distort facts on stimulus|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2012/may/04/line-line-sleight-hand-afp/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Political activities of the Koch brothers]]
* [[Tito the Builder]]<ref name="insidenova">{{cite news
|url=http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2011/apr/14/tito-builder-considering-state-politics-ar-973334/|date=April 14, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2011|title=Tito the Builder considering state politics|publisher=insidenova|first=Keith|last=Walker}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Americans for Prosperity}}
* [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php Americans for Prosperity]
* [http://www.americansforprosperityfoundation.com/ Americans for Prosperity Foundation]
* [http://www.politifact.com/personalities/americans-prosperity/ File] at [[PolitiFact]]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cmte=C30001051 Profile] at [[OpenSecrets.org]]

{{Koch family}}
{{Tea Party movement}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Americans For Prosperity}}
[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Think tanks based in the United States]]
[[Category:Political and economic think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations]]
[[Category:Koch family]]
[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]

Americans for Prosperity

2013-09-10T05:12:39Z

Polmandc: /* Mission */ s.

{{Infobox Organization
|name = Americans for Prosperity
|image_border = AFProsperity.png
|caption =
|membership =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|extinction =
|type = Non-profit political advocacy group
|status =
|purpose = AFP is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process.<ref name=about/>
|headquarters = [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|formation = 2004
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]
|leader_title2 = Executive Vice President
|leader_name2 = [[Tracy Henke]]
|website = [http://www.americansforprosperity.org www.americansforprosperity.org]}}

'''Americans for Prosperity''' ('''AFP''') is an [[American conservative]] [[political advocacy group]] headquartered in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Temple-West
| first = Patrick
| coauthors = Alina Selyukh
| title = IRS steps up scrutiny of tax-exempt political groups
| work = Reuters
| location = Washington
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| date = 2012-06-29
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/29/us-usa-campaign-irs-idUSBRE85S09420120629
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| title = Wealthy outside political groups find a home in Minnesota
| work = MPR News
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/25/politics/wealthy-outside-political-groups-target-minnesota/
}}</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/12/americans-prosperity-slams-obama-suggesting-foreign-influence/</ref> AFP's stated mission is "educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing citizens as advocates in the public policy process".<ref name=about/> The group played a major role in the 2010 [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] takeover of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/us/cato-institute-and-koch-in-rift-over-independence.html "Cato Institute Is Caught in a Rift Over Its Direction," New York Times, March 6, 2012]</ref> and has been called "one of the most powerful conservative organizations in electoral politics".<ref>[http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/03/01/behind_the_cato_koch_kerfuffle.html "Behind the Cato-Koch Kerfuffle," Slate, March 1, 2012]</ref>

==Background==
Americans for Prosperity was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] 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> remained chairman of FreedomWorks, while [[David H. Koch]] remained chairman of the AFP Foundation. Like CSE, AFP was founded with the support of [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles Koch]], both 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101015060122/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all| archivedate= 15 October 2010 | deadurl= no}}</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>

===Mission===
Americans for Prosperity describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government. The organization focuses on eight issue areas: budget and spending; taxes; property rights; health care and entitlements; banking and financial services; labor, education, and pensions; energy and environment; and technology.<ref name=about>{{cite web|title=About Americans for Prosperity|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/about|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref>

According to AFP, their mission is to promote "limited government and free markets on the local, state, and federal levels", and to do so, they support:<ref name=about/>
* Cutting taxes and government spending in order to halt the encroachment of government in the economic lives of citizens by fighting proposed tax increases and pointing out evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse.
* Removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and opportunity by sparking citizen involvement early in the regulatory process in order to reduce red tape.
* Restoring fairness to our judicial system.

==Leadership and structure==
Like its predecessor, [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]], and other advocacy groups (for example, the [[National Taxpayers Union]]), Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity, a [[501(c)(4)]] organization established in 2004, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a [[501(c)(3)]] organization established in 1984.

On the national level, Americans for Prosperity is led by its president, [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]. From 2003-2007, AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]], the president of MediaSpeak Strategies. Other current executive staff include Chief Operating Officer [[Tracy Henke]] and Vice President of State Operations Alan Cobb. [[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.

As of March 2012, Americans for Prosperity had 1.9 million members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/catching-up-with-tim-phillips-of-americans-for-prosperity.html |title=Tim Phillips, New York Times, March 3, 2012, accessed Mar 2012 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2012-03-18}}</ref> AFP had its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which oversees 35 state chapters.<ref name=about/>

==Funding==
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of these expenditures, $2.1 million went to national office operations and $2.9 million went to the state-based chapters. By 2010, AFP's and the AFP Foundation's combined budget was $40 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nonprofit Report for Americans for Prosperity Foundation|url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/52-1527294/americans-prosperity-foundation.aspx|work=[[GuideStar]]|publisher=GuideStar USA, Inc|accessdate=May 8, 2012}}</ref>

Based on the AFP Foundation's financial operations and programs, the independent nonprofit review organization, [[Charity Navigator]], gave it a three-star rating out of four stars overall - four stars for financial operations, and two for accountability and transparency - and 53.8 out of a possible 70 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110629022528/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511| archivedate= 29 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

According to AFP, 90,000 people across 50 states have donated to AFP or the AFP Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Browning|first=William|title=Americans for Prosperity by the Numbers|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-numbers-172200443.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[Yahoo! News]] Contributor Network|date=October 17, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

==Events==
Since 2007, the AFP Foundation has hosted the "Defending the American Dream Summit," which is now the second largest annual gathering of conservatives in Washington, DC (the first is the [[Conservative Political Action Conference]]). Topics have included government spending and taxation, health care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation. Presidential candidates who attended the inaugural event included Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Ron Paul, Sam Brownback, Mitt Romney, and Fred Thompson. 2,000 people attended the 2011 summit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title='Occupiers' Attack Defending the American Dream Summit|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.com/110911-occupiers-attack-defending-american-dream-summit|accessdate=May 8, 2012|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|date=November 8, 2011}}</ref>

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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110126005750/http://americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast| archivedate= 26 January 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> AFP created the Cost of Hot Air Tour, a nationwide tour that included [[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.

In 2008, in the same city ([[Austin, Texas]]) and at the same time (July) as the liberal [http://www.NetrootsNation.org/ Netroots Nation] conference, AFP hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers and activists that aimed to develop conservative social media strategies.<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><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> RightOnline has since become an annual event, with 1,500 attendees in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/conservative-fun-with-andrew-breitbart-et-al-at-right-online/240646/ |title=Conservative Fun with Andrew Breitbart et al. at Right Online - Tina Dupuy - Politics - The Atlantic}}</ref>

In 2011, in conjunction with [[Sarah Palin]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Schultz|first=Zac|title=Sarah Palin Travels To Madison|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Sarah_Palin_to_Visit_Madison_119856054.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[WMTV]]|date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> AFP helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic|Madison, Wisconsin]], where Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]'s budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. President Phillips said Walker's proposed cuts were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits."<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> After the budget reforms in [[Wisconsin]] passed, the AFP Foundation initiated an advertising and town-hall effort called "It's Working!" to promote them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/its-rally-season-in-wisconsin-c24gjov-142091613.html |title=Capitol rally to mark one year since Act 10 - JSOnline |publisher=JSOnline |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

Also in 2011, AFP sponsored the first debate among the Republican presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Candidates who participated included [[Mitt Romney]], [[Tim Pawlenty]], [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Rick Santorum]], and [[Herman Cain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/04/americans_for_p.html |title=Americans For Prosperity Dinner live blog - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com |publisher=Boston Globe |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

AFP announced plans to participate in a rally protesting the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] during the Supreme Court's oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the law.<ref name=ppacarallies>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/us/politics/white-house-works-to-shape-debate-over-health-law.html | title=White House Works to Shape Debate Over Health Law | first=Robert | last=Pear | date=March 9, 2012 | work=New York Times}}</ref>

==Programs==

===No Climate Tax Pledge===
In 2008, AFP circulated an anti-tax pledge to government officials at the federal, state, and local levels. A candidate who signs the "No Climate Tax Pledge" vows to "oppose any legislation relating to [[climate change]] that includes a net increase in state or local government revenue."<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]] and Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Jeff Flake]], and [[Fred Upton]]. Of the 12 Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2011, nine have signed the pledge.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/06/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206 Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power], Los Angeles Times, February 6, 2011</ref>

===Health Care===
In May 2009, AFP launched Patients United Now, a project to, according to their website, oppose "a government takeover of the United States health care system."<ref>[http://patientsunitednow.com/?q=about Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], About | Patients United Now</ref>

Patients United Now ran television ads advancing this viewpoint. In one ad, a Canadian woman, [[Shona Holmes health care incident|Shona Holmes]], says she was not able to get timely treatment for brain tumor surgery and ultimately was treated in the U.S. Columnist [[David Lazarus]] of the ''Los Angeles Times'' responded that the Canadian government does not offer medical treatment but has a government-run insurance program.<ref name="Lazarus">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-fi-lazarus9-2009aug09,0,3572458.column |title=Healthcare debate framed by fear-mongering ads|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2009-08-09 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Amy Menefee, a spokeswoman for Patients United Now, stated that "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."

Also in 2009, AFP initiated the Hands Off My Healthcare Tour, which sponsored 250<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title=President Obama's health care law is unraveling|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/29/president-obamas-health-care-law-is-unraveling/|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Caller]]|date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> rallies and collected signatures in an effort to raise awareness about free-market-based health care reforms.<ref>[http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/612300/group-protests-obama-s-push-for-health-care-reform/ Group protests Obama's push for health care reform], July 22, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.wect.com/story/10865825/americans-for-prosperity-protest-the-presidents-health-care-plan Americans for Prosperity protest the President's health care plan] August 7, 2009</ref>

===Net Neutrality===
AFP has been an active member of the [[Internet Freedom Coalition]].<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/story/conservative-group-takes-aim-at-net-neutrality-2011-03-09?mod=wsj_share_tweet</ref><ref>http://www.internetfreedomcoalition.com/?p=419</ref>

==Activities==
During the 2010 election cycle, AFP claims to have spent $40 million on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing. Of the six freshman Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2010, five benefitted from AFP ads and grassroots activity.<ref name='LATimes2011-02'>{{cite news | first = Tom | last = Hamburger | coauthors = Kathleen Hennessey, Neela Banerjee | title = Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power | date = 2011-02-06 | publisher = [[Tribune Company]] | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = 2011-02-06| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110217132904/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story| archivedate= 17 February 2011 | deadurl= no}}</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>John Gallagher, [http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab Conservative group: Fake eviction notices were 'meant to startle people'] ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' Jun. 7, 2011</ref>

In August 2011, AFP "sent absentee voter applications instructing voters to return the paperwork two days late in at least two recall elections."<ref name=Opoien>{{cite web|url=http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=34266|title=Unofficial absentee ballot mailings raise voter intimidation issues in Wisconsin recall elections|first=Jessica|last=Opoien|accessdate=November 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Opoien/> 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 16."<ref>{{cite web|last=Sargent|first=Greg|title=Americans for Prosperity sent misleading absentee ballot far more widely than previously known|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/americans-for-prosperity-sent-misleading-absentee-ballot-far-more-widely-than-previously-known/2011/03/03/gIQAxhcywI_blog.html|work=Washington Post|accessdate=21 November 2011}}</ref>

In 2011, AFP said that it would review payments it had made to [[Mark Block]]'s Prosperity USA, which allegedly made improper payments to the [[Herman Cain presidential campaign, 2012]].<ref>Stone, Peter H. [http://www.iwatchnews.org/2011/11/03/7279/koch-related-group-reviewing-financial-transactions-cain-aides-charity "Koch-related group is reviewing financial transactions with Cain aide's charity."] ''iWatch News'', 3 November 2011.</ref><ref>Bice, Daniel. [http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/state-firms-cash-to-herman-cain-may-breach-federal-campaign-tax-laws-132898423.html "State firm's cash to Herman Cain may breach federal campaign, tax laws."] ''Journal Sentinel'', 30 October 2011.</ref><ref>Benjamin, Mark. [http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/01/the-other-cain-scandal-campaign-transactions-may-have-broken-federal-law/ "The Other Cain Scandal: Campaign Transactions May Have Broken Federal Law."] ''Time Magazine'', 1 November 2011.</ref> As a tax-exempt charity, Prosperity USA is prohibited from donating money or services to a political campaign.<ref>Eggen, Dan. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/herman-cain-campaigns-financial-ties-to-wisconsin-charity-questioned/2011/10/31/gIQAJ61gZM_story.html "Herman Cain campaign's financial ties to Wisconsin charity questioned."] ''Washington Post'', 31 October 2011.</ref> According to an internal review, the payments were proper since they occurred before Cain launched his campaign.<ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/americans-prosperity-our-reimbursements-herman-cain-were-legal_607897.html "Americans for Prosperity: Our Reimbursements to Herman Cain Were Legal," John McCormack, Weekly Standard, November 9, 2011]</ref>

===2012 presidential election===
From 2011-2012, in what the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' called "perhaps the biggest attack on Mr. Obama so far in the 2012 election campaign,"<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref> AFP spent $8.4 million ($2.4 in 2011<ref>[http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/11/28/377053/koch-americans-for-prosperity-solyndra-attack-ad-video/ "Koch-Fueled Americans for Prosperity Spends $2.4 Million on Solyndra Attack Ad (VIDEO)"], Stephen Lacey, ThinkProgress, November 28, 2011)</ref> and $6 million in 2012<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ "Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref>) on television ads that criticized the federal loan to now-bankrupt manufacturer of solar panels, Solyndra.

In September 2012, the ''[[Washington Post]]'' called AFP "One of the major players on the right", reporting that AFP planned to spend $125 million on the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 United States presidential election]]. President Phillips said the organization has 116 staff members on the ground targeting 9 million voters who are undecided about how to assess Obama's economic record.<ref name=presidential>{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/conservative-groups-reaching-new-levels-of-sophistication-in-mobilizing-voters/2012/09/20/3c3cd8e8-026c-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_story.html| title= Conservative groups reaching new levels of sophistication in mobilizing voters | work=[[Washington Post]] | coauthors=Peter Wallsten, Tom Hamburger| date=September 20, 2012|accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>

==Criticism==
In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House argued that AFP and the AFP Foundation are a de facto political action group, thus violating 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> President Obama said: "Right now all around this country there are groups with harmless-sounding names like Americans for Prosperity, who are running millions of dollars of ads against Democratic candidates all across the country. And they don't have to say who exactly the Americans for Prosperity are. You don't know if it's a foreign-controlled corporation. You don't know if it's a big oil company, or a big bank."<ref name=thefix>{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/who-is-americans-for-prosperit.html | title=Who is "Americans for Prosperity"? | work=Washington Post | first=Felicia | last=Sonmez | date=August 26, 2010}}</ref> The administration later called AFP a "special-interest front group run by the oil billionaire Koch brothers," who it said are "obsessed with making Barack Obama a one-term president."<ref name=ppacarallies/> In response, Phillips called the idea that AFP is taking money from foreign sources "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 saw an increase in financial contributions, explaining 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/>

Also in August 2010, the [[Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]] (DCCC) filed a complaint against AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFP Foundation 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> On May 6, 2011, the Federal Election Commission dismissed the complaint.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly Digest: Week of May 2 - 4|url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2011/20110506_digest.shtml|publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=May 8, 2012|date=May 6, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

A May 2012 ad criticizing the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]] was rated by the nonpartisan fact checking organization [[PolitiFact.com]] as one of "the sneakiest" of the election cycle to that point. Claims from the ad were judged to be "Mostly False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded traffic lights in China|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-streetlights-c/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> "False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded jobs in Finland|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-jobs-finland/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> and "Pants on Fire",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded a solar company building a Mexico plant|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/02/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-solar-company-/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> the organization's lowest rating of truth. A separate analysis of the entire ad showed problems with the truth of every one of the ad's claims.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowers|first=Becky|title=Line by line: How an ad uses sleight-of-hand to distort facts on stimulus|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2012/may/04/line-line-sleight-hand-afp/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Political activities of the Koch brothers]]
* [[Tito the Builder]]<ref name="insidenova">{{cite news
|url=http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2011/apr/14/tito-builder-considering-state-politics-ar-973334/|date=April 14, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2011|title=Tito the Builder considering state politics|publisher=insidenova|first=Keith|last=Walker}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Americans for Prosperity}}
* [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php Americans for Prosperity]
* [http://www.americansforprosperityfoundation.com/ Americans for Prosperity Foundation]
* [http://www.politifact.com/personalities/americans-prosperity/ File] at [[PolitiFact]]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cmte=C30001051 Profile] at [[OpenSecrets.org]]

{{Koch family}}
{{Tea Party movement}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Americans For Prosperity}}
[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Think tanks based in the United States]]
[[Category:Political and economic think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations]]
[[Category:Koch family]]
[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]

Americans for Prosperity

2013-09-10T05:10:30Z

Polmandc: wording

{{Infobox Organization
|name = Americans for Prosperity
|image_border = AFProsperity.png
|caption =
|membership =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|extinction =
|type = Non-profit political advocacy group
|status =
|purpose = AFP is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process.<ref name=about/>
|headquarters = [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|formation = 2004
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]
|leader_title2 = Executive Vice President
|leader_name2 = [[Tracy Henke]]
|website = [http://www.americansforprosperity.org www.americansforprosperity.org]}}

'''Americans for Prosperity''' ('''AFP''') is an [[American conservative]] [[political advocacy group]] headquartered in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Temple-West
| first = Patrick
| coauthors = Alina Selyukh
| title = IRS steps up scrutiny of tax-exempt political groups
| work = Reuters
| location = Washington
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| date = 2012-06-29
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/29/us-usa-campaign-irs-idUSBRE85S09420120629
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| title = Wealthy outside political groups find a home in Minnesota
| work = MPR News
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/25/politics/wealthy-outside-political-groups-target-minnesota/
}}</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/12/americans-prosperity-slams-obama-suggesting-foreign-influence/</ref> AFP's stated mission is "educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing citizens as advocates in the public policy process".<ref name=about/> The group played a major role in the 2010 [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] takeover of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/us/cato-institute-and-koch-in-rift-over-independence.html "Cato Institute Is Caught in a Rift Over Its Direction," New York Times, March 6, 2012]</ref> and has been called "one of the most powerful conservative organizations in electoral politics".<ref>[http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/03/01/behind_the_cato_koch_kerfuffle.html "Behind the Cato-Koch Kerfuffle," Slate, March 1, 2012]</ref>

==Background==
Americans for Prosperity was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] 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> remained chairman of FreedomWorks, while [[David H. Koch]] remained chairman of the AFP Foundation. Like CSE, AFP was founded with the support of [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles Koch]], both 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101015060122/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all| archivedate= 15 October 2010 | deadurl= no}}</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>

===Mission===
Americans for Prosperity describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government. The organization focuses on eight issue areas: budget and spending; taxes; property rights; health care and entitlements; banking and financial services; labor, education, and pensions; energy and environment; and technology.<ref name=about>{{cite web|title=About Americans for Prosperity|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/about|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref>

According to AFP, their mission is to promote " limited government and free markets on the local, state, and federal levels", and to do so, they support:<ref name=about/>
* Cutting taxes and government spending in order to halt the encroachment of government in the economic lives of citizens by fighting proposed tax increases and pointing out evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse.
* Removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and opportunity by sparking citizen involvement early in the regulatory process in order to reduce red tape.
* Restoring fairness to our judicial system.

==Leadership and structure==
Like its predecessor, [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]], and other advocacy groups (for example, the [[National Taxpayers Union]]), Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity, a [[501(c)(4)]] organization established in 2004, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a [[501(c)(3)]] organization established in 1984.

On the national level, Americans for Prosperity is led by its president, [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]. From 2003-2007, AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]], the president of MediaSpeak Strategies. Other current executive staff include Chief Operating Officer [[Tracy Henke]] and Vice President of State Operations Alan Cobb. [[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.

As of March 2012, Americans for Prosperity had 1.9 million members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/catching-up-with-tim-phillips-of-americans-for-prosperity.html |title=Tim Phillips, New York Times, March 3, 2012, accessed Mar 2012 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2012-03-18}}</ref> AFP had its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which oversees 35 state chapters.<ref name=about/>

==Funding==
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of these expenditures, $2.1 million went to national office operations and $2.9 million went to the state-based chapters. By 2010, AFP's and the AFP Foundation's combined budget was $40 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nonprofit Report for Americans for Prosperity Foundation|url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/52-1527294/americans-prosperity-foundation.aspx|work=[[GuideStar]]|publisher=GuideStar USA, Inc|accessdate=May 8, 2012}}</ref>

Based on the AFP Foundation's financial operations and programs, the independent nonprofit review organization, [[Charity Navigator]], gave it a three-star rating out of four stars overall - four stars for financial operations, and two for accountability and transparency - and 53.8 out of a possible 70 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110629022528/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511| archivedate= 29 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

According to AFP, 90,000 people across 50 states have donated to AFP or the AFP Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Browning|first=William|title=Americans for Prosperity by the Numbers|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-numbers-172200443.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[Yahoo! News]] Contributor Network|date=October 17, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

==Events==
Since 2007, the AFP Foundation has hosted the "Defending the American Dream Summit," which is now the second largest annual gathering of conservatives in Washington, DC (the first is the [[Conservative Political Action Conference]]). Topics have included government spending and taxation, health care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation. Presidential candidates who attended the inaugural event included Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Ron Paul, Sam Brownback, Mitt Romney, and Fred Thompson. 2,000 people attended the 2011 summit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title='Occupiers' Attack Defending the American Dream Summit|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.com/110911-occupiers-attack-defending-american-dream-summit|accessdate=May 8, 2012|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|date=November 8, 2011}}</ref>

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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110126005750/http://americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast| archivedate= 26 January 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> AFP created the Cost of Hot Air Tour, a nationwide tour that included [[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.

In 2008, in the same city ([[Austin, Texas]]) and at the same time (July) as the liberal [http://www.NetrootsNation.org/ Netroots Nation] conference, AFP hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers and activists that aimed to develop conservative social media strategies.<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><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> RightOnline has since become an annual event, with 1,500 attendees in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/conservative-fun-with-andrew-breitbart-et-al-at-right-online/240646/ |title=Conservative Fun with Andrew Breitbart et al. at Right Online - Tina Dupuy - Politics - The Atlantic}}</ref>

In 2011, in conjunction with [[Sarah Palin]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Schultz|first=Zac|title=Sarah Palin Travels To Madison|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Sarah_Palin_to_Visit_Madison_119856054.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[WMTV]]|date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> AFP helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic|Madison, Wisconsin]], where Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]'s budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. President Phillips said Walker's proposed cuts were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits."<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> After the budget reforms in [[Wisconsin]] passed, the AFP Foundation initiated an advertising and town-hall effort called "It's Working!" to promote them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/its-rally-season-in-wisconsin-c24gjov-142091613.html |title=Capitol rally to mark one year since Act 10 - JSOnline |publisher=JSOnline |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

Also in 2011, AFP sponsored the first debate among the Republican presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Candidates who participated included [[Mitt Romney]], [[Tim Pawlenty]], [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Rick Santorum]], and [[Herman Cain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/04/americans_for_p.html |title=Americans For Prosperity Dinner live blog - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com |publisher=Boston Globe |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

AFP announced plans to participate in a rally protesting the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] during the Supreme Court's oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the law.<ref name=ppacarallies>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/us/politics/white-house-works-to-shape-debate-over-health-law.html | title=White House Works to Shape Debate Over Health Law | first=Robert | last=Pear | date=March 9, 2012 | work=New York Times}}</ref>

==Programs==

===No Climate Tax Pledge===
In 2008, AFP circulated an anti-tax pledge to government officials at the federal, state, and local levels. A candidate who signs the "No Climate Tax Pledge" vows to "oppose any legislation relating to [[climate change]] that includes a net increase in state or local government revenue."<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]] and Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Jeff Flake]], and [[Fred Upton]]. Of the 12 Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2011, nine have signed the pledge.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/06/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206 Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power], Los Angeles Times, February 6, 2011</ref>

===Health Care===
In May 2009, AFP launched Patients United Now, a project to, according to their website, oppose "a government takeover of the United States health care system."<ref>[http://patientsunitednow.com/?q=about Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], About | Patients United Now</ref>

Patients United Now ran television ads advancing this viewpoint. In one ad, a Canadian woman, [[Shona Holmes health care incident|Shona Holmes]], says she was not able to get timely treatment for brain tumor surgery and ultimately was treated in the U.S. Columnist [[David Lazarus]] of the ''Los Angeles Times'' responded that the Canadian government does not offer medical treatment but has a government-run insurance program.<ref name="Lazarus">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-fi-lazarus9-2009aug09,0,3572458.column |title=Healthcare debate framed by fear-mongering ads|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2009-08-09 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Amy Menefee, a spokeswoman for Patients United Now, stated that "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."

Also in 2009, AFP initiated the Hands Off My Healthcare Tour, which sponsored 250<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title=President Obama's health care law is unraveling|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/29/president-obamas-health-care-law-is-unraveling/|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Caller]]|date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> rallies and collected signatures in an effort to raise awareness about free-market-based health care reforms.<ref>[http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/612300/group-protests-obama-s-push-for-health-care-reform/ Group protests Obama's push for health care reform], July 22, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.wect.com/story/10865825/americans-for-prosperity-protest-the-presidents-health-care-plan Americans for Prosperity protest the President's health care plan] August 7, 2009</ref>

===Net Neutrality===
AFP has been an active member of the [[Internet Freedom Coalition]].<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/story/conservative-group-takes-aim-at-net-neutrality-2011-03-09?mod=wsj_share_tweet</ref><ref>http://www.internetfreedomcoalition.com/?p=419</ref>

==Activities==
During the 2010 election cycle, AFP claims to have spent $40 million on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing. Of the six freshman Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2010, five benefitted from AFP ads and grassroots activity.<ref name='LATimes2011-02'>{{cite news | first = Tom | last = Hamburger | coauthors = Kathleen Hennessey, Neela Banerjee | title = Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power | date = 2011-02-06 | publisher = [[Tribune Company]] | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = 2011-02-06| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110217132904/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story| archivedate= 17 February 2011 | deadurl= no}}</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>John Gallagher, [http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab Conservative group: Fake eviction notices were 'meant to startle people'] ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' Jun. 7, 2011</ref>

In August 2011, AFP "sent absentee voter applications instructing voters to return the paperwork two days late in at least two recall elections."<ref name=Opoien>{{cite web|url=http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=34266|title=Unofficial absentee ballot mailings raise voter intimidation issues in Wisconsin recall elections|first=Jessica|last=Opoien|accessdate=November 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Opoien/> 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 16."<ref>{{cite web|last=Sargent|first=Greg|title=Americans for Prosperity sent misleading absentee ballot far more widely than previously known|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/americans-for-prosperity-sent-misleading-absentee-ballot-far-more-widely-than-previously-known/2011/03/03/gIQAxhcywI_blog.html|work=Washington Post|accessdate=21 November 2011}}</ref>

In 2011, AFP said that it would review payments it had made to [[Mark Block]]'s Prosperity USA, which allegedly made improper payments to the [[Herman Cain presidential campaign, 2012]].<ref>Stone, Peter H. [http://www.iwatchnews.org/2011/11/03/7279/koch-related-group-reviewing-financial-transactions-cain-aides-charity "Koch-related group is reviewing financial transactions with Cain aide's charity."] ''iWatch News'', 3 November 2011.</ref><ref>Bice, Daniel. [http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/state-firms-cash-to-herman-cain-may-breach-federal-campaign-tax-laws-132898423.html "State firm's cash to Herman Cain may breach federal campaign, tax laws."] ''Journal Sentinel'', 30 October 2011.</ref><ref>Benjamin, Mark. [http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/01/the-other-cain-scandal-campaign-transactions-may-have-broken-federal-law/ "The Other Cain Scandal: Campaign Transactions May Have Broken Federal Law."] ''Time Magazine'', 1 November 2011.</ref> As a tax-exempt charity, Prosperity USA is prohibited from donating money or services to a political campaign.<ref>Eggen, Dan. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/herman-cain-campaigns-financial-ties-to-wisconsin-charity-questioned/2011/10/31/gIQAJ61gZM_story.html "Herman Cain campaign's financial ties to Wisconsin charity questioned."] ''Washington Post'', 31 October 2011.</ref> According to an internal review, the payments were proper since they occurred before Cain launched his campaign.<ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/americans-prosperity-our-reimbursements-herman-cain-were-legal_607897.html "Americans for Prosperity: Our Reimbursements to Herman Cain Were Legal," John McCormack, Weekly Standard, November 9, 2011]</ref>

===2012 presidential election===
From 2011-2012, in what the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' called "perhaps the biggest attack on Mr. Obama so far in the 2012 election campaign,"<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref> AFP spent $8.4 million ($2.4 in 2011<ref>[http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/11/28/377053/koch-americans-for-prosperity-solyndra-attack-ad-video/ "Koch-Fueled Americans for Prosperity Spends $2.4 Million on Solyndra Attack Ad (VIDEO)"], Stephen Lacey, ThinkProgress, November 28, 2011)</ref> and $6 million in 2012<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ "Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref>) on television ads that criticized the federal loan to now-bankrupt manufacturer of solar panels, Solyndra.

In September 2012, the ''[[Washington Post]]'' called AFP "One of the major players on the right", reporting that AFP planned to spend $125 million on the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 United States presidential election]]. President Phillips said the organization has 116 staff members on the ground targeting 9 million voters who are undecided about how to assess Obama's economic record.<ref name=presidential>{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/conservative-groups-reaching-new-levels-of-sophistication-in-mobilizing-voters/2012/09/20/3c3cd8e8-026c-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_story.html| title= Conservative groups reaching new levels of sophistication in mobilizing voters | work=[[Washington Post]] | coauthors=Peter Wallsten, Tom Hamburger| date=September 20, 2012|accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>

==Criticism==
In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House argued that AFP and the AFP Foundation are a de facto political action group, thus violating 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> President Obama said: "Right now all around this country there are groups with harmless-sounding names like Americans for Prosperity, who are running millions of dollars of ads against Democratic candidates all across the country. And they don't have to say who exactly the Americans for Prosperity are. You don't know if it's a foreign-controlled corporation. You don't know if it's a big oil company, or a big bank."<ref name=thefix>{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/who-is-americans-for-prosperit.html | title=Who is "Americans for Prosperity"? | work=Washington Post | first=Felicia | last=Sonmez | date=August 26, 2010}}</ref> The administration later called AFP a "special-interest front group run by the oil billionaire Koch brothers," who it said are "obsessed with making Barack Obama a one-term president."<ref name=ppacarallies/> In response, Phillips called the idea that AFP is taking money from foreign sources "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 saw an increase in financial contributions, explaining 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/>

Also in August 2010, the [[Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]] (DCCC) filed a complaint against AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFP Foundation 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> On May 6, 2011, the Federal Election Commission dismissed the complaint.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly Digest: Week of May 2 - 4|url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2011/20110506_digest.shtml|publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=May 8, 2012|date=May 6, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

A May 2012 ad criticizing the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]] was rated by the nonpartisan fact checking organization [[PolitiFact.com]] as one of "the sneakiest" of the election cycle to that point. Claims from the ad were judged to be "Mostly False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded traffic lights in China|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-streetlights-c/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> "False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded jobs in Finland|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-jobs-finland/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> and "Pants on Fire",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded a solar company building a Mexico plant|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/02/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-solar-company-/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> the organization's lowest rating of truth. A separate analysis of the entire ad showed problems with the truth of every one of the ad's claims.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowers|first=Becky|title=Line by line: How an ad uses sleight-of-hand to distort facts on stimulus|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2012/may/04/line-line-sleight-hand-afp/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Political activities of the Koch brothers]]
* [[Tito the Builder]]<ref name="insidenova">{{cite news
|url=http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2011/apr/14/tito-builder-considering-state-politics-ar-973334/|date=April 14, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2011|title=Tito the Builder considering state politics|publisher=insidenova|first=Keith|last=Walker}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Americans for Prosperity}}
* [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php Americans for Prosperity]
* [http://www.americansforprosperityfoundation.com/ Americans for Prosperity Foundation]
* [http://www.politifact.com/personalities/americans-prosperity/ File] at [[PolitiFact]]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cmte=C30001051 Profile] at [[OpenSecrets.org]]

{{Koch family}}
{{Tea Party movement}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Americans For Prosperity}}
[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Think tanks based in the United States]]
[[Category:Political and economic think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations]]
[[Category:Koch family]]
[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]

Americans for Prosperity

2013-09-10T04:51:53Z

Polmandc: synt.

{{Infobox Organization
|name = Americans for Prosperity
|image_border = AFProsperity.png
|caption =
|membership =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|extinction =
|type = Non-profit political advocacy group
|status =
|purpose = AFP is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process.<ref name=about/>
|headquarters = [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|formation = 2004
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]
|leader_title2 = Executive Vice President
|leader_name2 = [[Tracy Henke]]
|website = [http://www.americansforprosperity.org www.americansforprosperity.org]}}

'''Americans for Prosperity''' ('''AFP''') is an [[American conservative]] [[political advocacy group]] headquartered in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Temple-West
| first = Patrick
| coauthors = Alina Selyukh
| title = IRS steps up scrutiny of tax-exempt political groups
| work = Reuters
| location = Washington
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| date = 2012-06-29
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/29/us-usa-campaign-irs-idUSBRE85S09420120629
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| title = Wealthy outside political groups find a home in Minnesota
| work = MPR News
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/25/politics/wealthy-outside-political-groups-target-minnesota/
}}</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/12/americans-prosperity-slams-obama-suggesting-foreign-influence/</ref> AFP's stated mission is "educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing citizens as advocates in the public policy process".<ref name=about/> The group played a major role in the 2010 [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] takeover of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/us/cato-institute-and-koch-in-rift-over-independence.html "Cato Institute Is Caught in a Rift Over Its Direction," New York Times, March 6, 2012]</ref> and has been called "one of the most powerful conservative organizations in electoral politics".<ref>[http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/03/01/behind_the_cato_koch_kerfuffle.html "Behind the Cato-Koch Kerfuffle," Slate, March 1, 2012]</ref>

==Background==
AFP was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] 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> remained chairman of FreedomWorks, while [[David H. Koch]] remained chairman of the AFP Foundation. Like CSE, AFP was founded with the support of [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles Koch]], both 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101015060122/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all| archivedate= 15 October 2010 | deadurl= no}}</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>

===Mission===
AFP describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government. The organization focuses on eight issue areas: budget and spending; taxes; property rights; health care and entitlements; banking and financial services; labor, education, and pensions; energy and environment; and technology.<ref name=about>{{cite web|title=About Americans for Prosperity|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/about|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref>

According to the AFP, their mission is to promote " limited government and free markets on the local, state, and federal levels", and to do so, they support:<ref name=about/>
* Cutting taxes and government spending in order to halt the encroachment of government in the economic lives of citizens by fighting proposed tax increases and pointing out evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse.
* Removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and opportunity by sparking citizen involvement early in the regulatory process in order to reduce red tape.
* Restoring fairness to our judicial system.

==Leadership and structure==
Like its predecessor, [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]], and other advocacy groups (for example, the [[National Taxpayers Union]]), Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity, a [[501(c)(4)]] organization established in 2004, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a [[501(c)(3)]] organization established in 1984.

On the national level, AFP is led by its president, [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]. From 2003-2007, AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]], the president of MediaSpeak Strategies. Other current executive staff include Chief Operating Officer [[Tracy Henke]] and Vice President of State Operations Alan Cobb. [[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.

As of March 2012, AFP had 1.9 million members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/catching-up-with-tim-phillips-of-americans-for-prosperity.html |title=Tim Phillips, New York Times, March 3, 2012, accessed Mar 2012 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2012-03-18}}</ref> AFP had its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which oversees 35 state chapters.<ref name=about/>

==Funding==
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of these expenditures, $2.1 million went to national office operations and $2.9 million went to the state-based chapters. By 2010, AFP's and the AFP Foundation's combined budget was $40 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nonprofit Report for Americans for Prosperity Foundation|url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/52-1527294/americans-prosperity-foundation.aspx|work=[[GuideStar]]|publisher=GuideStar USA, Inc|accessdate=May 8, 2012}}</ref>

Based on the AFP Foundation's financial operations and programs, the independent nonprofit review organization, [[Charity Navigator]], gave it a three-star rating out of four stars overall - four stars for financial operations, and two for accountability and transparency - and 53.8 out of a possible 70 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110629022528/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511| archivedate= 29 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

According to AFP, 90,000 people across 50 states have donated to AFP or the AFP Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Browning|first=William|title=Americans for Prosperity by the Numbers|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-numbers-172200443.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[Yahoo! News]] Contributor Network|date=October 17, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

==Events==
Since 2007, the AFP Foundation has hosted the "Defending the American Dream Summit," which is now the second largest annual gathering of conservatives in Washington, DC (the first is the [[Conservative Political Action Conference]]). Topics have included government spending and taxation, health care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation. Presidential candidates who attended the inaugural event included Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Ron Paul, Sam Brownback, Mitt Romney, and Fred Thompson. 2,000 people attended the 2011 summit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title='Occupiers' Attack Defending the American Dream Summit|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.com/110911-occupiers-attack-defending-american-dream-summit|accessdate=May 8, 2012|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|date=November 8, 2011}}</ref>

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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110126005750/http://americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast| archivedate= 26 January 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> AFP created the Cost of Hot Air Tour, a nationwide tour that included [[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.

In 2008, in the same city ([[Austin, Texas]]) and at the same time (July) as the liberal [http://www.NetrootsNation.org/ Netroots Nation] conference, AFP hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers and activists that aimed to develop conservative social media strategies.<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><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> RightOnline has since become an annual event, with 1,500 attendees in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/conservative-fun-with-andrew-breitbart-et-al-at-right-online/240646/ |title=Conservative Fun with Andrew Breitbart et al. at Right Online - Tina Dupuy - Politics - The Atlantic}}</ref>

In 2011, in conjunction with [[Sarah Palin]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Schultz|first=Zac|title=Sarah Palin Travels To Madison|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Sarah_Palin_to_Visit_Madison_119856054.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[WMTV]]|date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> AFP helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic|Madison, Wisconsin]], where Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]'s budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. President Phillips said Walker's proposed cuts were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits."<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> After the budget reforms in [[Wisconsin]] passed, the AFP Foundation initiated an advertising and town-hall effort called "It's Working!" to promote them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/its-rally-season-in-wisconsin-c24gjov-142091613.html |title=Capitol rally to mark one year since Act 10 - JSOnline |publisher=JSOnline |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

Also in 2011, AFP sponsored the first debate among the Republican presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Candidates who participated included [[Mitt Romney]], [[Tim Pawlenty]], [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Rick Santorum]], and [[Herman Cain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/04/americans_for_p.html |title=Americans For Prosperity Dinner live blog - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com |publisher=Boston Globe |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

AFP announced plans to participate in a rally protesting the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] during the Supreme Court's oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the law.<ref name=ppacarallies>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/us/politics/white-house-works-to-shape-debate-over-health-law.html | title=White House Works to Shape Debate Over Health Law | first=Robert | last=Pear | date=March 9, 2012 | work=New York Times}}</ref>

==Programs==

===No Climate Tax Pledge===
In 2008, AFP circulated an anti-tax pledge to government officials at the federal, state, and local levels. A candidate who signs the "No Climate Tax Pledge" vows to "oppose any legislation relating to [[climate change]] that includes a net increase in state or local government revenue."<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]] and Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Jeff Flake]], and [[Fred Upton]]. Of the 12 Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2011, nine have signed the pledge.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/06/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206 Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power], Los Angeles Times, February 6, 2011</ref>

===Health Care===
In May 2009, AFP launched Patients United Now, a project to, according to their website, oppose "a government takeover of the United States health care system."<ref>[http://patientsunitednow.com/?q=about Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], About | Patients United Now</ref>

Patients United Now ran television ads advancing this viewpoint. In one ad, a Canadian woman, [[Shona Holmes health care incident|Shona Holmes]], says she was not able to get timely treatment for brain tumor surgery and ultimately was treated in the U.S. Columnist [[David Lazarus]] of the ''Los Angeles Times'' responded that the Canadian government does not offer medical treatment but has a government-run insurance program.<ref name="Lazarus">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-fi-lazarus9-2009aug09,0,3572458.column |title=Healthcare debate framed by fear-mongering ads|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2009-08-09 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Amy Menefee, a spokeswoman for Patients United Now, stated that "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."

Also in 2009, AFP initiated the Hands Off My Healthcare Tour, which sponsored 250<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title=President Obama's health care law is unraveling|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/29/president-obamas-health-care-law-is-unraveling/|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Caller]]|date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> rallies and collected signatures in an effort to raise awareness about free-market-based health care reforms.<ref>[http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/612300/group-protests-obama-s-push-for-health-care-reform/ Group protests Obama's push for health care reform], July 22, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.wect.com/story/10865825/americans-for-prosperity-protest-the-presidents-health-care-plan Americans for Prosperity protest the President's health care plan] August 7, 2009</ref>

===Net Neutrality===
AFP has been an active member of the [[Internet Freedom Coalition]].<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/story/conservative-group-takes-aim-at-net-neutrality-2011-03-09?mod=wsj_share_tweet</ref><ref>http://www.internetfreedomcoalition.com/?p=419</ref>

==Activities==
During the 2010 election cycle, AFP claims to have spent $40 million on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing. Of the six freshman Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2010, five benefitted from AFP ads and grassroots activity.<ref name='LATimes2011-02'>{{cite news | first = Tom | last = Hamburger | coauthors = Kathleen Hennessey, Neela Banerjee | title = Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power | date = 2011-02-06 | publisher = [[Tribune Company]] | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = 2011-02-06| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110217132904/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story| archivedate= 17 February 2011 | deadurl= no}}</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>John Gallagher, [http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab Conservative group: Fake eviction notices were 'meant to startle people'] ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' Jun. 7, 2011</ref>

In August 2011, AFP "sent absentee voter applications instructing voters to return the paperwork two days late in at least two recall elections."<ref name=Opoien>{{cite web|url=http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=34266|title=Unofficial absentee ballot mailings raise voter intimidation issues in Wisconsin recall elections|first=Jessica|last=Opoien|accessdate=November 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Opoien/> 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 16."<ref>{{cite web|last=Sargent|first=Greg|title=Americans for Prosperity sent misleading absentee ballot far more widely than previously known|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/americans-for-prosperity-sent-misleading-absentee-ballot-far-more-widely-than-previously-known/2011/03/03/gIQAxhcywI_blog.html|work=Washington Post|accessdate=21 November 2011}}</ref>

In 2011, AFP said that it would review payments it had made to [[Mark Block]]'s Prosperity USA, which allegedly made improper payments to the [[Herman Cain presidential campaign, 2012]].<ref>Stone, Peter H. [http://www.iwatchnews.org/2011/11/03/7279/koch-related-group-reviewing-financial-transactions-cain-aides-charity "Koch-related group is reviewing financial transactions with Cain aide's charity."] ''iWatch News'', 3 November 2011.</ref><ref>Bice, Daniel. [http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/state-firms-cash-to-herman-cain-may-breach-federal-campaign-tax-laws-132898423.html "State firm's cash to Herman Cain may breach federal campaign, tax laws."] ''Journal Sentinel'', 30 October 2011.</ref><ref>Benjamin, Mark. [http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/01/the-other-cain-scandal-campaign-transactions-may-have-broken-federal-law/ "The Other Cain Scandal: Campaign Transactions May Have Broken Federal Law."] ''Time Magazine'', 1 November 2011.</ref> As a tax-exempt charity, Prosperity USA is prohibited from donating money or services to a political campaign.<ref>Eggen, Dan. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/herman-cain-campaigns-financial-ties-to-wisconsin-charity-questioned/2011/10/31/gIQAJ61gZM_story.html "Herman Cain campaign's financial ties to Wisconsin charity questioned."] ''Washington Post'', 31 October 2011.</ref> According to an internal review, the payments were proper since they occurred before Cain launched his campaign.<ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/americans-prosperity-our-reimbursements-herman-cain-were-legal_607897.html "Americans for Prosperity: Our Reimbursements to Herman Cain Were Legal," John McCormack, Weekly Standard, November 9, 2011]</ref>

===2012 presidential election===
From 2011-2012, in what the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' called "perhaps the biggest attack on Mr. Obama so far in the 2012 election campaign,"<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref> AFP spent $8.4 million ($2.4 in 2011<ref>[http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/11/28/377053/koch-americans-for-prosperity-solyndra-attack-ad-video/ "Koch-Fueled Americans for Prosperity Spends $2.4 Million on Solyndra Attack Ad (VIDEO)"], Stephen Lacey, ThinkProgress, November 28, 2011)</ref> and $6 million in 2012<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ "Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama's Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref>) on television ads that criticized the federal loan to now-bankrupt manufacturer of solar panels, Solyndra.

In September 2012, the ''[[Washington Post]]'' called AFP "One of the major players on the right", reporting that AFP planned to spend $125 million on the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 United States presidential election]]. President Phillips said the organization has 116 staff members on the ground targeting 9 million voters who are undecided about how to assess Obama's economic record.<ref name=presidential>{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/conservative-groups-reaching-new-levels-of-sophistication-in-mobilizing-voters/2012/09/20/3c3cd8e8-026c-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_story.html| title= Conservative groups reaching new levels of sophistication in mobilizing voters | work=[[Washington Post]] | coauthors=Peter Wallsten, Tom Hamburger| date=September 20, 2012|accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>

==Criticism==
In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House argued that AFP and the AFP Foundation are a de facto political action group, thus violating 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> President Obama said: "Right now all around this country there are groups with harmless-sounding names like Americans for Prosperity, who are running millions of dollars of ads against Democratic candidates all across the country. And they don't have to say who exactly the Americans for Prosperity are. You don't know if it's a foreign-controlled corporation. You don't know if it's a big oil company, or a big bank."<ref name=thefix>{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/who-is-americans-for-prosperit.html | title=Who is "Americans for Prosperity"? | work=Washington Post | first=Felicia | last=Sonmez | date=August 26, 2010}}</ref> The administration later called AFP a "special-interest front group run by the oil billionaire Koch brothers," who it said are "obsessed with making Barack Obama a one-term president."<ref name=ppacarallies/> In response, Phillips called the idea that AFP is taking money from foreign sources "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 saw an increase in financial contributions, explaining 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/>

Also in August 2010, the [[Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]] (DCCC) filed a complaint against AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFP Foundation 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> On May 6, 2011, the Federal Election Commission dismissed the complaint.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly Digest: Week of May 2 - 4|url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2011/20110506_digest.shtml|publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=May 8, 2012|date=May 6, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

A May 2012 ad criticizing the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]] was rated by the nonpartisan fact checking organization [[PolitiFact.com]] as one of "the sneakiest" of the election cycle to that point. Claims from the ad were judged to be "Mostly False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded traffic lights in China|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-streetlights-c/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> "False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded jobs in Finland|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-jobs-finland/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> and "Pants on Fire",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded a solar company building a Mexico plant|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/02/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-solar-company-/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> the organization's lowest rating of truth. A separate analysis of the entire ad showed problems with the truth of every one of the ad's claims.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowers|first=Becky|title=Line by line: How an ad uses sleight-of-hand to distort facts on stimulus|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2012/may/04/line-line-sleight-hand-afp/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Political activities of the Koch brothers]]
* [[Tito the Builder]]<ref name="insidenova">{{cite news
|url=http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2011/apr/14/tito-builder-considering-state-politics-ar-973334/|date=April 14, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2011|title=Tito the Builder considering state politics|publisher=insidenova|first=Keith|last=Walker}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Americans for Prosperity}}
* [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php Americans for Prosperity]
* [http://www.americansforprosperityfoundation.com/ Americans for Prosperity Foundation]
* [http://www.politifact.com/personalities/americans-prosperity/ File] at [[PolitiFact]]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cmte=C30001051 Profile] at [[OpenSecrets.org]]

{{Koch family}}
{{Tea Party movement}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Americans For Prosperity}}
[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Think tanks based in the United States]]
[[Category:Political and economic think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations]]
[[Category:Koch family]]
[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]

Clement Freud

2013-06-13T05:36:55Z

Polmandc: Cleaned up using AutoEd

{{Infobox MP
|name = Sir Clement Freud
|image = Clement-freud-368-220.JPG
|caption =
|constituency_MP1 = [[North East Cambridgeshire (UK Parliament constituency)|North East Cambridgeshire]]
|parliament1 = British
|majority1 =
|term_start1 = 9 June 1983
|term_end1 = 11 June 1987
|predecessor1 = New constituency
|successor1 = [[Malcolm Moss]]
|constituency_MP2 =[[Isle of Ely (UK Parliament constituency)|Isle of Ely]]
|parliament2 = British
|majority2 =
|term_start2 = 26 July 1973
|term_end2 = 9 June 1983
|predecessor2 = [[Henry Legge-Bourke]]
|successor2 = Constituency abolished
|birth_date = {{birth date|1924|04|24|df=y}}
|birth_place = Berlin, Germany
|death_date = {{death date and age|2009|04|15|1924|04|24|df=y}}
|death_place = London, England
|restingplace =
|restingplacecoordinates =
|birthname = Clemens Raphael Freud
|nationality = British
|party = [[The Liberal Party (UK)|Liberal]]
|otherparty =
|spouse = [[June Flewett]] (m. 1950-2009; his death)
|relations = {{nowrap|[[Lucian Freud]] (brother) [[Ernst Ludwig Freud]] (father) [[Sigmund Freud]] (grandfather) ''See also [[Freud family]]''}}
|children = Five
|residence = |alma_mater =
|occupation = {{nowrap|Writer and broadcaster}}, Politician, Chef
|profession = |cabinet = |committees = |portfolio =
|religion = [[Anglican]]
|signature = |website = |footnotes =
|blank1 = Known for
|data1 = ''[[Just a Minute]]'' [[Gourmet]] [[Deadpan|Dry wit]] Dog-food commercials
}}
[[Knight Bachelor|Sir]] '''Clement Raphael Freud''' (24 April 1924{{spaced ndash}}15 April 2009)<ref name="telegraph2">{{cite news |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/5162533/Sir-Clement-Freud-dies-at-84.html |title=Sir Clement Freud dies at 84 |last=Swaine |first=Jon |work=The Daily Telegraph |accessdate=17 April 2009 |location=London |date=16 April 2009}}</ref><ref name="guardianobit"/><ref>{{cite book |title=Freud Ego |last=Freud |first=Clement |year=2001 |publisher=BBC Worldwide |location= |isbn= |pages= |chapter=Chapter 1}}</ref> was an English broadcaster, writer, politician and chef.

== Early life ==
Freud was born in Berlin,<ref name="guardianobit">{{cite news |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2009/apr/16/clement-freud-obituary |title=Obituary: Sir Clement Freud |last=Steel |first=David |date=16 April 2009 |work=The Guardian |location=UK |accessdate=16 April 2009 |location=London}}</ref><ref name="APObit">{{cite news |url=http://www.legacy.com/TimesOnline-UK/DeathNotices.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonID=126283328 |title=Sir Clement Freud |date=16 April 2009 |agency=Associated Press |accessdate=16 April 2009}}</ref> the son of Jewish parents [[Ernst L. Freud]] (an architect) and Lucie ''née'' Brasch. He was the grandson of psychoanalyst [[Sigmund Freud]] and the brother of artist [[Lucian Freud]]. His family fled to Britain from [[Nazi Germany]] and his given name was [[Anglicization|anglicised]] from the original "Clemens".<ref name="Telegraph">[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/culture-obituaries/tv-radio-obituaries/5163084/Sir-Clement-Freud.html "Sir Clement Freud",] ''Daily Telegraph'', 16 April 2009</ref> He spent his later childhood in [[Hampstead]] where he attended the [[Hall School (Hampstead)|The Hall]] private preparatory school.<ref name="Ham&High">[http://www.hamhigh.co.uk/content/camden/hamhigh/news/story.aspx?brand=NorthLondon24&category=Newshamhigh&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newshamhigh&itemid=WeED16%20Apr%202009%2016%3A26%3A39%3A610 Obituary Hampstead and Highgate Express]</ref> He also attended two [[independent school]]s: he boarded at [[Dartington Hall]], and also went to [[St Paul's School (London)|St Paul's School, London]].<ref name="Telegraph"/>

During the [[Second World War]] Freud joined the [[Royal Ulster Rifles]] and served in the ranks. He acted as an aide to [[Bernard Montgomery|Field Marshal Montgomery]]. He worked at the [[Nuremberg Trials]] and in 1947 was commissioned as an officer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37983/supplements/2669 |title=London Gazette |work=London Gazette |date=10 June 1947 |accessdate=17 April 2009}}</ref> He married [[June Flewett]] (the inspiration for [[Lucy Pevensie]] in [[C. S. Lewis]]'s children's series ''[[The Chronicles of Narnia]]'')<ref name="narnia11">[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/12/11/narnia11.xml 'I was sure that children would not want to be told that this old lady was Lucy'], ''The Daily Telegraph'', 11 December 2005.</ref> in 1950, and the couple had five children. Flewett had taken the stage name Jill Raymond in 1944, and since Clement's knighthood has been Lady Freud.<ref name="narnia11" />

== Early career ==
Freud was one of Britain's first "[[celebrity chef]]s"; he worked at the [[Dorchester Hotel]], and went on to run his own restaurant in [[Sloane Square]] at a relatively young age. As well as this, he had various newspaper and magazine columns, and was later a familiar face on television for his appearance in a series of dog food commercials (at first for Minced Morsels, later Chunky Meat) in which he co-starred with a [[bloodhound]] called Henry (played by a number of dogs) which shared his trademark "hangdog" expression. In 1968, he wrote the children's book ''[[Grimble]]'', followed by a sequel, ''Grimble at Christmas'', six years later.

Whilst running a nightclub, he met a newspaper editor who gave him a job as a sports journalist. From there he became an award-winning food and drink writer.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/5162533/Sir-Clement-Freud-dies-at-84.html |title=Telegraph Obituary: Sir Clement Freud dies at 84 |date=16 April 2009 |accessdate=18 April 2009 |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |first=Jon |last=Swaine}}</ref>

== Political career ==
Prior to politics, Freud longed for (given his background and ancestry) a distinct occupation by which he could be acclaimed, rather than just being "the man off the telly"; his chance came in the [[Isle of Ely by-election, 1973|1973 Isle of Ely Parliamentary by-election]], which he won. He was [[The Liberal Party (UK)|Liberal]] [[Member of Parliament]] for that constituency (later [[North East Cambridgeshire (UK Parliament constituency)|North East Cambridgeshire]]) from 1973 to 1987. On his election, he was hailed as the first Jewish Liberal MP for decades (though he had become [[Anglican]] at the time of his marriage<ref name="identity">{{cite book |title=Psychoanalysis, Identity, and Ideology: Critical Essays on the Israel/Palestine case |author=John Bunzl, Benjamin Beit-Hallahmi |publisher=Springer |year=2002 |ISBN=1-4020-7155-8 |page=34}}</ref>). His departure from Parliament was marked by the award of a [[Knight Bachelor|knighthood]].

In his column in ''[[Racing Post]]'', issue of 23 August 2006, he wrote about his election to Parliament in a by-election: "Politically, I was an anti-Conservative unable to join a Labour party hell-bent on nationalising everything that moved, so when a by-election occurred in [[East Anglia]], where I lived and live, I stood as a Liberal and was fortunate in getting in. [[Ladbrokes]] quoted me at 33-1 in this three-horse contest, so Ladbrokes paid for me to have rather more secretarial and research staff than other MPs, which helped to keep me in for five parliaments."

His autobiography, ''Freud Ego'', recalls his election win, and shortly after, when asked by his wife June, "Why aren't you looking happier?", he wrote "It suddenly occurred to me that after nine years of fame I now had something solid about which to be famous... and cheered up no end." During his time as a Member of Parliament, he visited China with a delegation of other MPs, including the grandson of the wartime prime minister [[Winston Churchill]]. When Churchill was given the best room in the hotel, on account of his lineage, Freud (in a reference to his own famous forebear) declared it was the first time in his life that he had been "out-grandfathered".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/the_way_we_live/article6108143.ece|title=Freudian clips: The best of Clement Freud|last=Leitch|first=Luke|work=The Times |location=UK|date=17 April 2009|accessdate=17 April 2009 | location=London}}</ref>

=== Callaghan and Freedom of Information ===
During the last year of the [[James Callaghan|Callaghan]] government it proposed reinventing the one year Lib-Lab Pact which lapsed in July 1978, to include introducing a [[Freedom of Information]] Act, long proposed by the [[Liberal Party (UK)|Liberals]], however James Callaghan himself was opposed to this kind of legislation. Towards the end of the 5 year term was a [[1979 vote of no confidence against the government of James Callaghan|March 1979 Vote of No Confidence]] against Callaghan's government and Freud was expected to follow his party and vote with the [[Her Majesty's Opposition|Oppostion]]. Due to by-election defeats [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]]'s Callaghan ran a minority government and sought support of members from opposing parties to support him that day; to that end Clement Freud, in Liverpool at the time, received a phone call from the Prime Minister's Office at 3 PM who asked for him to miss his train back to London for the 10:00 PM vote of no-confidence, in exchange, a "looser" version of his proposed Freedom of Information Act would be enacted. He declined the offer and voted as stated by his party, after the lapse of the [[Lib-Lab pact]], for an immediate general election. Otherwise the government could have continued until October 1979.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2wGQfqQBMM#t=7m Youtube interview with Freud]</ref>

== Radio, music, academia ==
For many, Freud was best known as a panellist on the long-running [[BBC Radio 4|Radio 4]] show ''[[Just a Minute]]'', in which his deadpan delivery was popular with audiences. In one edition during his turn to speak he said: "There’s not much doubt but we are in a period of great inflation. As the farmer said to me the other day, 'Apples are going up,' to which I replied, 'This would come as a severe blow to [[Sir Isaac Newton]].'" He allegedly also once reduced the audience, panel and chairman to hysterical laughter with the following (completely off-topic) joke: "This gentleman asked me, 'Why are you so fat?' To which I replied, 'It's because every time I sleep with your wife she gives me a biscuit.'" (A similar comment has been attributed to the cricketer [[Eddo Brandes]].) He was a contestant on the first episode of ''Just a Minute'' in 1967 and took part in every series until his death. Freud was known to be fiercely competitive. Fellow participant [[Paul Merton]] reminisced, "Clement's way of playing the game was to win: that's what he cared about."<ref>''Clement Freud on Just a Minute: A Celebration'', BBC Radio 4, 26 May 2009</ref>

Freud performed a small monologue for the [[Wings (band)|Wings]] 1973 album ''[[Band on the Run (album)|Band on the Run]]'' and appeared on the album's cover.

In 1974, he was elected [[Rector of the University of Dundee]] and served two three-year terms. A generation later, in 2002, he was elected [[Rector (academia)|Rector]] of the [[University of St Andrews]], beating feminist and academic [[Germaine Greer]] and local challenger Barry Joss, holding the position for one term.

He appeared as a panellist on the comedy game-shows ''[[Shooting Stars]]'' (in 2002)<ref>[http://www.tv.com/shooting-stars/clement-freud-myleene-klass-claire-goose/episode/215864/summary.html Shooting Stars at tv.com]</ref> and ''[[Have I Got News For You]]'' (in 2001 and 2003).

== Family and hobbies ==
His son [[Matthew Freud]] was formerly married to Caroline Hutton, who was the second wife of [[Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer|Earl Spencer]]; he then married media magnate [[Rupert Murdoch]]'s daughter [[Elisabeth Murdoch (businesswoman)|Elisabeth]]. Sir Clement Freud's daughter [[Emma Freud]], a broadcaster, is the partner of [[Richard Curtis]], scriptwriter of ''[[Blackadder]]'' and ''[[Four Weddings and a Funeral]]''. His nieces (by his painter brother [[Lucian Freud|Lucian]]) are fashion designer [[Bella Freud]] and writer [[Esther Freud]]. His brother, Stephen Freud, has closely guarded his privacy, with the exception of an interview he gave to ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/2403606/I-am-the-forgotten-Freud-says-brother-of-Sir-Clement-Freud-and-Lucian-Freud.html|title=I am the forgotten Freud, says brother of Sir Clement Freud and Lucian Freud|work=The Daily Telegraph |location=UK |date= 18 July 2008|accessdate=15 April 2009|first=Adam|last=Lusher | location=London}}</ref> Freud died without resolving a feud with his brother Lucian, thought to have dated back 70 years, over which of them was the rightful winner of a boyhood race.<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/5169755/Clement-Freud-died-without-resolving-feud-with-his-brother-Lucian.html Clement Freud died without resolving feud with his brother Lucian at telegraph.co.uk]</ref> The Freud family live in [[Walberswick]] in [[Suffolk]].

Freud was a columnist for the ''[[Racing Post]]'' newspaper. Freud's enthusiasm for horse racing went as far as challenging [[Sir Hugh Fraser, 2nd Baronet|Sir Hugh Fraser]], then chairman of [[Harrods]], to a horse race at [[Haydock Park Racecourse|Haydock]] in 1972. Freud trained for three months and lost some five stones for the event. Although Fraser, a country gentleman, was seen as a much better prospect, the two made a bet for £1,000-a-side. Freud used the long odds to his advantage, however, and shrewdly placed a large [[side bet]] on himself. Freud won the race and made a great deal of money. His horse, Winter Fair, went on to win the Waterloo Hurdle at [[Aintree]] that same year.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse-racing/racing-post-columnist-sir-clement-freud-dies-at-84/178784/latest/ |title=Racing Post columnist Sir Clement Freud dies at 84 |work=[[Racing Post]] |date=16 April 2009 |first=Graham |last=Green}}</ref>

Freud also wrote articles reviewing facilities for spectators at racecourses in Britain, especially catering. This led him to receive the nickname "Sir Clement Food".<ref>[http://www.ajr.org.uk/journal/issue.Mar01/article.622 Association of Jewish Refugees], 2001.</ref>

== Friendship with Kate and Gerry McCann ==
After Freud's death it emerged that in July 2007 he had helped the parents of missing child [[Madeleine McCann]] by cooking them dinners in [[Praia da Luz]] where he had a holiday home and offering them drinks. Initially when he wrote offering assistance they thought it was a hoax.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2011/05/12/madeleine-mccann-scotland-yard-to-aid-search-for-missing-girl-after-parents-impassioned-appeal-115875-23126613/#ixzz1MGADI700 |title=Madeleine McCann: Scotland Yard to aid search for missing girl after parents impassioned appeal |publisher=mirror.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2011-12-25}}</ref><ref>Madeleine: Our daughter's Disappearance and the Continuing Search for her. by Kate McCann Bantam Press (12 May 2011) ISBN 0-593-06791-6 ISBN 978-0593067918</ref>

== Death and funeral ==
Freud died at his home on 15 April 2009, nine days before his 85th birthday.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2009/apr/16/clement-freud-obituary | work=The Guardian | location=London | title=Sir Clement Freud | date=16 April 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010 | first=David | last=Steel}}</ref> His funeral service was held at [[St Bride's Church]] in [[Fleet Street]] and was attended by a host of personalities from the media and entertainment industry including [[Bono]], [[Richard Curtis]], [[Stephen Fry]], [[Paul Merton]], [[Nicholas Parsons]] as well as several representatives from [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|Westminster]], such as then-[[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|Prime Minister]] [[Gordon Brown]], then-[[Shadow Chancellor]] [[George Osborne]] and former Liberal party leader [[David Steel]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6164313.ece | work=The Times | location=London | title=Sir Clement Freuds funeral rings fittingly with jokes and laughter | first=Valentine | last=Low | date=25 April 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010}}</ref> Freud had asked for his body to be cremated and his ashes scattered at his estate in [[Walberswick]], [[Suffolk]].<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1227834/Sir-Clement-Freud-keeps-promise-leaves-money-heeled-children.html www.dailymail.co.uk], Access date 2011-05-17.</ref> He was survived by his wife of 59 years, Jill Freud, his five children, his 17 grandchildren and his two elder brothers, Stephen and noted painter Lucian.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8001383.stm|title=Writer Clement Freud dies aged 84|date=16 April 2009|accessdate=16 April 2009 | work=BBC News}}</ref>

== Bibliography ==
* 1968 - ''[[Grimble]]'' - illustrated by [[Quentin Blake]]
* 1973 - ''Grimble at Christmas'' - illustrated by Quentin Blake
* 1978 - ''Freud on Food''
* 1980 - ''Clicking Vicky''
* 1981 - ''The Book of Hangovers'' - 1982 paperback version illustrated by [[Bill Tidy]]
* 1983 - ''Below the Belt''
* 1988 - ''No one Else Has Complained''
* 1989 - ''The Gourmet's Tour of Great Britain and Ireland''
* 2001 - ''Freud Ego''
* 2009 - ''Freud on Course - The Racing Lives of Clement Freud''

== See also ==
* [[Freud family]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== Further reading ==
* Crewe, Daniel. "One of Nature’s Liberals: the career of Sir Clement Freud, artist, journalist, chef, bon-viveur – and Liberal MP, 1973-87" in ''Journal of Liberal History'', Issue 43, Summer 2004.

== External links ==
* {{Hansard-contribs | mr-clement-freud | Clement Freud }}
* [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6104345.ece Video: Sir Clement Freud dies aged 84 - Times Online]
* [http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/17/arts/17freud.html?hpw NYTimes obit.]
* [http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/apr/16/sir-clement-freud-dies Sir Clement Freud dies aged 84 - guardian.co.uk]
* [http://www.legacy.com/TimesOnline-UK/DeathNotices.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonID=126283328 AP Obituary] in [[The Times]]
* [http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/gallery/2009/apr/16/1?picture=346031420 Gallery of pictures at guardian.co.uk]
* {{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/comedy/rams/jam_clement.ram |title=Clement Freud talking about ''Just a Minute'' (RealPlayer video)|publisher=BBC}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/ |publisher=BBC Radio 4 |title= "Just a Minute" archive of shows}}
* {{IMDb name|0294429}}
{{S-start}}
{{s-par|uk}}
{{S-bef|before = [[Harry Legge-Bourke|Sir Harry Legge-Bourke]]}}
{{s-ttl|title = [[Member of Parliament]] for [[Isle of Ely (UK Parliament constituency)|Isle of Ely]]
|years = [[Isle of Ely by-election, 1973|1973]]–[[United Kingdom general election, 1983|1983]]}}
{{s-non|reason = Constituency abolished}}

{{s-new|constituency}}
{{s-ttl|title = [[Member of Parliament]] for [[North East Cambridgeshire (UK Parliament constituency)|North East Cambridgeshire]]
|years = [[United Kingdom general election, 1983|1983]]–[[United Kingdom general election, 1987|1987]]}}
{{S-aft|after = [[Malcolm Moss]]}}

{{s-aca}}
{{Succession box|title=[[Rector of the University of Dundee]]|years=1974–1980|before=[[Peter Ustinov]]|after=[[George Mackie, Baron Mackie of Benshie|Baron Mackie of Benshie]]}}
{{Succession box| title = [[Rector of the University of St Andrews]] | years = 2002–2005 | before = [[Andrew Neil]] | after = [[Simon Pepper]]}}
{{S-end}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2010}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2010}}

{{Authority control|VIAF=47680525|GND=123872731}}
{{Persondata 
| NAME = Freud, Clement
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = English broadcaster, writer, politician and chef
| DATE OF BIRTH = 24 April 1924
| PLACE OF BIRTH = Berlin, Germany
| DATE OF DEATH = 15 April 2009
| PLACE OF DEATH = London, England, United Kingdom
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Freud, Clement}}
[[Category:1924 births]]
[[Category:2009 deaths]]
[[Category:British Army General List officers]]
[[Category:British Army personnel of World War II]]
[[Category:Converts to Anglicanism from Judaism]]
[[Category:English Anglicans]]
[[Category:English chefs]]
[[Category:English Jews]]
[[Category:Freud family]]
[[Category:German emigrants to the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:German Jews]]
[[Category:Knights Bachelor]]
[[Category:Liberal Party (UK) MPs]]
[[Category:Members of the United Kingdom Parliament for English constituencies]]
[[Category:People educated at St Paul's School, London]]
[[Category:People from Berlin]]
[[Category:Jews who emigrated to the United Kingdom to escape Nazism]]
[[Category:Rectors of the University of Dundee]]
[[Category:Rectors of the University of St Andrews]]
[[Category:Royal Ulster Rifles soldiers]]
[[Category:UK MPs 1970–1974]]
[[Category:UK MPs 1974]]
[[Category:UK MPs 1974–1979]]
[[Category:UK MPs 1979–1983]]
[[Category:UK MPs 1983–1987]]
[[Category:People educated at The Hall School (Hampstead)]]

Look (Magazin)

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{{otheruses|Look (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox magazine
| title = Look
| image_file = Look13040.jpg
| image_size = 
| image_alt =
| image_caption = Actress [[Anne Gwynne]], a 1939–40 model for [[Catalina Swimwear]], was featured on the January 30, 1940 cover of ''Look''.
| editor =
| editor_title =
| previous_editor =
| staff_writer =
| frequency = Bi-weekly
| circulation =
| category =
| company = [[Cowles Media Company|Cowles Media]]
| publisher =
| firstdate = {{Start date|1937|February}}
| finaldate = October 19, 1971
| finalnumber =
| country = [[United States]]
| based = [[Des Moines, Iowa]]
| language = English
| website = 
| issn = 0024-6336
}}

'''''Look''''' was a [[biweekly|bi-weekly]], general-interest [[magazine]] published in [[Des Moines]], [[Iowa]], from 1937 to 1971, with more of an emphasis on [[photograph]]s than articles. A large-size magazine of 11 by 14 [[inch]]es, it was generally considered the also-ran to [[Life (magazine)|''Life'' magazine]], which began publication months earlier and ended in 1972.

It is known for helping launch the career of [[film director]] [[Stanley Kubrick]], who was a staff photographer.

==Origin==
Gardner "Mike" Cowles, Jr. (1903–1985), the magazine's co-founder (with his brother John) and first editor, was executive editor of ''[[The Des Moines Register]]'' and ''[[Des Moines Tribune|The Des Moines Tribune]]''. When the first issue went on sale in early 1937, it sold 705,000 copies.<ref>"Pictorial Magazine Prints First Issue", ''[[The Washington Post]]'', January 6, 1937, p. 3.</ref><ref>"[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,770988,00.html Ads to Look]", ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'', November 8, 1937.</ref>

Although planned to begin with the January 1937 issue, the actual first issue of ''Look'' to be distributed was the February 1937 issue, numbered as Volume 1, Number 2. It was published monthly for five issues (February–May 1937), then switched to bi-weekly starting with the May 11, 1937 issue. Page numbering on early issue counted the front cover as page one. Early issues, subtitled ''Monthly Picture Magazine'', carried no advertising.<ref>[http://2neat.com/magazines/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_4 "''Look'' is Born"]</ref>

The unusual format of the early issues featured layouts of photos with long captions or very short articles. The magazine's backers described it as "an experiment based on the tremendous unfilled demand for extraordinary news and [[feature story|feature]] pictures." It was aimed at a broader readership than ''[[Life magazine|Life]]'', promising trade papers that ''Look'' would have "reader interest for yourself, for your wife, for your private secretary, for your office boy."<ref>"[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,757259-1,00.html Look Out]", ''Time'', January 11, 1937.</ref>

==Circulation peak==
[[Image:Look-building.jpg|thumb|250px|Look Building on Madison Avenue in New York]]
Within weeks, more than a million copies were bought of each issue,<ref>Look (advertisement), ''The Washington Post'', March 31, 1937, p. 15.</ref> and it became a bi-weekly. By 1948 it sold 2.9 million copies per issue.<ref>Look (advertisement), ''New York Times'', June 8, 1948, p. 16.</ref> Circulation reached 3.7 million in 1954,<ref>"[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,819349,00.html Shake-up at Look]", ''Time'', January 11, 1954.</ref> and peaked at 7.75 million in 1969. Its advertising revenue peaked in 1966 at $80 million.<ref name="NYT_CLOSE">"Cowles Closing Look Magazine After 34 Years", ''The New York Times'', September 17, 1971, p. 1.</ref> Of the leading general interest large-format magazines, ''Look'' had a circulation second only to ''Life'' and ahead of ''[[The Saturday Evening Post]]'', which closed in 1969, and ''[[Collier's Weekly|Collier's]]'', which folded in 1956.

''Look'' was published under various company names: Look, Inc. (1937–45), Cowles Magazines (1946–65), and [[Cowles Communications]], Inc. (1965–71). Its [[New York, New York|New York]] editorial offices were located in the architecturally distinctive 488 [[Madison Avenue]], dubbed the "Look Building," now on the [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Manhattan from 14th to 59th Streets|National Register of Historic Places]].

Beginning in 1963, [[Norman Rockwell]], after closing his career with the ''Saturday Evening Post'', began making illustrations for ''Look''.

''Look'' ceased publication with its issue of October 19, 1971, the victim of a $5 million loss in revenues in 1970 (with television cutting deeply into its advertising revenues), a slack economy and rising postal rates. Circulation was at 6.5 million when it closed.<ref name="NYT_CLOSE" />

==Aftermath==
[[Hachette Filipacchi Médias]] brought back ''Look, The Picture Newsmagazine'' in February 1979 as a bi-weekly in a slightly smaller size. It lasted only a year.

The Look Magazine Photograph Collection was donated to the [[Library of Congress]] and contains approximately five million items.<ref>Library Congress, [http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/awhhtml/awpnp6/look_coll.html ''Look'' Collection: Background and Scope].</ref>

After the closure, six ''Look'' employees created a [[fulfillment house]] using the computer system newly developed by the magazine's circulation department.<ref>"Good Idea Grows out of Tragedy", ''Des Moines Register'', October 26, 1997, p. 1G-2G.</ref> The company, [[CDS Global]], is now an international provider of customer relationship services.

==Stanley Kubrick==
Stanley Kubrick was a staff photographer for ''Look'' before starting his feature film career. Of the more than 300 assignments Kubrick did for ''Look'' from 1946 to 1951, more than 100 are in the Library of Congress collection. All ''Look'' jobs with which he was associated have been cataloged with descriptions focusing on the images that were printed. Other related Kubrick material is located at the Museum of the City of New York.<ref>Library Congress, [http://lcweb2.loc.gov/pp/lookhtml/lookback.html Look Collection: Background and Scope]</ref>

==In popular culture==
* The magazine is mentioned in numerous films, including ''[[The Shawshank Redemption]]'' (1994), ''[[A Christmas Story]]'', ''[[Crazy in Alabama]]'', ''[[An Affair to Remember]]'' and ''[[The Hoax]]''.
* On ''[[The Simpsons]]'' episode "[[Bart on the Road]]", a marquee in [[Branson, Missouri]] advertises an [[Andy Williams]] show with a quote from ''Look'' magazine ("Wow! He's still got it!"), although ''Look'' magazine had folded 25 years earlier.
* An episode of ''[[I Love Lucy]]'' had a ''Look'' photographer coming to Lucy and Ricky's apartment only to have the shoot spoiled by Lucy.
* In Season One Episode Five of ''[[Mad Men]]'', on a comment about [[Don Draper]]'s secretary [[Peggy Olson]] by his wife, [[Betty Draper]] he remarks, "Did you read some terrible article in ''Look Magazine'' that I should know about?".
* The magazine is a major plot point in the 1953 film ''[[I Love Melvin]]'' starring [[Donald O'Connor]] and [[Debbie Reynolds]].
* The magazine is given a passing reference in the opening pages of [[Philip Roth]]'s 1969 novel "[[Portnoy's Complaint]]". The narrator uses it to illustrate his father's distasteful "reading" habits.

==See also==
* [[List of defunct American periodicals]]

==References==
;Notes
{{reflist}}

;Further reading
* Cowles, Gardner. ''Mike Looks Back: The Memoirs of Gardner Cowles, Founder of Look Magazine''. New York: G. Cowles, 1985.
* {{cite news |title=A Certain Look |first=Emily |last=Geminder |url=http://www.observer.com/2010/commercial-observer/certain-look |newspaper=[[The New York Observer]] |issn=1052-2948 |date=March 1, 2010 |accessdate=May 10, 2010 }}

==External links==
{{Commons cat|Look (American magazine)}}
* [http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/trm050.html Look Magazine (Memory):] from ''American Treasures'' of the [[Library of Congress]].
* [http://www.lib.drake.edu/heritage/GardnerCowlesFamily/CowlesFamily.html Cowles Family Publishing Legacy]
[[Category:American weekly magazines]]
[[Category:Defunct magazines of the United States]]
[[Category:News magazines]]
[[Category:Publications established in 1937]]
[[Category:Publications disestablished in 1971]]
[[Category:Photojournalism publications]]

Americans for Prosperity

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{{Infobox Organization
|name = Americans for Prosperity
|image_border = AFProsperity.png
|caption = Americans for Prosperity logo
|membership =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|extinction =
|type = non-profit political advocacy group
|status =
|purpose = AFP is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process.<ref name=about/>
|headquarters = [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|formation = 2004
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = Tim Phillips
|leader_title2 = Executive Vice President
|leader_name2 = [[Tracy Henke]]
|website = [http://www.americansforprosperity.org www.americansforprosperity.org]}}

'''Americans for Prosperity''' ('''AFP''') is an [[American conservative]] [[political advocacy group]] headquartered in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Temple-West
| first = Patrick
| coauthors = Alina Selyukh
| title = IRS steps up scrutiny of tax-exempt political groups
| work = Reuters
| location = Washington
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| date = 2012-06-29
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/29/us-usa-campaign-irs-idUSBRE85S09420120629
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| title = Wealthy outside political groups find a home in Minnesota
| work = MPR News
| accessdate = 2012-11-18
| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/25/politics/wealthy-outside-political-groups-target-minnesota/
}}</ref> <ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/12/americans-prosperity-slams-obama-suggesting-foreign-influence/</ref> AFP's stated mission is "educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing citizens as advocates in the public policy process."<ref name=about/> The group played a major role in the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republicans']] 2010 takeover of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]],<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/us/cato-institute-and-koch-in-rift-over-independence.html "Cato Institute Is Caught in a Rift Over Its Direction," New York Times, March 6, 2012]</ref> and has been called "one of the most powerful conservative organizations in electoral politics."<ref>[http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/03/01/behind_the_cato_koch_kerfuffle.html "Behind the Cato-Koch Kerfuffle," Slate, March 1, 2012]</ref>

==Background==
AFP was founded in 2004 when [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]] (CSE) split into [[FreedomWorks]] (formerly Citizens for a Sound Economy) 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> remained chairman of FreedomWorks, while [[David H. Koch]] remained chairman of the AFP Foundation. Like CSE, AFP was founded with the support of [[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles G. Koch]], both 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101015060122/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=all| archivedate= 15 October 2010 | deadurl= no}}</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>

===Mission===
AFP describes its mission as educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing them as advocates of lower taxes and limited government. The organization focuses on eight issue areas: budget and spending; taxes; property rights; health care and entitlements; banking and financial services; labor, education, and pensions; energy and environment; and technology.<ref name=about>{{cite web|title=About Americans for Prosperity|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.org/about|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref>

According to the AFP, their mission is to promote " limited government and free markets on the local, state, and federal levels", and to do so, they support:<ref name=about/>
* Cutting taxes and government spending in order to halt the encroachment of government in the economic lives of citizens by fighting proposed tax increases and pointing out evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse.
* Removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and opportunity by sparking citizen involvement early in the regulatory process in order to reduce red tape.
* Restoring fairness to our judicial system.

==Leadership and structure==
Like its predecessor, [[Citizens for a Sound Economy]], and other advocacy groups (for example, the [[National Taxpayers Union]]), Americans for Prosperity consists of two separate entities: Americans for Prosperity, a [[501(c)(4)]] organization established in 2004, and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a [[501(c)(3)]] organization established in 1984.

On the national level, AFP is led by its president, [[Tim Phillips (political strategist)|Tim Phillips]]. From 2003-2007, AFP was led by [[Nancy Pfotenhauer]], the president of MediaSpeak Strategies. Other current executive staff include Chief Operating Officer [[Tracy Henke]] and Vice President of State Operations Alan Cobb. [[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.

As of March 2012, AFP had 1.9 million members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/catching-up-with-tim-phillips-of-americans-for-prosperity.html |title=Tim Phillips, New York Times, March 3, 2012, accessed Mar 2012 |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=2012-03-18}}</ref> AFP had its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which oversees 35 state chapters.<ref name=about/>

==Funding==
In its 2007 annual tax return, the AFP Foundation reported revenue of $5.7 million with expenditures of nearly $6.8 million. Of these expenditures, $2.1 million went to national office operations and $2.9 million went to the state-based chapters. By 2010, AFP’s and the AFP Foundation’s combined budget was $40 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nonprofit Report for Americans for Prosperity Foundation|url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/52-1527294/americans-prosperity-foundation.aspx|work=[[GuideStar]]|publisher=GuideStar USA, Inc|accessdate=May 8, 2012}}</ref>

Based on the AFP Foundation's financial operations and programs, the independent nonprofit review organization, [[Charity Navigator]], gave it a three-star rating out of four stars overall - four stars for financial operations, and two for accountability and transparency - and 53.8 out of a possible 70 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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110629022528/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3511| archivedate= 29 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

According to AFP, 90,000 people across 50 states have donated to AFP or the AFP Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Browning|first=William|title=Americans for Prosperity by the Numbers|url=http://news.yahoo.com/americans-prosperity-numbers-172200443.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[Yahoo! News]] Contributor Network|date=October 17, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

==Events==
Since 2007, the AFP Foundation has hosted the “Defending the American Dream Summit,” which is now the second largest annual gathering of conservatives in Washington, DC (the first is the [[Conservative Political Action Conference]]). Topics have included government spending and taxation, health care reform legislation, economic policy, and proposed energy legislation. Presidential candidates who attended the inaugural event included Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Ron Paul, Sam Brownback, Mitt Romney, and Fred Thompson. 2,000 people attended the 2011 summit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title='Occupiers' Attack Defending the American Dream Summit|url=http://www.americansforprosperity.com/110911-occupiers-attack-defending-american-dream-summit|accessdate=May 8, 2012|publisher=Americans for Prosperity|date=November 8, 2011}}</ref>

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| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110126005750/http://americansforprosperity.org/120310-hot-air-tour-live-cancun-full-broadcast| archivedate= 26 January 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> AFP created the Cost of Hot Air Tour, a nationwide tour that included [[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.

In 2008, in the same city ([[Austin, Texas]]) and at the same time (July) as the liberal [http://www.NetrootsNation.org/ Netroots Nation] conference, AFP hosted RightOnline, a conference of conservative bloggers and activists that aimed to develop conservative social media strategies.<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><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> RightOnline has since become an annual event, with 1,500 attendees in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/conservative-fun-with-andrew-breitbart-et-al-at-right-online/240646/ |title=Conservative Fun with Andrew Breitbart et al. at Right Online - Tina Dupuy - Politics - The Atlantic}}</ref>

In 2011, in conjunction with [[Sarah Palin]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Schultz|first=Zac|title=Sarah Palin Travels To Madison|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Sarah_Palin_to_Visit_Madison_119856054.html|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[WMTV]]|date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> AFP helped lead a counterprotest in [[2011 Wisconsin budget protests#Domestic|Madison, Wisconsin]], where Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]'s budget and labor-law initiatives had drawn considerable opposition in the streets. AFP’s president, Tim Phillips, said Walker’s proposed cuts were necessary and "represented the start of a much-needed nationwide move to slash public-sector union benefits."<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> After the budget reforms in [[Wisconsin]] passed, the AFP Foundation initiated an advertising and town-hall effort called “It’s Working!” to promote them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/its-rally-season-in-wisconsin-c24gjov-142091613.html |title=Capitol rally to mark one year since Act 10 - JSOnline |publisher=JSOnline |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

Also in 2011, AFP sponsored the first debate among the Republican presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Candidates who participated included [[Mitt Romney]], [[Tim Pawlenty]], [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Rick Santorum]], and [[Herman Cain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/04/americans_for_p.html |title=Americans For Prosperity Dinner live blog - Political Intelligence - A national political and campaign blog from The Boston Globe - Boston.com |publisher=Boston Globe |date= |accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

AFP announced plans to participate in a rally protesting the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] during the Supreme Court's oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the law.<ref name=ppacarallies>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/us/politics/white-house-works-to-shape-debate-over-health-law.html | title=White House Works to Shape Debate Over Health Law | first=Robert | last=Pear | date=March 9, 2012 | work=New York Times}}</ref>

==Programs==
===No Climate Tax Pledge===
In 2008, AFP circulated an anti-tax pledge to government officials at the federal, state, and local levels. A candidate who signs the "No Climate Tax Pledge"# vows to “oppose any legislation relating to [[climate change]] that includes a net increase in state or local government revenue."<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]] and Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]], [[Jeff Flake]], and [[Fred Upton]]. Of the 12 Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2011, nine have signed the pledge.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/06/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206 Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power], Los Angeles Times, February 6, 2011</ref>

===Health Care===
In May 2009, AFP launched Patients United Now, a project to, according to their website, oppose "a government takeover of the United States health care system."<ref>[http://patientsunitednow.com/?q=about Group against taxes seeks pledges from candidates], About | Patients United Now</ref>

Patients United Now ran television ads advancing this viewpoint. In one ad, a Canadian woman, Shona Holmes, says she got the runaround for brain tumor surgery and ultimately was treated in the U.S. Columnist [[David Lazarus]] of the ''Los Angeles Times'' responded that the Canadian government does not offer medical treatment but has a government-run insurance program.<ref name="Lazarus">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-fi-lazarus9-2009aug09,0,3572458.column |title=Healthcare debate framed by fear-mongering ads|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=2009-08-09 |accessdate=2010-10-21}}</ref> Amy Menefee, a spokeswoman for Patients United Now, stated that "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."

Also in 2009, AFP initiated the Hands Off My Healthcare Tour, which sponsored 250<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Tim|title=President Obama’s health care law is unraveling|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/29/president-obamas-health-care-law-is-unraveling/|accessdate=May 8, 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Caller]]|date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> rallies and collected signatures in an effort to raise awareness about free-market-based health care reforms.<ref>[http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/612300/group-protests-obama-s-push-for-health-care-reform/ Group protests Obama's push for health care reform], July 22, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.wect.com/story/10865825/americans-for-prosperity-protest-the-presidents-health-care-plan Americans for Prosperity protest the President's health care plan] August 7, 2009</ref>

==Activities==
During the 2010 election cycle, AFP claims to have spent $40 million dollars on rallies, phone banks, and canvassing. Of the six freshman Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2010, five benefitted from AFP ads and grassroots activity.<ref name='LATimes2011-02'> {{cite news | first = Tom | last = Hamburger | coauthors = Kathleen Hennessey, Neela Banerjee | title = Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power | date = 2011-02-06 | publisher = [[Tribune Company]] | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = 2011-02-06| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110217132904/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-koch-brothers-20110206,0,4692342,full.story| archivedate= 17 February 2011 | deadurl= no}}</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>John Gallagher, [http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab Conservative group: Fake eviction notices were 'meant to startle people'] ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' Jun. 7, 2011</ref>

In August 2011, AFP "sent absentee voter applications instructing voters to return the paperwork two days late in at least two recall elections."<ref name=Opoien>{{cite web|url=http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=34266|title=Unofficial absentee ballot mailings raise voter intimidation issues in Wisconsin recall elections|first=Jessica|last=Opoien|accessdate=November 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Opoien/> 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 16."<ref>{{cite web|last=Sargent|first=Greg|title=Americans for Prosperity sent misleading absentee ballot far more widely than previously known|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/americans-for-prosperity-sent-misleading-absentee-ballot-far-more-widely-than-previously-known/2011/03/03/gIQAxhcywI_blog.html|work=Washington Post|accessdate=21 November 2011}}</ref>

In 2011, AFP said that it would review payments it had made to [[Mark Block]]'s Prosperity USA, which allegedly made improper payments to the [[Herman Cain presidential campaign, 2012]].<ref>Stone, Peter H. [http://www.iwatchnews.org/2011/11/03/7279/koch-related-group-reviewing-financial-transactions-cain-aides-charity "Koch-related group is reviewing financial transactions with Cain aide's charity."] ''iWatch News'', 3 November 2011.</ref><ref>Bice, Daniel. [http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/state-firms-cash-to-herman-cain-may-breach-federal-campaign-tax-laws-132898423.html "State firm's cash to Herman Cain may breach federal campaign, tax laws."] ''Journal Sentinel'', 30 October 2011.</ref><ref>Benjamin, Mark. [http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/01/the-other-cain-scandal-campaign-transactions-may-have-broken-federal-law/ "The Other Cain Scandal: Campaign Transactions May Have Broken Federal Law."] ''Time Magazine'', 1 November 2011.</ref> As a tax-exempt charity, Prosperity USA is prohibited from donating money or services to a political campaign.<ref>Eggen, Dan. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/herman-cain-campaigns-financial-ties-to-wisconsin-charity-questioned/2011/10/31/gIQAJ61gZM_story.html "Herman Cain campaign’s financial ties to Wisconsin charity questioned."] ''Washington Post'', 31 October 2011.</ref> According to an internal review, the payments were proper since they occurred before Cain launched his campaign.<ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/americans-prosperity-our-reimbursements-herman-cain-were-legal_607897.html "Americans for Prosperity: Our Reimbursements to Herman Cain Were Legal," John McCormack, Weekly Standard, November 9, 2011]</ref>

===2012 presidential election===
From 2011-2012, in what the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' called “perhaps the biggest attack on Mr. Obama so far in the 2012 election campaign,”<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama’s Ties to Solyndra," Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref> AFP spent $8.4 million ($2.4 in 2011<ref>[http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/11/28/377053/koch-americans-for-prosperity-solyndra-attack-ad-video/ “Koch-Fueled Americans for Prosperity Spends $2.4 Million on Solyndra Attack Ad (VIDEO)”], Stephen Lacey, ThinkProgress, November 28, 2011)</ref> and $6 million in 2012<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/14/americans-for-prosperity-to-air-ads-slamming-obamas-ties-to-solyndra/ “Americans for Prosperity to Air Ads Slamming Obama’s Ties to Solyndra,” Brody Mullins, Washington Wire, January 14, 2012]</ref>) on television ads that criticized the federal loan to now-bankrupt manufacturer of solar panels, Solyndra.

In September 2012, the ''[[Washington Post]]'' called AFP "One of the major players on the right", reporting that AFP planned to spend $125 million on the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 United States presidential election]]. AFP's president, Tim Phillips, said the organization has 116 staff members on the ground targeting 9 million voters who are undecided about how to assess Obama’s economic record.<ref name=presidential>{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/conservative-groups-reaching-new-levels-of-sophistication-in-mobilizing-voters/2012/09/20/3c3cd8e8-026c-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_story.html| title= Conservative groups reaching new levels of sophistication in mobilizing voters | work=[[Washington Post]] | coauthors=Peter Wallsten, Tom Hamburger| date=September 20, 2012|accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>

==Criticism==
In August 2010, the Democratic Party and the Obama White House argued that AFP and the AFP Foundation are a de facto political action group, thus violating 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> President Obama said: "Right now all around this country there are groups with harmless-sounding names like Americans for Prosperity, who are running millions of dollars of ads against Democratic candidates all across the country. And they don't have to say who exactly the Americans for Prosperity are. You don't know if it's a foreign-controlled corporation. You don't know if it's a big oil company, or a big bank."<ref name=thefix>{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/who-is-americans-for-prosperit.html | title=Who is "Americans for Prosperity"? | work=Washington Post | first=Felicia | last=Sonmez | date=August 26, 2010}}</ref> The administration later called AFP a “special-interest front group run by the oil billionaire Koch brothers,” who it said are “obsessed with making Barack Obama a one-term president.”<ref name=ppacarallies/> In response, AFP President Tim Phillips called the idea that AFP is taking money from foreign sources “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 saw an increase in financial contributions, explaining 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/>

Also in August 2010, the [[Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]] (DCCC) filed a complaint against AFP for running political advertisements that allegedly constitute intervention in political campaigns. A spokesman for the AFP Foundation 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> On May 6, 2011, the Federal Election Commission dismissed the complaint.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly Digest: Week of May 2 - 4|url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2011/20110506_digest.shtml|publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]]|accessdate=May 8, 2012|date=May 6, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

A May 2012 ad criticizing the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]] was rated by the nonpartisan fact checking organization [[PolitiFact.com]] as one of "the sneakiest" of the election cycle to that point. Claims from the ad were judged to be "Mostly False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded traffic lights in China|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-streetlights-c/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> "False",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded jobs in Finland|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/03/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-jobs-finland/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> and "Pants on Fire",<ref>{{cite news|title=Ad says stimulus tax credits funded a solar company building a Mexico plant|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/02/americans-prosperity/ad-says-stimulus-tax-credits-funded-solar-company-/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4, 2012}}</ref> the organization's lowest rating of truth. A separate analysis of the entire ad showed problems with the truth of every one of the ad's claims.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowers|first=Becky|title=Line by line: How an ad uses sleight-of-hand to distort facts on stimulus|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2012/may/04/line-line-sleight-hand-afp/|accessdate=May 4, 2012|newspaper=[[PolitiFact.com]]|date=May 4th, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Political activities of the Koch family]]
* [[Tito the Builder]]<ref name="insidenova">{{cite news
|url=http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2011/apr/14/tito-builder-considering-state-politics-ar-973334/|date=April 14, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2011|title=Tito the Builder considering state politics|publisher=insidenova|first=Keith|last=Walker}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commonscat|Americans for Prosperity}}
* [http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php Americans for Prosperity]
* [http://www.americansforprosperityfoundation.com/ Americans for Prosperity Foundation]
* [http://www.politifact.com/personalities/americans-prosperity/ File] at [[PolitiFact]]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cmte=C30001051 Profile] at [[OpenSecrets.org]]
* [http://mediamattersaction.org/transparency/organization/Americans_for_Prosperity_Foundation Profile] at [[MediaMatters]]
* [http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Americans_for_Prosperity Americans for Prosperity] at [[SourceWatch]]

{{Koch family}}
{{Tea Party movement}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Americans For Prosperity}}
[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Think tanks based in the United States]]
[[Category:Political and economic think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations]]
[[Category:Koch family]]
[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]
[[he:אמריקאים למען שגשוג]]
[[sv:Americans for Prosperity]]

Atlantic Council

2012-09-18T05:13:15Z

Polmandc: /* International Advisory Board */ consistency

{{infobox Organization
|name = [[Image:aclores.jpg]]
|abbreviation = Atlantic Council
|motto = Ideas. Influence. Impact.
|formation = 1961
|type = [[International relations|international affairs]] [[think tank]]
|headquarters = 1101 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC
|location = [[Washington, D.C.]]
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Frederick Kempe]]
|website = [http://www.acus.org acus.org]
}}
The '''Atlantic Council''' [[think tank]] and public policy group whose mission is to "promote constructive U.S. leadership and engagement in international affairs based on the central role of the Atlantic community in meeting the international challenges of the 21st century".<ref name="Mission">"[http://www.acus.org/about-mission.asp Mission]"</ref> It is headquartered in [[Washington, D.C.]]

==History==
The Atlantic Council was founded in 1961, with the mission to encourage the continuation of cooperation between North America and Europe that began in the immediate post-war years. In its early years its work consisted largely of publishing policy papers and polling Europeans and Americans about their attitudes towards transatlantic and international cooperation. In these early years its primary focus was on economic issues – mainly encouraging free trade between the two continents, and to a lesser extent to the rest of the world – but it also did some work on political and environmental issues.<ref name="Paper">"[http://www.nato.int/acad/fellow/96-98/small.pdf]"</ref>

Although the Atlantic Council did publish policy papers and monographs, [[Melvin Small]] of [[Wayne State University]] wrote that, especially in its early years, the Council's real strength lie in its connections to influential policy makers. The Council early on found a niche as "center for informal get-togethers" of leaders from both sides of the Atlantic, with members working to develop "networks of continuing communication".<ref name="Paper" />

From its inception, the Atlantic Council has worked on issues in regions other than North America and Europe, with Asia figuring prominently in the Council's work. The Atlantic Council was among the first organizations advocating for an increased Japanese presence in the international community, and in recent years has expanded its focus with the opening of its South Asia Center and Program on Asia. Its Asian programs have expanded in recent years due to the ongoing war in Afghanistan and the new challenge of coordinating with India and China on climate change efforts.<ref name="Paper" /><ref name="transcript3">[http://www.acus.org/event/admiral-timothy-keating-asia-pacific-security-challenges/transcript]</ref>

In February 2009, [[James L. Jones]], former chairman of the Atlantic Council, stepped down in order to serve as President Obama's new [[National Security Advisor (United States)|National Security Advisor]]. In addition, Council member [[Susan Rice]] left to serve as the administration's ambassador to the UN, [[Richard Holbrooke]] became the Special Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan, General [[Eric K. Shinseki]] became the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and [[Anne-Marie Slaughter]] became Director of Policy Planning at the State Department.<ref>[http://www.politico.com/playbook/0209/playbook583.html Exclusive: Senator Hagel succeeds Gen. Jones at Atlantic Council], [[Politico (newspaper)|Politico]], 11 February 2009</ref>

The Atlantic Council has earned praise from across the international community, with NATO Secretary General [[Anders Fogh Rasmussen]] calling the Council a "pre-eminent think tank" with a "longstanding reputation",<ref name="transcript1">[http://www.acus.org/event/nato-secretary-general-rasmussen-first-major-us-speech/transcript-full]</ref> and US Republican Senator [[Richard Lugar]] noting that the Council is "held in high esteem within the Atlantic community".<ref name="transcript2">[http://www.acus.org/event/senator-richard-lugar-congressional-perspective-future-nato/transcript-full]</ref>

==Political stance==
The Atlantic Council has, since its inception, been a nonpartisan institution with members "from the moderate internationalist wings of both parties." Despite its connections, the Council is by charter independent of the US government and NATO, and a [[501(c) organization#501(c)(3)|registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization]].<ref name="Paper" />

==Events==
The Atlantic Council has traditionally been a meeting place for heads of state, military leaders, and international leaders from both sides of the Atlantic. Recently, the Council hosted NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen's first major US speech, in which he discussed issues such as Afghanistan, Russia, and the broader transatlantic relationship.<ref name="rasmussen">[http://www.acus.org/event/nato-secretary-general-rasmussen-first-major-us-speech NATO Secretary General Rasmussen: First Major U.S. Speech], Atlantic Council, 28 September 2009</ref> Prominent members of the US Congress have also appeared, including Senators [[Richard Lugar]] and [[John Kerry]].<ref name="lugar">[http://www.acus.org/event/senator-richard-lugar-congressional-perspective-future-nato Senator Richard Lugar: Congressional Perspective on the Future of NATO], Atlantic Council, 28 September 2009</ref><ref name="kerry">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/john-kerry-and-chuck-hagel-unveil-atlantic-councils-pakistan-report Kerry and Hagel Unveil Atlantic Council's Pakistan Report], Atlantic Council, 25 February 2009</ref> The Council often hosts events with sitting heads of state and government, including Georgian President [[Mikheil Saakashvili]],<ref name="georgia">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/council-hosts-georgian-president-mikhail-saakashvili Council Hosts Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili], Atlantic Council, 24 September 2008</ref> Ukrainian Prime Minister [[Viktor Yushchenko]],<ref name="ukraine">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/atlantic-council-luncheon-victor-yushchenko-president-ukraine Council Hosts Ukrainian President Yushchenko], Atlantic Council, 23 September 2008</ref> and Latvian President [[Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga]].<ref name="latvia">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/young-atlanticist-discussion-he-vaira-vike-freiberga Young Atlanticist Discussion with President Vaira Vike-Freiberga], Atlantic Council, 3 May 2007</ref>

The Council has hosted many military leaders from both sides of the Atlantic as well. The Program on International Security has since January 2007 held periodic events known as the Commanders Series where it invites military leaders from the United States and Europe to speak about conflicts of interest to the Atlantic community.<ref name="commser">[http://www.acus.org/tags/commanders-series Commanders Series], Atlantic Council</ref> As part of the Commanders Series, American military leaders such as [[George W. Casey, Jr.|George Casey]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event/general-casey-complex-operations-and-counterinsurgency General Casey: Complex Operations and Counterinsurgency], Atlantic Council, 28 May 2009</ref> and Admiral [[Timothy Keating]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event/admiral-timothy-keating-asia-pacific-security-challenges Admiral Timothy Keating: Asia-Pacific Security Challenges], Atlantic Council, 29 June 2009</ref> and European leaders like French Chief of Defense General [[Jean-Louis Georgelin]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event/general-jean-louis-georgelin-france-nato General Jean-Louis Georgelin: France in NATO], Atlantic Council, 10 September 2009</ref> and Dutch Major General [[Ton van Loon]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/ton-van-loon-taliban-have-lost-war Ton van Loon: Taliban Have Lost the War], Atlantic Council, 5 June 2007</ref> have spoken on issues as diverse as Iraq, Afghanistan, and security threats in Asia and Africa.

Its flagship annual events are the Annual Awards Dinner in Washington, DC and the Global Citizen Awards Dinner in New York City.

==Programs and centers==
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/transatlantic-relations Transatlantic Relations]
The Program on Transatlantic Relations promotes dialogue on the major issues that will affect the evolution of the transatlantic relationship. At the heart of the program is the conviction that a healthy transatlantic relationship is an essential prerequisite for a stronger international system. The Council seeks to strengthen the transatlantic relationship by addressing specific areas of policy differences by identifying areas of potential cooperation and by building the personal networks and mutual understanding that form the basis for an effective partnership.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/international-security International Security]
The Council’s Program on International Security examines U.S. relationships with allies and adversaries in an effort to build consensus around policies that contribute to a more stable, secure and well-governed world.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/global-business-economics Global Business & Economics]
The Global Business and Economics Program works to build upon and strengthen the already deep economic integration between Europe and the United States as well as promote Transatlantic leadership in the global economy. Bringing together top business leaders, government policy makers, and economic experts, the program explores transatlantic and global issues of importance to the U.S. and European business community.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/strategic-foresight-initiative Strategic Foresight Initiative]
The Strategic Foresight Initiative seeks to enhance understanding of the potential impact and the policy implications of long-term global trends, disruptive change, and strategic shocks. The Initiative provides a hub for an expanding international community of global trends experts that seeks to enhance public policy making in the United States and other key countries.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/south-asia South Asia Center]
Under the leadership of Shuja Nawaz, the South Asia Center is the Atlantic Council’s focal point for work on Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan as well as on relations between these countries and China, Central Asia, Iran, the Arab world, Europe and the U.S. As part of the Council's Asia program, the Center seeks to foster partnerships with key institutions in the region to establish iself as a forum for dialogue between decision makers in South Asia, the U.S. and NATO. These deliberations cover internal and external security, governance, trade, economic development, education and other issues.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/energy-environment Energy & Environment]
The Energy and Environment program explores the economic and political aspects of energy security and supply, as well as international environmental issues. It promotes open access and clean air and offers policy recommendations to meet developing countries’ needs through the increased flow of capital, technology and know-how in the energy and water supply sectors.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/patriciu-eurasia-center Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center]
The Atlantic Council’s Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center fosters dialogue among regional leaders, as well with counterparts from key neighbors and global leaders. Combining in-depth understanding of Eurasia’s history with expertise on politics, economics and energy, the Center provides distinctive research and advice to governments and businesses worldwide. It seeks to promote an agenda of regional cooperation and integration based on shared values and common interest in a free, prosperous and peaceful future.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/young-atlanticist Young Atlanticist]
Launched at the 2008 NATO Summit in Bucharest, the Young Atlanticist Network brings together a community of emerging leaders who share a vision of closer Euro-Atlantic cooperation based on common values. Through online tools and regular events, the Young Atlanticist Network serves as a forum for open dialogue between young Atlanticists so they can exchange their views on a range of international issues. As a meeting place, the Network serves as a stage for global leaders to address the next generation and to share the perspective on current issues.
* [http://www.acus.org/program/ansari-africa-center Michael S. Ansari Africa Center]
The Michael S. Ansari Africa Center was established in September 2009 with a mission to help transform US and European policy approaches to Africa by emphasizing the building of strong geopolitical partnerships with African states and strengthening economic growth and prosperity on the continent.
* [http://www.acus.org/program/hariri-middle-east-center Rafik Hariri Middle East Center]
The Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East seeks to produce original analysis of the forces transforming the region, as well as policy recommendations for the United States and Europe about how to promote closer and more productive relations with the region.

==Leadership==
* [http://www.acus.org/users/chuck-hagel Chuck Hagel], Chairman
* [http://www.acus.org/users/brent-scowcroft Brent Scowcroft], Chairman of the Atlantic Council International Advisory Board
* [http://www.acus.org/users/frederick-kempe Frederick Kempe], President and CEO
* [[Damon Wilson]], Executive Vice President
* [http://www.acus.org/users/fran-burwell Fran Burwell], Vice President, Director of Transatlantic Relations
* [http://www.acus.org/users/michele-dunne Michele Dunne], Director of the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East
* [http://www.acus.org/users/banning-garrett Banning Garrett], Director of Program on Asia and Strategic Foresight Intiative
* [http://www.acus.org/users/jason-healey Jason Healey], Director of Cyber Statecraft Intiative
* [http://www.acus.org/users/james-joyner James Joyner], Managing Editor
* [http://www.acus.org/users/john-lyman John Lyman], Director of Energy & Environment
* [http://www.acus.org/users/alexei-monsarrat Alexei Monsarrat], Director of Global Business & Economics
* [http://www.acus.org/users/shuja-nawaz Shuja Nawaz], Director of South Asia Center
* [http://www.acus.org/users/barry-pavel Barry Pavel], Director of the International Security Program
* [http://www.acus.org/users/peter-pham J. Peter Pham], Director of the Michael S. Ansari Africa Center
* [http://www.acus.org/users/ross-wilson Ross Wilson], Director of the Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center

==[http://www.acus.org/people/board Board of Directors]==
* [[Robert Abernethy]]
* [[Timothy D. Adams]]
* [[Ralph Bahna]]
* [[Wesley K. Clark]]
* [[Paula Dobriansky]]
* [[C. Boyden Gray]]
* [[William Howard Taft IV]]
* [[Henry Kissinger]]
* [[Alexander Mirtchev]]
* [[Thomas R. Pickering]]
* [[James Schlesinger]]
* [[Anne-Marie Slaughter]]
* [[Walter Slocombe]]
* [[Ellen Tauscher]]
* [[David A. Wilson]]
* [[Mark Warner]]
* [[Maciej Witucki]]
* [[R. James Woolsey]]
* [[Dov S. Zakheim]]
* [[Anthony C. Zinni]]

==[http://www.acus.org/people/international-advisory-board International Advisory Board]==
The International Advisory Board (IAB) is a uniquely influential group of global business and policy leaders who provide perspectives to the Atlantic Council’s president and board.

* [[Josef Ackermann]], former CEO of Deutsche Bank
* [[Shaukat Aziz]], former Prime Minister of Pakistan
* [[Jose Maria Aznar]], former Prime Minister of Spain
* [[Zbigniew Brzezinski]], National Security Advisor to President Jimmy Carter
* [[Victor L.L. Chu]], Chairman, First Eastern Investment Group
* [[Bob Diamond (banker)|Robert E. Diamond]] Jr., Chief Executive, Barclays PLC
* [[Richard Edelman]], President and CEO, Edelman
* [[Thomas Enders]], CEO, EADS N.V
* [[Orit Gadiesh]], Chairman of the Board, Bain & Company Inc.
* [[Ashraf Ghani]], former Finance Minister of Afghanistan
* [[Thomas H. Glocer]]
* [[Jim Goodnight]], Chief Executive Officer, SAS
* [[S. Gopalakrishnan]], Co-Founder and Co-Chairman, Infosys Technologies
* [[Bahaa R. Hariri]]
* [[Muhtar Kent]], Chairman, President and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company
* [[Jan Kulczyk]], Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Kulczyk Holding SA
* [[Dinu Patriciu]], Chairman, DP Holding SA
* [[George Robertson, Baron Robertson of Port Ellen|Lord Robertson]], former Secretary General of NATO
* [[Güler Sabanci]], Chairman and Managing Director, Haci Ömer Sabanci Holding A.S.
* [[Stephen A. Schwarzman]], Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder, The Blackstone Group
* [[Martin Senn]], CEO, Zurich Financial Services
* [[James C. Smith]], CEO, Thomson Reuters
* [[Martin Sorrell]], Group Chief Executive, WPP Group PLC
* [[Robert J. Stevens]], Chairman and CEO, Lockheed Martin
* [[Lawrence Summers]], Former Director, National Economic Council
* [[Gunter Thielen]], Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Bertelsmann AG
* [[Ruben Vardanian]], Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO, Troika Dialog
* [[Daniel Vasella]], Chairman, Novartis International AG
* [[Jacob Wallenberg]], Chairman, Investor AB
* [[John Wren]], President and Chief Executive Officer, Omnicom

==Publications==
The Atlantic Council produces many publications and issue briefs about important global challenges ranging from NATO's global role to energy security. A full list of the Atlantic Council's publications and issue briefs can be found on the [http://www.acus.org/publications ACUS website].
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/anchoring-alliance Anchoring the Alliance]
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/task-ahead-memos-winner-2012-presidential-election The Task Ahead]
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/us-cyber-policy-reboot US Cyber Policy Reboot]
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/learning-libya-right-lessons-nato Learning From Libya: The Right Lessons for NATO]

==References==
{{reflist|35em}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.acus.org/ Atlantic Council]
* [http://www.bnac.org/ British-North American Committee]
* [http://www.oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/tf667nb1h6/ Atlantic Council of the United States records, 1950-1986] at the [http://www.hoover.org/hila Hoover Institution Archives].

{{NATO relations}}

[[Category:NATO]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1961]]
[[Category:Foreign policy and strategy think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:United States–European relations]]

[[de:Atlantic Council]]
[[it:Atlantic Council]]

Atlantic Council

2012-09-18T05:12:00Z

Polmandc: /* International Advisory Board */ fix

{{infobox Organization
|name = [[Image:aclores.jpg]]
|abbreviation = Atlantic Council
|motto = Ideas. Influence. Impact.
|formation = 1961
|type = [[International relations|international affairs]] [[think tank]]
|headquarters = 1101 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC
|location = [[Washington, D.C.]]
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Frederick Kempe]]
|website = [http://www.acus.org acus.org]
}}
The '''Atlantic Council''' [[think tank]] and public policy group whose mission is to "promote constructive U.S. leadership and engagement in international affairs based on the central role of the Atlantic community in meeting the international challenges of the 21st century".<ref name="Mission">"[http://www.acus.org/about-mission.asp Mission]"</ref> It is headquartered in [[Washington, D.C.]]

==History==
The Atlantic Council was founded in 1961, with the mission to encourage the continuation of cooperation between North America and Europe that began in the immediate post-war years. In its early years its work consisted largely of publishing policy papers and polling Europeans and Americans about their attitudes towards transatlantic and international cooperation. In these early years its primary focus was on economic issues – mainly encouraging free trade between the two continents, and to a lesser extent to the rest of the world – but it also did some work on political and environmental issues.<ref name="Paper">"[http://www.nato.int/acad/fellow/96-98/small.pdf]"</ref>

Although the Atlantic Council did publish policy papers and monographs, [[Melvin Small]] of [[Wayne State University]] wrote that, especially in its early years, the Council's real strength lie in its connections to influential policy makers. The Council early on found a niche as "center for informal get-togethers" of leaders from both sides of the Atlantic, with members working to develop "networks of continuing communication".<ref name="Paper" />

From its inception, the Atlantic Council has worked on issues in regions other than North America and Europe, with Asia figuring prominently in the Council's work. The Atlantic Council was among the first organizations advocating for an increased Japanese presence in the international community, and in recent years has expanded its focus with the opening of its South Asia Center and Program on Asia. Its Asian programs have expanded in recent years due to the ongoing war in Afghanistan and the new challenge of coordinating with India and China on climate change efforts.<ref name="Paper" /><ref name="transcript3">[http://www.acus.org/event/admiral-timothy-keating-asia-pacific-security-challenges/transcript]</ref>

In February 2009, [[James L. Jones]], former chairman of the Atlantic Council, stepped down in order to serve as President Obama's new [[National Security Advisor (United States)|National Security Advisor]]. In addition, Council member [[Susan Rice]] left to serve as the administration's ambassador to the UN, [[Richard Holbrooke]] became the Special Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan, General [[Eric K. Shinseki]] became the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and [[Anne-Marie Slaughter]] became Director of Policy Planning at the State Department.<ref>[http://www.politico.com/playbook/0209/playbook583.html Exclusive: Senator Hagel succeeds Gen. Jones at Atlantic Council], [[Politico (newspaper)|Politico]], 11 February 2009</ref>

The Atlantic Council has earned praise from across the international community, with NATO Secretary General [[Anders Fogh Rasmussen]] calling the Council a "pre-eminent think tank" with a "longstanding reputation",<ref name="transcript1">[http://www.acus.org/event/nato-secretary-general-rasmussen-first-major-us-speech/transcript-full]</ref> and US Republican Senator [[Richard Lugar]] noting that the Council is "held in high esteem within the Atlantic community".<ref name="transcript2">[http://www.acus.org/event/senator-richard-lugar-congressional-perspective-future-nato/transcript-full]</ref>

==Political stance==
The Atlantic Council has, since its inception, been a nonpartisan institution with members "from the moderate internationalist wings of both parties." Despite its connections, the Council is by charter independent of the US government and NATO, and a [[501(c) organization#501(c)(3)|registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization]].<ref name="Paper" />

==Events==
The Atlantic Council has traditionally been a meeting place for heads of state, military leaders, and international leaders from both sides of the Atlantic. Recently, the Council hosted NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen's first major US speech, in which he discussed issues such as Afghanistan, Russia, and the broader transatlantic relationship.<ref name="rasmussen">[http://www.acus.org/event/nato-secretary-general-rasmussen-first-major-us-speech NATO Secretary General Rasmussen: First Major U.S. Speech], Atlantic Council, 28 September 2009</ref> Prominent members of the US Congress have also appeared, including Senators [[Richard Lugar]] and [[John Kerry]].<ref name="lugar">[http://www.acus.org/event/senator-richard-lugar-congressional-perspective-future-nato Senator Richard Lugar: Congressional Perspective on the Future of NATO], Atlantic Council, 28 September 2009</ref><ref name="kerry">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/john-kerry-and-chuck-hagel-unveil-atlantic-councils-pakistan-report Kerry and Hagel Unveil Atlantic Council's Pakistan Report], Atlantic Council, 25 February 2009</ref> The Council often hosts events with sitting heads of state and government, including Georgian President [[Mikheil Saakashvili]],<ref name="georgia">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/council-hosts-georgian-president-mikhail-saakashvili Council Hosts Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili], Atlantic Council, 24 September 2008</ref> Ukrainian Prime Minister [[Viktor Yushchenko]],<ref name="ukraine">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/atlantic-council-luncheon-victor-yushchenko-president-ukraine Council Hosts Ukrainian President Yushchenko], Atlantic Council, 23 September 2008</ref> and Latvian President [[Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga]].<ref name="latvia">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/young-atlanticist-discussion-he-vaira-vike-freiberga Young Atlanticist Discussion with President Vaira Vike-Freiberga], Atlantic Council, 3 May 2007</ref>

The Council has hosted many military leaders from both sides of the Atlantic as well. The Program on International Security has since January 2007 held periodic events known as the Commanders Series where it invites military leaders from the United States and Europe to speak about conflicts of interest to the Atlantic community.<ref name="commser">[http://www.acus.org/tags/commanders-series Commanders Series], Atlantic Council</ref> As part of the Commanders Series, American military leaders such as [[George W. Casey, Jr.|George Casey]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event/general-casey-complex-operations-and-counterinsurgency General Casey: Complex Operations and Counterinsurgency], Atlantic Council, 28 May 2009</ref> and Admiral [[Timothy Keating]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event/admiral-timothy-keating-asia-pacific-security-challenges Admiral Timothy Keating: Asia-Pacific Security Challenges], Atlantic Council, 29 June 2009</ref> and European leaders like French Chief of Defense General [[Jean-Louis Georgelin]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event/general-jean-louis-georgelin-france-nato General Jean-Louis Georgelin: France in NATO], Atlantic Council, 10 September 2009</ref> and Dutch Major General [[Ton van Loon]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/ton-van-loon-taliban-have-lost-war Ton van Loon: Taliban Have Lost the War], Atlantic Council, 5 June 2007</ref> have spoken on issues as diverse as Iraq, Afghanistan, and security threats in Asia and Africa.

Its flagship annual events are the Annual Awards Dinner in Washington, DC and the Global Citizen Awards Dinner in New York City.

==Programs and centers==
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/transatlantic-relations Transatlantic Relations]
The Program on Transatlantic Relations promotes dialogue on the major issues that will affect the evolution of the transatlantic relationship. At the heart of the program is the conviction that a healthy transatlantic relationship is an essential prerequisite for a stronger international system. The Council seeks to strengthen the transatlantic relationship by addressing specific areas of policy differences by identifying areas of potential cooperation and by building the personal networks and mutual understanding that form the basis for an effective partnership.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/international-security International Security]
The Council’s Program on International Security examines U.S. relationships with allies and adversaries in an effort to build consensus around policies that contribute to a more stable, secure and well-governed world.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/global-business-economics Global Business & Economics]
The Global Business and Economics Program works to build upon and strengthen the already deep economic integration between Europe and the United States as well as promote Transatlantic leadership in the global economy. Bringing together top business leaders, government policy makers, and economic experts, the program explores transatlantic and global issues of importance to the U.S. and European business community.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/strategic-foresight-initiative Strategic Foresight Initiative]
The Strategic Foresight Initiative seeks to enhance understanding of the potential impact and the policy implications of long-term global trends, disruptive change, and strategic shocks. The Initiative provides a hub for an expanding international community of global trends experts that seeks to enhance public policy making in the United States and other key countries.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/south-asia South Asia Center]
Under the leadership of Shuja Nawaz, the South Asia Center is the Atlantic Council’s focal point for work on Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan as well as on relations between these countries and China, Central Asia, Iran, the Arab world, Europe and the U.S. As part of the Council's Asia program, the Center seeks to foster partnerships with key institutions in the region to establish iself as a forum for dialogue between decision makers in South Asia, the U.S. and NATO. These deliberations cover internal and external security, governance, trade, economic development, education and other issues.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/energy-environment Energy & Environment]
The Energy and Environment program explores the economic and political aspects of energy security and supply, as well as international environmental issues. It promotes open access and clean air and offers policy recommendations to meet developing countries’ needs through the increased flow of capital, technology and know-how in the energy and water supply sectors.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/patriciu-eurasia-center Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center]
The Atlantic Council’s Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center fosters dialogue among regional leaders, as well with counterparts from key neighbors and global leaders. Combining in-depth understanding of Eurasia’s history with expertise on politics, economics and energy, the Center provides distinctive research and advice to governments and businesses worldwide. It seeks to promote an agenda of regional cooperation and integration based on shared values and common interest in a free, prosperous and peaceful future.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/young-atlanticist Young Atlanticist]
Launched at the 2008 NATO Summit in Bucharest, the Young Atlanticist Network brings together a community of emerging leaders who share a vision of closer Euro-Atlantic cooperation based on common values. Through online tools and regular events, the Young Atlanticist Network serves as a forum for open dialogue between young Atlanticists so they can exchange their views on a range of international issues. As a meeting place, the Network serves as a stage for global leaders to address the next generation and to share the perspective on current issues.
* [http://www.acus.org/program/ansari-africa-center Michael S. Ansari Africa Center]
The Michael S. Ansari Africa Center was established in September 2009 with a mission to help transform US and European policy approaches to Africa by emphasizing the building of strong geopolitical partnerships with African states and strengthening economic growth and prosperity on the continent.
* [http://www.acus.org/program/hariri-middle-east-center Rafik Hariri Middle East Center]
The Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East seeks to produce original analysis of the forces transforming the region, as well as policy recommendations for the United States and Europe about how to promote closer and more productive relations with the region.

==Leadership==
* [http://www.acus.org/users/chuck-hagel Chuck Hagel], Chairman
* [http://www.acus.org/users/brent-scowcroft Brent Scowcroft], Chairman of the Atlantic Council International Advisory Board
* [http://www.acus.org/users/frederick-kempe Frederick Kempe], President and CEO
* [[Damon Wilson]], Executive Vice President
* [http://www.acus.org/users/fran-burwell Fran Burwell], Vice President, Director of Transatlantic Relations
* [http://www.acus.org/users/michele-dunne Michele Dunne], Director of the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East
* [http://www.acus.org/users/banning-garrett Banning Garrett], Director of Program on Asia and Strategic Foresight Intiative
* [http://www.acus.org/users/jason-healey Jason Healey], Director of Cyber Statecraft Intiative
* [http://www.acus.org/users/james-joyner James Joyner], Managing Editor
* [http://www.acus.org/users/john-lyman John Lyman], Director of Energy & Environment
* [http://www.acus.org/users/alexei-monsarrat Alexei Monsarrat], Director of Global Business & Economics
* [http://www.acus.org/users/shuja-nawaz Shuja Nawaz], Director of South Asia Center
* [http://www.acus.org/users/barry-pavel Barry Pavel], Director of the International Security Program
* [http://www.acus.org/users/peter-pham J. Peter Pham], Director of the Michael S. Ansari Africa Center
* [http://www.acus.org/users/ross-wilson Ross Wilson], Director of the Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center

==[http://www.acus.org/people/board Board of Directors]==
* [[Robert Abernethy]]
* [[Timothy D. Adams]]
* [[Ralph Bahna]]
* [[Wesley K. Clark]]
* [[Paula Dobriansky]]
* [[C. Boyden Gray]]
* [[William Howard Taft IV]]
* [[Henry Kissinger]]
* [[Alexander Mirtchev]]
* [[Thomas R. Pickering]]
* [[James Schlesinger]]
* [[Anne-Marie Slaughter]]
* [[Walter Slocombe]]
* [[Ellen Tauscher]]
* [[David A. Wilson]]
* [[Mark Warner]]
* [[Maciej Witucki]]
* [[R. James Woolsey]]
* [[Dov S. Zakheim]]
* [[Anthony C. Zinni]]

==[http://www.acus.org/people/international-advisory-board International Advisory Board]==
The International Advisory Board (IAB) is a uniquely influential group of global business and policy leaders who provide perspectives to the Atlantic Council’s president and board.

* [[Josef Ackermann]], former chief executive officer of Deutsche Bank
* [[Shaukat Aziz]], former Prime Minister of Pakistan
* [[Jose Maria Aznar]], former Prime Minister of Spain
* [[Zbigniew Brzezinski]], National Security Advisor to President Jimmy Carter
* [[Victor L.L. Chu]], Chairman, First Eastern Investment Group
* [[Bob Diamond (banker)|Robert E. Diamond]] Jr., Chief Executive, Barclays PLC
* [[Richard Edelman]], President and CEO, Edelman
* [[Thomas Enders]], CEO, EADS N.V
* [[Orit Gadiesh]], Chairman of the Board, Bain & Company Inc.
* [[Ashraf Ghani]], former Finance Minister of Afghanistan
* [[Thomas H. Glocer]]
* [[Jim Goodnight]], Chief Executive Officer, SAS
* [[S. Gopalakrishnan]], Co-Founder and Co-Chairman, Infosys Technologies
* [[Bahaa R. Hariri]]
* [[Muhtar Kent]], Chairman, President and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company
* [[Jan Kulczyk]], Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Kulczyk Holding SA
* [[Dinu Patriciu]], Chairman, DP Holding SA
* [[George Robertson, Baron Robertson of Port Ellen|Lord Robertson]], former Secretary General of NATO
* [[Güler Sabanci]], Chairman and Managing Director, Haci Ömer Sabanci Holding A.S.
* [[Stephen A. Schwarzman]], Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder, The Blackstone Group
* [[Martin Senn]], CEO, Zurich Financial Services
* [[James C. Smith]], CEO, Thomson Reuters
* [[Martin Sorrell]], Group Chief Executive, WPP Group PLC
* [[Robert J. Stevens]], Chairman and CEO, Lockheed Martin
* [[Lawrence Summers]], Former Director, National Economic Council
* [[Gunter Thielen]], Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Bertelsmann AG
* [[Ruben Vardanian]], Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO, Troika Dialog
* [[Daniel Vasella]], Chairman, Novartis International AG
* [[Jacob Wallenberg]], Chairman, Investor AB
* [[John Wren]], President and Chief Executive Officer, Omnicom

==Publications==
The Atlantic Council produces many publications and issue briefs about important global challenges ranging from NATO's global role to energy security. A full list of the Atlantic Council's publications and issue briefs can be found on the [http://www.acus.org/publications ACUS website].
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/anchoring-alliance Anchoring the Alliance]
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/task-ahead-memos-winner-2012-presidential-election The Task Ahead]
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/us-cyber-policy-reboot US Cyber Policy Reboot]
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/learning-libya-right-lessons-nato Learning From Libya: The Right Lessons for NATO]

==References==
{{reflist|35em}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.acus.org/ Atlantic Council]
* [http://www.bnac.org/ British-North American Committee]
* [http://www.oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/tf667nb1h6/ Atlantic Council of the United States records, 1950-1986] at the [http://www.hoover.org/hila Hoover Institution Archives].

{{NATO relations}}

[[Category:NATO]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1961]]
[[Category:Foreign policy and strategy think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:United States–European relations]]

[[de:Atlantic Council]]
[[it:Atlantic Council]]

Atlantic Council

2012-09-18T05:08:49Z

Polmandc: /* Political stance */ + link

{{infobox Organization
|name = [[Image:aclores.jpg]]
|abbreviation = Atlantic Council
|motto = Ideas. Influence. Impact.
|formation = 1961
|type = [[International relations|international affairs]] [[think tank]]
|headquarters = 1101 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC
|location = [[Washington, D.C.]]
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Frederick Kempe]]
|website = [http://www.acus.org acus.org]
}}
The '''Atlantic Council''' [[think tank]] and public policy group whose mission is to "promote constructive U.S. leadership and engagement in international affairs based on the central role of the Atlantic community in meeting the international challenges of the 21st century".<ref name="Mission">"[http://www.acus.org/about-mission.asp Mission]"</ref> It is headquartered in [[Washington, D.C.]]

==History==
The Atlantic Council was founded in 1961, with the mission to encourage the continuation of cooperation between North America and Europe that began in the immediate post-war years. In its early years its work consisted largely of publishing policy papers and polling Europeans and Americans about their attitudes towards transatlantic and international cooperation. In these early years its primary focus was on economic issues – mainly encouraging free trade between the two continents, and to a lesser extent to the rest of the world – but it also did some work on political and environmental issues.<ref name="Paper">"[http://www.nato.int/acad/fellow/96-98/small.pdf]"</ref>

Although the Atlantic Council did publish policy papers and monographs, [[Melvin Small]] of [[Wayne State University]] wrote that, especially in its early years, the Council's real strength lie in its connections to influential policy makers. The Council early on found a niche as "center for informal get-togethers" of leaders from both sides of the Atlantic, with members working to develop "networks of continuing communication".<ref name="Paper" />

From its inception, the Atlantic Council has worked on issues in regions other than North America and Europe, with Asia figuring prominently in the Council's work. The Atlantic Council was among the first organizations advocating for an increased Japanese presence in the international community, and in recent years has expanded its focus with the opening of its South Asia Center and Program on Asia. Its Asian programs have expanded in recent years due to the ongoing war in Afghanistan and the new challenge of coordinating with India and China on climate change efforts.<ref name="Paper" /><ref name="transcript3">[http://www.acus.org/event/admiral-timothy-keating-asia-pacific-security-challenges/transcript]</ref>

In February 2009, [[James L. Jones]], former chairman of the Atlantic Council, stepped down in order to serve as President Obama's new [[National Security Advisor (United States)|National Security Advisor]]. In addition, Council member [[Susan Rice]] left to serve as the administration's ambassador to the UN, [[Richard Holbrooke]] became the Special Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan, General [[Eric K. Shinseki]] became the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and [[Anne-Marie Slaughter]] became Director of Policy Planning at the State Department.<ref>[http://www.politico.com/playbook/0209/playbook583.html Exclusive: Senator Hagel succeeds Gen. Jones at Atlantic Council], [[Politico (newspaper)|Politico]], 11 February 2009</ref>

The Atlantic Council has earned praise from across the international community, with NATO Secretary General [[Anders Fogh Rasmussen]] calling the Council a "pre-eminent think tank" with a "longstanding reputation",<ref name="transcript1">[http://www.acus.org/event/nato-secretary-general-rasmussen-first-major-us-speech/transcript-full]</ref> and US Republican Senator [[Richard Lugar]] noting that the Council is "held in high esteem within the Atlantic community".<ref name="transcript2">[http://www.acus.org/event/senator-richard-lugar-congressional-perspective-future-nato/transcript-full]</ref>

==Political stance==
The Atlantic Council has, since its inception, been a nonpartisan institution with members "from the moderate internationalist wings of both parties." Despite its connections, the Council is by charter independent of the US government and NATO, and a [[501(c) organization#501(c)(3)|registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization]].<ref name="Paper" />

==Events==
The Atlantic Council has traditionally been a meeting place for heads of state, military leaders, and international leaders from both sides of the Atlantic. Recently, the Council hosted NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen's first major US speech, in which he discussed issues such as Afghanistan, Russia, and the broader transatlantic relationship.<ref name="rasmussen">[http://www.acus.org/event/nato-secretary-general-rasmussen-first-major-us-speech NATO Secretary General Rasmussen: First Major U.S. Speech], Atlantic Council, 28 September 2009</ref> Prominent members of the US Congress have also appeared, including Senators [[Richard Lugar]] and [[John Kerry]].<ref name="lugar">[http://www.acus.org/event/senator-richard-lugar-congressional-perspective-future-nato Senator Richard Lugar: Congressional Perspective on the Future of NATO], Atlantic Council, 28 September 2009</ref><ref name="kerry">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/john-kerry-and-chuck-hagel-unveil-atlantic-councils-pakistan-report Kerry and Hagel Unveil Atlantic Council's Pakistan Report], Atlantic Council, 25 February 2009</ref> The Council often hosts events with sitting heads of state and government, including Georgian President [[Mikheil Saakashvili]],<ref name="georgia">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/council-hosts-georgian-president-mikhail-saakashvili Council Hosts Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili], Atlantic Council, 24 September 2008</ref> Ukrainian Prime Minister [[Viktor Yushchenko]],<ref name="ukraine">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/atlantic-council-luncheon-victor-yushchenko-president-ukraine Council Hosts Ukrainian President Yushchenko], Atlantic Council, 23 September 2008</ref> and Latvian President [[Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga]].<ref name="latvia">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/young-atlanticist-discussion-he-vaira-vike-freiberga Young Atlanticist Discussion with President Vaira Vike-Freiberga], Atlantic Council, 3 May 2007</ref>

The Council has hosted many military leaders from both sides of the Atlantic as well. The Program on International Security has since January 2007 held periodic events known as the Commanders Series where it invites military leaders from the United States and Europe to speak about conflicts of interest to the Atlantic community.<ref name="commser">[http://www.acus.org/tags/commanders-series Commanders Series], Atlantic Council</ref> As part of the Commanders Series, American military leaders such as [[George W. Casey, Jr.|George Casey]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event/general-casey-complex-operations-and-counterinsurgency General Casey: Complex Operations and Counterinsurgency], Atlantic Council, 28 May 2009</ref> and Admiral [[Timothy Keating]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event/admiral-timothy-keating-asia-pacific-security-challenges Admiral Timothy Keating: Asia-Pacific Security Challenges], Atlantic Council, 29 June 2009</ref> and European leaders like French Chief of Defense General [[Jean-Louis Georgelin]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event/general-jean-louis-georgelin-france-nato General Jean-Louis Georgelin: France in NATO], Atlantic Council, 10 September 2009</ref> and Dutch Major General [[Ton van Loon]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/ton-van-loon-taliban-have-lost-war Ton van Loon: Taliban Have Lost the War], Atlantic Council, 5 June 2007</ref> have spoken on issues as diverse as Iraq, Afghanistan, and security threats in Asia and Africa.

Its flagship annual events are the Annual Awards Dinner in Washington, DC and the Global Citizen Awards Dinner in New York City.

==Programs and centers==
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/transatlantic-relations Transatlantic Relations]
The Program on Transatlantic Relations promotes dialogue on the major issues that will affect the evolution of the transatlantic relationship. At the heart of the program is the conviction that a healthy transatlantic relationship is an essential prerequisite for a stronger international system. The Council seeks to strengthen the transatlantic relationship by addressing specific areas of policy differences by identifying areas of potential cooperation and by building the personal networks and mutual understanding that form the basis for an effective partnership.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/international-security International Security]
The Council’s Program on International Security examines U.S. relationships with allies and adversaries in an effort to build consensus around policies that contribute to a more stable, secure and well-governed world.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/global-business-economics Global Business & Economics]
The Global Business and Economics Program works to build upon and strengthen the already deep economic integration between Europe and the United States as well as promote Transatlantic leadership in the global economy. Bringing together top business leaders, government policy makers, and economic experts, the program explores transatlantic and global issues of importance to the U.S. and European business community.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/strategic-foresight-initiative Strategic Foresight Initiative]
The Strategic Foresight Initiative seeks to enhance understanding of the potential impact and the policy implications of long-term global trends, disruptive change, and strategic shocks. The Initiative provides a hub for an expanding international community of global trends experts that seeks to enhance public policy making in the United States and other key countries.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/south-asia South Asia Center]
Under the leadership of Shuja Nawaz, the South Asia Center is the Atlantic Council’s focal point for work on Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan as well as on relations between these countries and China, Central Asia, Iran, the Arab world, Europe and the U.S. As part of the Council's Asia program, the Center seeks to foster partnerships with key institutions in the region to establish iself as a forum for dialogue between decision makers in South Asia, the U.S. and NATO. These deliberations cover internal and external security, governance, trade, economic development, education and other issues.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/energy-environment Energy & Environment]
The Energy and Environment program explores the economic and political aspects of energy security and supply, as well as international environmental issues. It promotes open access and clean air and offers policy recommendations to meet developing countries’ needs through the increased flow of capital, technology and know-how in the energy and water supply sectors.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/patriciu-eurasia-center Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center]
The Atlantic Council’s Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center fosters dialogue among regional leaders, as well with counterparts from key neighbors and global leaders. Combining in-depth understanding of Eurasia’s history with expertise on politics, economics and energy, the Center provides distinctive research and advice to governments and businesses worldwide. It seeks to promote an agenda of regional cooperation and integration based on shared values and common interest in a free, prosperous and peaceful future.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/young-atlanticist Young Atlanticist]
Launched at the 2008 NATO Summit in Bucharest, the Young Atlanticist Network brings together a community of emerging leaders who share a vision of closer Euro-Atlantic cooperation based on common values. Through online tools and regular events, the Young Atlanticist Network serves as a forum for open dialogue between young Atlanticists so they can exchange their views on a range of international issues. As a meeting place, the Network serves as a stage for global leaders to address the next generation and to share the perspective on current issues.
* [http://www.acus.org/program/ansari-africa-center Michael S. Ansari Africa Center]
The Michael S. Ansari Africa Center was established in September 2009 with a mission to help transform US and European policy approaches to Africa by emphasizing the building of strong geopolitical partnerships with African states and strengthening economic growth and prosperity on the continent.
* [http://www.acus.org/program/hariri-middle-east-center Rafik Hariri Middle East Center]
The Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East seeks to produce original analysis of the forces transforming the region, as well as policy recommendations for the United States and Europe about how to promote closer and more productive relations with the region.

==Leadership==
* [http://www.acus.org/users/chuck-hagel Chuck Hagel], Chairman
* [http://www.acus.org/users/brent-scowcroft Brent Scowcroft], Chairman of the Atlantic Council International Advisory Board
* [http://www.acus.org/users/frederick-kempe Frederick Kempe], President and CEO
* [[Damon Wilson]], Executive Vice President
* [http://www.acus.org/users/fran-burwell Fran Burwell], Vice President, Director of Transatlantic Relations
* [http://www.acus.org/users/michele-dunne Michele Dunne], Director of the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East
* [http://www.acus.org/users/banning-garrett Banning Garrett], Director of Program on Asia and Strategic Foresight Intiative
* [http://www.acus.org/users/jason-healey Jason Healey], Director of Cyber Statecraft Intiative
* [http://www.acus.org/users/james-joyner James Joyner], Managing Editor
* [http://www.acus.org/users/john-lyman John Lyman], Director of Energy & Environment
* [http://www.acus.org/users/alexei-monsarrat Alexei Monsarrat], Director of Global Business & Economics
* [http://www.acus.org/users/shuja-nawaz Shuja Nawaz], Director of South Asia Center
* [http://www.acus.org/users/barry-pavel Barry Pavel], Director of the International Security Program
* [http://www.acus.org/users/peter-pham J. Peter Pham], Director of the Michael S. Ansari Africa Center
* [http://www.acus.org/users/ross-wilson Ross Wilson], Director of the Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center

==[http://www.acus.org/people/board Board of Directors]==
* [[Robert Abernethy]]
* [[Timothy D. Adams]]
* [[Ralph Bahna]]
* [[Wesley K. Clark]]
* [[Paula Dobriansky]]
* [[C. Boyden Gray]]
* [[William Howard Taft IV]]
* [[Henry Kissinger]]
* [[Alexander Mirtchev]]
* [[Thomas R. Pickering]]
* [[James Schlesinger]]
* [[Anne-Marie Slaughter]]
* [[Walter Slocombe]]
* [[Ellen Tauscher]]
* [[David A. Wilson]]
* [[Mark Warner]]
* [[Maciej Witucki]]
* [[R. James Woolsey]]
* [[Dov S. Zakheim]]
* [[Anthony C. Zinni]]

==[http://www.acus.org/people/international-advisory-board International Advisory Board]==
The International Advisory Board (IAB) is a uniquely influential group of global business and policy leaders who provide perspectives to the Atlantic Council’s president and board.

* [[Josef Ackermann]], Chairman, Zurich Insurance Group Ltd
* [[Shaukat Aziz]], former Prime Minister of Pakistan
* [[Jose Maria Aznar]], former Prime Minister of Spain
* [[Zbigniew Brzezinski]], National Security Advisor to President Jimmy Carter
* [[Victor L.L. Chu]], Chairman, First Eastern Investment Group
* [[Bob Diamond (banker)|Robert E. Diamond]] Jr., Chief Executive, Barclays PLC
* [[Richard Edelman]], President and CEO, Edelman
* [[Thomas Enders]], CEO, EADS N.V
* [[Orit Gadiesh]], Chairman of the Board, Bain & Company Inc.
* [[Ashraf Ghani]], former Finance Minister of Afghanistan
* [[Thomas H. Glocer]]
* [[Jim Goodnight]], Chief Executive Officer, SAS
* [[S. Gopalakrishnan]], Co-Founder and Co-Chairman, Infosys Technologies
* [[Bahaa R. Hariri]]
* [[Muhtar Kent]], Chairman, President and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company
* [[Jan Kulczyk]], Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Kulczyk Holding SA
* [[Dinu Patriciu]], Chairman, DP Holding SA
* [[George Robertson, Baron Robertson of Port Ellen|Lord Robertson]], former Secretary General of NATO
* [[Güler Sabanci]], Chairman and Managing Director, Haci Ömer Sabanci Holding A.S.
* [[Stephen A. Schwarzman]], Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder, The Blackstone Group
* [[Martin Senn]], CEO, Zurich Financial Services
* [[James C. Smith]], CEO, Thomson Reuters
* [[Martin Sorrell]], Group Chief Executive, WPP Group PLC
* [[Robert J. Stevens]], Chairman and CEO, Lockheed Martin
* [[Lawrence Summers]], Former Director, National Economic Council
* [[Gunter Thielen]], Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Bertelsmann AG
* [[Ruben Vardanian]], Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO, Troika Dialog
* [[Daniel Vasella]], Chairman, Novartis International AG
* [[Jacob Wallenberg]], Chairman, Investor AB
* [[John Wren]], President and Chief Executive Officer, Omnicom

==Publications==
The Atlantic Council produces many publications and issue briefs about important global challenges ranging from NATO's global role to energy security. A full list of the Atlantic Council's publications and issue briefs can be found on the [http://www.acus.org/publications ACUS website].
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/anchoring-alliance Anchoring the Alliance]
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/task-ahead-memos-winner-2012-presidential-election The Task Ahead]
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/us-cyber-policy-reboot US Cyber Policy Reboot]
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/learning-libya-right-lessons-nato Learning From Libya: The Right Lessons for NATO]

==References==
{{reflist|35em}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.acus.org/ Atlantic Council]
* [http://www.bnac.org/ British-North American Committee]
* [http://www.oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/tf667nb1h6/ Atlantic Council of the United States records, 1950-1986] at the [http://www.hoover.org/hila Hoover Institution Archives].

{{NATO relations}}

[[Category:NATO]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1961]]
[[Category:Foreign policy and strategy think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:United States–European relations]]

[[de:Atlantic Council]]
[[it:Atlantic Council]]

Atlantic Council

2012-09-18T05:05:44Z

Polmandc: /* History */ s.

{{infobox Organization
|name = [[Image:aclores.jpg]]
|abbreviation = Atlantic Council
|motto = Ideas. Influence. Impact.
|formation = 1961
|type = [[International relations|international affairs]] [[think tank]]
|headquarters = 1101 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC
|location = [[Washington, D.C.]]
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Frederick Kempe]]
|website = [http://www.acus.org acus.org]
}}
The '''Atlantic Council''' [[think tank]] and public policy group whose mission is to "promote constructive U.S. leadership and engagement in international affairs based on the central role of the Atlantic community in meeting the international challenges of the 21st century".<ref name="Mission">"[http://www.acus.org/about-mission.asp Mission]"</ref> It is headquartered in [[Washington, D.C.]]

==History==
The Atlantic Council was founded in 1961, with the mission to encourage the continuation of cooperation between North America and Europe that began in the immediate post-war years. In its early years its work consisted largely of publishing policy papers and polling Europeans and Americans about their attitudes towards transatlantic and international cooperation. In these early years its primary focus was on economic issues – mainly encouraging free trade between the two continents, and to a lesser extent to the rest of the world – but it also did some work on political and environmental issues.<ref name="Paper">"[http://www.nato.int/acad/fellow/96-98/small.pdf]"</ref>

Although the Atlantic Council did publish policy papers and monographs, [[Melvin Small]] of [[Wayne State University]] wrote that, especially in its early years, the Council's real strength lie in its connections to influential policy makers. The Council early on found a niche as "center for informal get-togethers" of leaders from both sides of the Atlantic, with members working to develop "networks of continuing communication".<ref name="Paper" />

From its inception, the Atlantic Council has worked on issues in regions other than North America and Europe, with Asia figuring prominently in the Council's work. The Atlantic Council was among the first organizations advocating for an increased Japanese presence in the international community, and in recent years has expanded its focus with the opening of its South Asia Center and Program on Asia. Its Asian programs have expanded in recent years due to the ongoing war in Afghanistan and the new challenge of coordinating with India and China on climate change efforts.<ref name="Paper" /><ref name="transcript3">[http://www.acus.org/event/admiral-timothy-keating-asia-pacific-security-challenges/transcript]</ref>

In February 2009, [[James L. Jones]], former chairman of the Atlantic Council, stepped down in order to serve as President Obama's new [[National Security Advisor (United States)|National Security Advisor]]. In addition, Council member [[Susan Rice]] left to serve as the administration's ambassador to the UN, [[Richard Holbrooke]] became the Special Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan, General [[Eric K. Shinseki]] became the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and [[Anne-Marie Slaughter]] became Director of Policy Planning at the State Department.<ref>[http://www.politico.com/playbook/0209/playbook583.html Exclusive: Senator Hagel succeeds Gen. Jones at Atlantic Council], [[Politico (newspaper)|Politico]], 11 February 2009</ref>

The Atlantic Council has earned praise from across the international community, with NATO Secretary General [[Anders Fogh Rasmussen]] calling the Council a "pre-eminent think tank" with a "longstanding reputation",<ref name="transcript1">[http://www.acus.org/event/nato-secretary-general-rasmussen-first-major-us-speech/transcript-full]</ref> and US Republican Senator [[Richard Lugar]] noting that the Council is "held in high esteem within the Atlantic community".<ref name="transcript2">[http://www.acus.org/event/senator-richard-lugar-congressional-perspective-future-nato/transcript-full]</ref>

==Political stance==
The Atlantic Council has, since its inception, been a nonpartisan institution with members "from the moderate internationalist wings of both parties." Despite its connections, the Council is by charter independent of the US government and NATO, and a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.<ref name="Paper" />

==Events==
The Atlantic Council has traditionally been a meeting place for heads of state, military leaders, and international leaders from both sides of the Atlantic. Recently, the Council hosted NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen's first major US speech, in which he discussed issues such as Afghanistan, Russia, and the broader transatlantic relationship.<ref name="rasmussen">[http://www.acus.org/event/nato-secretary-general-rasmussen-first-major-us-speech NATO Secretary General Rasmussen: First Major U.S. Speech], Atlantic Council, 28 September 2009</ref> Prominent members of the US Congress have also appeared, including Senators [[Richard Lugar]] and [[John Kerry]].<ref name="lugar">[http://www.acus.org/event/senator-richard-lugar-congressional-perspective-future-nato Senator Richard Lugar: Congressional Perspective on the Future of NATO], Atlantic Council, 28 September 2009</ref><ref name="kerry">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/john-kerry-and-chuck-hagel-unveil-atlantic-councils-pakistan-report Kerry and Hagel Unveil Atlantic Council's Pakistan Report], Atlantic Council, 25 February 2009</ref> The Council often hosts events with sitting heads of state and government, including Georgian President [[Mikheil Saakashvili]],<ref name="georgia">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/council-hosts-georgian-president-mikhail-saakashvili Council Hosts Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili], Atlantic Council, 24 September 2008</ref> Ukrainian Prime Minister [[Viktor Yushchenko]],<ref name="ukraine">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/atlantic-council-luncheon-victor-yushchenko-president-ukraine Council Hosts Ukrainian President Yushchenko], Atlantic Council, 23 September 2008</ref> and Latvian President [[Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga]].<ref name="latvia">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/young-atlanticist-discussion-he-vaira-vike-freiberga Young Atlanticist Discussion with President Vaira Vike-Freiberga], Atlantic Council, 3 May 2007</ref>

The Council has hosted many military leaders from both sides of the Atlantic as well. The Program on International Security has since January 2007 held periodic events known as the Commanders Series where it invites military leaders from the United States and Europe to speak about conflicts of interest to the Atlantic community.<ref name="commser">[http://www.acus.org/tags/commanders-series Commanders Series], Atlantic Council</ref> As part of the Commanders Series, American military leaders such as [[George W. Casey, Jr.|George Casey]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event/general-casey-complex-operations-and-counterinsurgency General Casey: Complex Operations and Counterinsurgency], Atlantic Council, 28 May 2009</ref> and Admiral [[Timothy Keating]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event/admiral-timothy-keating-asia-pacific-security-challenges Admiral Timothy Keating: Asia-Pacific Security Challenges], Atlantic Council, 29 June 2009</ref> and European leaders like French Chief of Defense General [[Jean-Louis Georgelin]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event/general-jean-louis-georgelin-france-nato General Jean-Louis Georgelin: France in NATO], Atlantic Council, 10 September 2009</ref> and Dutch Major General [[Ton van Loon]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/ton-van-loon-taliban-have-lost-war Ton van Loon: Taliban Have Lost the War], Atlantic Council, 5 June 2007</ref> have spoken on issues as diverse as Iraq, Afghanistan, and security threats in Asia and Africa.

Its flagship annual events are the Annual Awards Dinner in Washington, DC and the Global Citizen Awards Dinner in New York City.

==Programs and centers==
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/transatlantic-relations Transatlantic Relations]
The Program on Transatlantic Relations promotes dialogue on the major issues that will affect the evolution of the transatlantic relationship. At the heart of the program is the conviction that a healthy transatlantic relationship is an essential prerequisite for a stronger international system. The Council seeks to strengthen the transatlantic relationship by addressing specific areas of policy differences by identifying areas of potential cooperation and by building the personal networks and mutual understanding that form the basis for an effective partnership.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/international-security International Security]
The Council’s Program on International Security examines U.S. relationships with allies and adversaries in an effort to build consensus around policies that contribute to a more stable, secure and well-governed world.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/global-business-economics Global Business & Economics]
The Global Business and Economics Program works to build upon and strengthen the already deep economic integration between Europe and the United States as well as promote Transatlantic leadership in the global economy. Bringing together top business leaders, government policy makers, and economic experts, the program explores transatlantic and global issues of importance to the U.S. and European business community.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/strategic-foresight-initiative Strategic Foresight Initiative]
The Strategic Foresight Initiative seeks to enhance understanding of the potential impact and the policy implications of long-term global trends, disruptive change, and strategic shocks. The Initiative provides a hub for an expanding international community of global trends experts that seeks to enhance public policy making in the United States and other key countries.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/south-asia South Asia Center]
Under the leadership of Shuja Nawaz, the South Asia Center is the Atlantic Council’s focal point for work on Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan as well as on relations between these countries and China, Central Asia, Iran, the Arab world, Europe and the U.S. As part of the Council's Asia program, the Center seeks to foster partnerships with key institutions in the region to establish iself as a forum for dialogue between decision makers in South Asia, the U.S. and NATO. These deliberations cover internal and external security, governance, trade, economic development, education and other issues.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/energy-environment Energy & Environment]
The Energy and Environment program explores the economic and political aspects of energy security and supply, as well as international environmental issues. It promotes open access and clean air and offers policy recommendations to meet developing countries’ needs through the increased flow of capital, technology and know-how in the energy and water supply sectors.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/patriciu-eurasia-center Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center]
The Atlantic Council’s Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center fosters dialogue among regional leaders, as well with counterparts from key neighbors and global leaders. Combining in-depth understanding of Eurasia’s history with expertise on politics, economics and energy, the Center provides distinctive research and advice to governments and businesses worldwide. It seeks to promote an agenda of regional cooperation and integration based on shared values and common interest in a free, prosperous and peaceful future.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/young-atlanticist Young Atlanticist]
Launched at the 2008 NATO Summit in Bucharest, the Young Atlanticist Network brings together a community of emerging leaders who share a vision of closer Euro-Atlantic cooperation based on common values. Through online tools and regular events, the Young Atlanticist Network serves as a forum for open dialogue between young Atlanticists so they can exchange their views on a range of international issues. As a meeting place, the Network serves as a stage for global leaders to address the next generation and to share the perspective on current issues.
* [http://www.acus.org/program/ansari-africa-center Michael S. Ansari Africa Center]
The Michael S. Ansari Africa Center was established in September 2009 with a mission to help transform US and European policy approaches to Africa by emphasizing the building of strong geopolitical partnerships with African states and strengthening economic growth and prosperity on the continent.
* [http://www.acus.org/program/hariri-middle-east-center Rafik Hariri Middle East Center]
The Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East seeks to produce original analysis of the forces transforming the region, as well as policy recommendations for the United States and Europe about how to promote closer and more productive relations with the region.

==Leadership==
* [http://www.acus.org/users/chuck-hagel Chuck Hagel], Chairman
* [http://www.acus.org/users/brent-scowcroft Brent Scowcroft], Chairman of the Atlantic Council International Advisory Board
* [http://www.acus.org/users/frederick-kempe Frederick Kempe], President and CEO
* [[Damon Wilson]], Executive Vice President
* [http://www.acus.org/users/fran-burwell Fran Burwell], Vice President, Director of Transatlantic Relations
* [http://www.acus.org/users/michele-dunne Michele Dunne], Director of the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East
* [http://www.acus.org/users/banning-garrett Banning Garrett], Director of Program on Asia and Strategic Foresight Intiative
* [http://www.acus.org/users/jason-healey Jason Healey], Director of Cyber Statecraft Intiative
* [http://www.acus.org/users/james-joyner James Joyner], Managing Editor
* [http://www.acus.org/users/john-lyman John Lyman], Director of Energy & Environment
* [http://www.acus.org/users/alexei-monsarrat Alexei Monsarrat], Director of Global Business & Economics
* [http://www.acus.org/users/shuja-nawaz Shuja Nawaz], Director of South Asia Center
* [http://www.acus.org/users/barry-pavel Barry Pavel], Director of the International Security Program
* [http://www.acus.org/users/peter-pham J. Peter Pham], Director of the Michael S. Ansari Africa Center
* [http://www.acus.org/users/ross-wilson Ross Wilson], Director of the Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center

==[http://www.acus.org/people/board Board of Directors]==
* [[Robert Abernethy]]
* [[Timothy D. Adams]]
* [[Ralph Bahna]]
* [[Wesley K. Clark]]
* [[Paula Dobriansky]]
* [[C. Boyden Gray]]
* [[William Howard Taft IV]]
* [[Henry Kissinger]]
* [[Alexander Mirtchev]]
* [[Thomas R. Pickering]]
* [[James Schlesinger]]
* [[Anne-Marie Slaughter]]
* [[Walter Slocombe]]
* [[Ellen Tauscher]]
* [[David A. Wilson]]
* [[Mark Warner]]
* [[Maciej Witucki]]
* [[R. James Woolsey]]
* [[Dov S. Zakheim]]
* [[Anthony C. Zinni]]

==[http://www.acus.org/people/international-advisory-board International Advisory Board]==
The International Advisory Board (IAB) is a uniquely influential group of global business and policy leaders who provide perspectives to the Atlantic Council’s president and board.

* [[Josef Ackermann]], Chairman, Zurich Insurance Group Ltd
* [[Shaukat Aziz]], former Prime Minister of Pakistan
* [[Jose Maria Aznar]], former Prime Minister of Spain
* [[Zbigniew Brzezinski]], National Security Advisor to President Jimmy Carter
* [[Victor L.L. Chu]], Chairman, First Eastern Investment Group
* [[Bob Diamond (banker)|Robert E. Diamond]] Jr., Chief Executive, Barclays PLC
* [[Richard Edelman]], President and CEO, Edelman
* [[Thomas Enders]], CEO, EADS N.V
* [[Orit Gadiesh]], Chairman of the Board, Bain & Company Inc.
* [[Ashraf Ghani]], former Finance Minister of Afghanistan
* [[Thomas H. Glocer]]
* [[Jim Goodnight]], Chief Executive Officer, SAS
* [[S. Gopalakrishnan]], Co-Founder and Co-Chairman, Infosys Technologies
* [[Bahaa R. Hariri]]
* [[Muhtar Kent]], Chairman, President and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company
* [[Jan Kulczyk]], Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Kulczyk Holding SA
* [[Dinu Patriciu]], Chairman, DP Holding SA
* [[George Robertson, Baron Robertson of Port Ellen|Lord Robertson]], former Secretary General of NATO
* [[Güler Sabanci]], Chairman and Managing Director, Haci Ömer Sabanci Holding A.S.
* [[Stephen A. Schwarzman]], Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder, The Blackstone Group
* [[Martin Senn]], CEO, Zurich Financial Services
* [[James C. Smith]], CEO, Thomson Reuters
* [[Martin Sorrell]], Group Chief Executive, WPP Group PLC
* [[Robert J. Stevens]], Chairman and CEO, Lockheed Martin
* [[Lawrence Summers]], Former Director, National Economic Council
* [[Gunter Thielen]], Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Bertelsmann AG
* [[Ruben Vardanian]], Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO, Troika Dialog
* [[Daniel Vasella]], Chairman, Novartis International AG
* [[Jacob Wallenberg]], Chairman, Investor AB
* [[John Wren]], President and Chief Executive Officer, Omnicom

==Publications==
The Atlantic Council produces many publications and issue briefs about important global challenges ranging from NATO's global role to energy security. A full list of the Atlantic Council's publications and issue briefs can be found on the [http://www.acus.org/publications ACUS website].
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/anchoring-alliance Anchoring the Alliance]
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/task-ahead-memos-winner-2012-presidential-election The Task Ahead]
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/us-cyber-policy-reboot US Cyber Policy Reboot]
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/learning-libya-right-lessons-nato Learning From Libya: The Right Lessons for NATO]

==References==
{{reflist|35em}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.acus.org/ Atlantic Council]
* [http://www.bnac.org/ British-North American Committee]
* [http://www.oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/tf667nb1h6/ Atlantic Council of the United States records, 1950-1986] at the [http://www.hoover.org/hila Hoover Institution Archives].

{{NATO relations}}

[[Category:NATO]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1961]]
[[Category:Foreign policy and strategy think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:United States–European relations]]

[[de:Atlantic Council]]
[[it:Atlantic Council]]

Atlantic Council

2012-09-18T05:04:47Z

Polmandc: /* History */ dispensable, +link

{{infobox Organization
|name = [[Image:aclores.jpg]]
|abbreviation = Atlantic Council
|motto = Ideas. Influence. Impact.
|formation = 1961
|type = [[International relations|international affairs]] [[think tank]]
|headquarters = 1101 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC
|location = [[Washington, D.C.]]
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Frederick Kempe]]
|website = [http://www.acus.org acus.org]
}}
The '''Atlantic Council''' [[think tank]] and public policy group whose mission is to "promote constructive U.S. leadership and engagement in international affairs based on the central role of the Atlantic community in meeting the international challenges of the 21st century".<ref name="Mission">"[http://www.acus.org/about-mission.asp Mission]"</ref> It is headquartered in [[Washington, D.C.]]

==History==
The Atlantic Council was founded in 1961, with the mission to encourage the continuation of cooperation between North America and Europe that began in the immediate post-war years. In its early years its work consisted largely of publishing policy papers and polling Europeans and Americans about their attitudes towards transatlantic and international cooperation. In these early years its primary focus was on economic issues – mainly encouraging free trade between the two continents, and to a lesser extent to the rest of the world – but it also did some work on political and environmental issues.<ref name="Paper">"[http://www.nato.int/acad/fellow/96-98/small.pdf]"</ref>

Although the Atlantic Council did publish policy papers and monographs, [[Melvin Small]] of [[Wayne State University]] wrote that, especially in its early years, the Council's real strength lie in its connections to influential policy makers. The Council early on found a niche as "center for informal get-togethers" of leaders from both sides of the Atlantic, with members working to develop "networks of continuing communication."<ref name="Paper" />

From its inception, the Atlantic Council has worked on issues in regions other than North America and Europe, with Asia figuring prominently in the Council's work. The Atlantic Council was among the first organizations advocating for an increased Japanese presence in the international community, and in recent years has expanded its focus with the opening of its South Asia Center and Program on Asia. Its Asian programs have expanded in recent years due to the ongoing war in Afghanistan and the new challenge of coordinating with India and China on climate change efforts.<ref name="Paper" /><ref name="transcript3">[http://www.acus.org/event/admiral-timothy-keating-asia-pacific-security-challenges/transcript]</ref>

In February 2009, [[James L. Jones]], former chairman of the Atlantic Council, stepped down in order to serve as President Obama's new [[National Security Advisor (United States)|National Security Advisor]]. In addition, Council member [[Susan Rice]] left to serve as the administration's ambassador to the UN, [[Richard Holbrooke]] became the Special Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan, General [[Eric K. Shinseki]] became the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and [[Anne-Marie Slaughter]] became Director of Policy Planning at the State Department.<ref>[http://www.politico.com/playbook/0209/playbook583.html Exclusive: Senator Hagel succeeds Gen. Jones at Atlantic Council], [[Politico (newspaper)|Politico]], 11 February 2009</ref>

The Atlantic Council has earned praise from across the international community, with NATO Secretary General [[Anders Fogh Rasmussen]] calling the Council a "pre-eminent think tank" with a "longstanding reputation,"<ref name="transcript1">[http://www.acus.org/event/nato-secretary-general-rasmussen-first-major-us-speech/transcript-full]</ref> and US Republican Senator [[Richard Lugar]] noting that the Council is "held in high esteem within the Atlantic community."<ref name="transcript2">[http://www.acus.org/event/senator-richard-lugar-congressional-perspective-future-nato/transcript-full]</ref>

==Political stance==
The Atlantic Council has, since its inception, been a nonpartisan institution with members "from the moderate internationalist wings of both parties." Despite its connections, the Council is by charter independent of the US government and NATO, and a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.<ref name="Paper" />

==Events==
The Atlantic Council has traditionally been a meeting place for heads of state, military leaders, and international leaders from both sides of the Atlantic. Recently, the Council hosted NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen's first major US speech, in which he discussed issues such as Afghanistan, Russia, and the broader transatlantic relationship.<ref name="rasmussen">[http://www.acus.org/event/nato-secretary-general-rasmussen-first-major-us-speech NATO Secretary General Rasmussen: First Major U.S. Speech], Atlantic Council, 28 September 2009</ref> Prominent members of the US Congress have also appeared, including Senators [[Richard Lugar]] and [[John Kerry]].<ref name="lugar">[http://www.acus.org/event/senator-richard-lugar-congressional-perspective-future-nato Senator Richard Lugar: Congressional Perspective on the Future of NATO], Atlantic Council, 28 September 2009</ref><ref name="kerry">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/john-kerry-and-chuck-hagel-unveil-atlantic-councils-pakistan-report Kerry and Hagel Unveil Atlantic Council's Pakistan Report], Atlantic Council, 25 February 2009</ref> The Council often hosts events with sitting heads of state and government, including Georgian President [[Mikheil Saakashvili]],<ref name="georgia">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/council-hosts-georgian-president-mikhail-saakashvili Council Hosts Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili], Atlantic Council, 24 September 2008</ref> Ukrainian Prime Minister [[Viktor Yushchenko]],<ref name="ukraine">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/atlantic-council-luncheon-victor-yushchenko-president-ukraine Council Hosts Ukrainian President Yushchenko], Atlantic Council, 23 September 2008</ref> and Latvian President [[Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga]].<ref name="latvia">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/young-atlanticist-discussion-he-vaira-vike-freiberga Young Atlanticist Discussion with President Vaira Vike-Freiberga], Atlantic Council, 3 May 2007</ref>

The Council has hosted many military leaders from both sides of the Atlantic as well. The Program on International Security has since January 2007 held periodic events known as the Commanders Series where it invites military leaders from the United States and Europe to speak about conflicts of interest to the Atlantic community.<ref name="commser">[http://www.acus.org/tags/commanders-series Commanders Series], Atlantic Council</ref> As part of the Commanders Series, American military leaders such as [[George W. Casey, Jr.|George Casey]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event/general-casey-complex-operations-and-counterinsurgency General Casey: Complex Operations and Counterinsurgency], Atlantic Council, 28 May 2009</ref> and Admiral [[Timothy Keating]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event/admiral-timothy-keating-asia-pacific-security-challenges Admiral Timothy Keating: Asia-Pacific Security Challenges], Atlantic Council, 29 June 2009</ref> and European leaders like French Chief of Defense General [[Jean-Louis Georgelin]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event/general-jean-louis-georgelin-france-nato General Jean-Louis Georgelin: France in NATO], Atlantic Council, 10 September 2009</ref> and Dutch Major General [[Ton van Loon]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/ton-van-loon-taliban-have-lost-war Ton van Loon: Taliban Have Lost the War], Atlantic Council, 5 June 2007</ref> have spoken on issues as diverse as Iraq, Afghanistan, and security threats in Asia and Africa.

Its flagship annual events are the Annual Awards Dinner in Washington, DC and the Global Citizen Awards Dinner in New York City.

==Programs and centers==
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/transatlantic-relations Transatlantic Relations]
The Program on Transatlantic Relations promotes dialogue on the major issues that will affect the evolution of the transatlantic relationship. At the heart of the program is the conviction that a healthy transatlantic relationship is an essential prerequisite for a stronger international system. The Council seeks to strengthen the transatlantic relationship by addressing specific areas of policy differences by identifying areas of potential cooperation and by building the personal networks and mutual understanding that form the basis for an effective partnership.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/international-security International Security]
The Council’s Program on International Security examines U.S. relationships with allies and adversaries in an effort to build consensus around policies that contribute to a more stable, secure and well-governed world.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/global-business-economics Global Business & Economics]
The Global Business and Economics Program works to build upon and strengthen the already deep economic integration between Europe and the United States as well as promote Transatlantic leadership in the global economy. Bringing together top business leaders, government policy makers, and economic experts, the program explores transatlantic and global issues of importance to the U.S. and European business community.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/strategic-foresight-initiative Strategic Foresight Initiative]
The Strategic Foresight Initiative seeks to enhance understanding of the potential impact and the policy implications of long-term global trends, disruptive change, and strategic shocks. The Initiative provides a hub for an expanding international community of global trends experts that seeks to enhance public policy making in the United States and other key countries.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/south-asia South Asia Center]
Under the leadership of Shuja Nawaz, the South Asia Center is the Atlantic Council’s focal point for work on Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan as well as on relations between these countries and China, Central Asia, Iran, the Arab world, Europe and the U.S. As part of the Council's Asia program, the Center seeks to foster partnerships with key institutions in the region to establish iself as a forum for dialogue between decision makers in South Asia, the U.S. and NATO. These deliberations cover internal and external security, governance, trade, economic development, education and other issues.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/energy-environment Energy & Environment]
The Energy and Environment program explores the economic and political aspects of energy security and supply, as well as international environmental issues. It promotes open access and clean air and offers policy recommendations to meet developing countries’ needs through the increased flow of capital, technology and know-how in the energy and water supply sectors.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/patriciu-eurasia-center Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center]
The Atlantic Council’s Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center fosters dialogue among regional leaders, as well with counterparts from key neighbors and global leaders. Combining in-depth understanding of Eurasia’s history with expertise on politics, economics and energy, the Center provides distinctive research and advice to governments and businesses worldwide. It seeks to promote an agenda of regional cooperation and integration based on shared values and common interest in a free, prosperous and peaceful future.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/young-atlanticist Young Atlanticist]
Launched at the 2008 NATO Summit in Bucharest, the Young Atlanticist Network brings together a community of emerging leaders who share a vision of closer Euro-Atlantic cooperation based on common values. Through online tools and regular events, the Young Atlanticist Network serves as a forum for open dialogue between young Atlanticists so they can exchange their views on a range of international issues. As a meeting place, the Network serves as a stage for global leaders to address the next generation and to share the perspective on current issues.
* [http://www.acus.org/program/ansari-africa-center Michael S. Ansari Africa Center]
The Michael S. Ansari Africa Center was established in September 2009 with a mission to help transform US and European policy approaches to Africa by emphasizing the building of strong geopolitical partnerships with African states and strengthening economic growth and prosperity on the continent.
* [http://www.acus.org/program/hariri-middle-east-center Rafik Hariri Middle East Center]
The Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East seeks to produce original analysis of the forces transforming the region, as well as policy recommendations for the United States and Europe about how to promote closer and more productive relations with the region.

==Leadership==
* [http://www.acus.org/users/chuck-hagel Chuck Hagel], Chairman
* [http://www.acus.org/users/brent-scowcroft Brent Scowcroft], Chairman of the Atlantic Council International Advisory Board
* [http://www.acus.org/users/frederick-kempe Frederick Kempe], President and CEO
* [[Damon Wilson]], Executive Vice President
* [http://www.acus.org/users/fran-burwell Fran Burwell], Vice President, Director of Transatlantic Relations
* [http://www.acus.org/users/michele-dunne Michele Dunne], Director of the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East
* [http://www.acus.org/users/banning-garrett Banning Garrett], Director of Program on Asia and Strategic Foresight Intiative
* [http://www.acus.org/users/jason-healey Jason Healey], Director of Cyber Statecraft Intiative
* [http://www.acus.org/users/james-joyner James Joyner], Managing Editor
* [http://www.acus.org/users/john-lyman John Lyman], Director of Energy & Environment
* [http://www.acus.org/users/alexei-monsarrat Alexei Monsarrat], Director of Global Business & Economics
* [http://www.acus.org/users/shuja-nawaz Shuja Nawaz], Director of South Asia Center
* [http://www.acus.org/users/barry-pavel Barry Pavel], Director of the International Security Program
* [http://www.acus.org/users/peter-pham J. Peter Pham], Director of the Michael S. Ansari Africa Center
* [http://www.acus.org/users/ross-wilson Ross Wilson], Director of the Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center

==[http://www.acus.org/people/board Board of Directors]==
* [[Robert Abernethy]]
* [[Timothy D. Adams]]
* [[Ralph Bahna]]
* [[Wesley K. Clark]]
* [[Paula Dobriansky]]
* [[C. Boyden Gray]]
* [[William Howard Taft IV]]
* [[Henry Kissinger]]
* [[Alexander Mirtchev]]
* [[Thomas R. Pickering]]
* [[James Schlesinger]]
* [[Anne-Marie Slaughter]]
* [[Walter Slocombe]]
* [[Ellen Tauscher]]
* [[David A. Wilson]]
* [[Mark Warner]]
* [[Maciej Witucki]]
* [[R. James Woolsey]]
* [[Dov S. Zakheim]]
* [[Anthony C. Zinni]]

==[http://www.acus.org/people/international-advisory-board International Advisory Board]==
The International Advisory Board (IAB) is a uniquely influential group of global business and policy leaders who provide perspectives to the Atlantic Council’s president and board.

* [[Josef Ackermann]], Chairman, Zurich Insurance Group Ltd
* [[Shaukat Aziz]], former Prime Minister of Pakistan
* [[Jose Maria Aznar]], former Prime Minister of Spain
* [[Zbigniew Brzezinski]], National Security Advisor to President Jimmy Carter
* [[Victor L.L. Chu]], Chairman, First Eastern Investment Group
* [[Bob Diamond (banker)|Robert E. Diamond]] Jr., Chief Executive, Barclays PLC
* [[Richard Edelman]], President and CEO, Edelman
* [[Thomas Enders]], CEO, EADS N.V
* [[Orit Gadiesh]], Chairman of the Board, Bain & Company Inc.
* [[Ashraf Ghani]], former Finance Minister of Afghanistan
* [[Thomas H. Glocer]]
* [[Jim Goodnight]], Chief Executive Officer, SAS
* [[S. Gopalakrishnan]], Co-Founder and Co-Chairman, Infosys Technologies
* [[Bahaa R. Hariri]]
* [[Muhtar Kent]], Chairman, President and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company
* [[Jan Kulczyk]], Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Kulczyk Holding SA
* [[Dinu Patriciu]], Chairman, DP Holding SA
* [[George Robertson, Baron Robertson of Port Ellen|Lord Robertson]], former Secretary General of NATO
* [[Güler Sabanci]], Chairman and Managing Director, Haci Ömer Sabanci Holding A.S.
* [[Stephen A. Schwarzman]], Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder, The Blackstone Group
* [[Martin Senn]], CEO, Zurich Financial Services
* [[James C. Smith]], CEO, Thomson Reuters
* [[Martin Sorrell]], Group Chief Executive, WPP Group PLC
* [[Robert J. Stevens]], Chairman and CEO, Lockheed Martin
* [[Lawrence Summers]], Former Director, National Economic Council
* [[Gunter Thielen]], Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Bertelsmann AG
* [[Ruben Vardanian]], Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO, Troika Dialog
* [[Daniel Vasella]], Chairman, Novartis International AG
* [[Jacob Wallenberg]], Chairman, Investor AB
* [[John Wren]], President and Chief Executive Officer, Omnicom

==Publications==
The Atlantic Council produces many publications and issue briefs about important global challenges ranging from NATO's global role to energy security. A full list of the Atlantic Council's publications and issue briefs can be found on the [http://www.acus.org/publications ACUS website].
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/anchoring-alliance Anchoring the Alliance]
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/task-ahead-memos-winner-2012-presidential-election The Task Ahead]
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/us-cyber-policy-reboot US Cyber Policy Reboot]
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/learning-libya-right-lessons-nato Learning From Libya: The Right Lessons for NATO]

==References==
{{reflist|35em}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.acus.org/ Atlantic Council]
* [http://www.bnac.org/ British-North American Committee]
* [http://www.oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/tf667nb1h6/ Atlantic Council of the United States records, 1950-1986] at the [http://www.hoover.org/hila Hoover Institution Archives].

{{NATO relations}}

[[Category:NATO]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1961]]
[[Category:Foreign policy and strategy think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:United States–European relations]]

[[de:Atlantic Council]]
[[it:Atlantic Council]]

Atlantic Council

2012-09-18T05:01:10Z

Polmandc: wording

{{infobox Organization
|name = [[Image:aclores.jpg]]
|abbreviation = Atlantic Council
|motto = Ideas. Influence. Impact.
|formation = 1961
|type = [[International relations|international affairs]] [[think tank]]
|headquarters = 1101 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC
|location = [[Washington, D.C.]]
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Frederick Kempe]]
|website = [http://www.acus.org acus.org]
}}
The '''Atlantic Council''' [[think tank]] and public policy group whose mission is to "promote constructive U.S. leadership and engagement in international affairs based on the central role of the Atlantic community in meeting the international challenges of the 21st century".<ref name="Mission">"[http://www.acus.org/about-mission.asp Mission]"</ref> It is headquartered in [[Washington, D.C.]]

==History==
The Atlantic Council was founded in 1961, with the mission to encourage the continuation of cooperation between North America and Europe that began in the immediate post-war years. In its early years its work consisted largely of publishing policy papers and polling Europeans and Americans about their attitudes towards transatlantic and international cooperation. In these early years its primary focus was on economic issues – mainly encouraging free trade between the two continents, and to a lesser extent to the rest of the world – but it also did some work on political and environmental issues.<ref name="Paper">"[http://www.nato.int/acad/fellow/96-98/small.pdf]"</ref>

Although the Atlantic Council did publish policy papers and monographs, Prof. Melvin Small of [[Wayne State University]] wrote that, especially in its early years, the Council's real strength lie in its connections to influential policy makers. The Council early on found a niche as "center for informal get-togethers" of leaders from both sides of the Atlantic, with members working to develop "networks of continuing communication."<ref name="Paper" />

From its inception, the Atlantic Council has worked on issues in regions other than North America and Europe, with Asia figuring prominently in the Council's work. The Atlantic Council was among the first organizations advocating for an increased Japanese presence in the international community, and in recent years has expanded its focus with the opening of its South Asia Center and Program on Asia. Its Asian programs have expanded in recent years due to the ongoing war in Afghanistan and the new challenge of coordinating with India and China on climate change efforts.<ref name="Paper" /><ref name="transcript3">[http://www.acus.org/event/admiral-timothy-keating-asia-pacific-security-challenges/transcript]</ref>

In February 2009, [[James L. Jones]], former chairman of the Atlantic Council, stepped down in order to serve as President Obama's new [[National Security Advisor (United States)|National Security Advisor]]. In addition, Council member [[Susan Rice]] left to serve as the administration's ambassador to the UN, [[Richard Holbrooke]] became the Special Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan, General [[Eric K. Shinseki]] became the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and [[Anne-Marie Slaughter]] became Director of Policy Planning at the State Department.<ref>[http://www.politico.com/playbook/0209/playbook583.html Exclusive: Senator Hagel succeeds Gen. Jones at Atlantic Council], [[Politico (newspaper)|Politico]], 11 February 2009</ref>

The Atlantic Council has earned praise from across the international community, with NATO Secretary General [[Anders Fogh Rasmussen]] calling the Council a "pre-eminent think tank" with a "longstanding reputation,"<ref name="transcript1">[http://www.acus.org/event/nato-secretary-general-rasmussen-first-major-us-speech/transcript-full]</ref> and US Republican Senator [[Richard Lugar]] noting that the Council is "held in high esteem within the Atlantic community."<ref name="transcript2">[http://www.acus.org/event/senator-richard-lugar-congressional-perspective-future-nato/transcript-full]</ref>

==Political stance==
The Atlantic Council has, since its inception, been a nonpartisan institution with members "from the moderate internationalist wings of both parties." Despite its connections, the Council is by charter independent of the US government and NATO, and a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.<ref name="Paper" />

==Events==
The Atlantic Council has traditionally been a meeting place for heads of state, military leaders, and international leaders from both sides of the Atlantic. Recently, the Council hosted NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen's first major US speech, in which he discussed issues such as Afghanistan, Russia, and the broader transatlantic relationship.<ref name="rasmussen">[http://www.acus.org/event/nato-secretary-general-rasmussen-first-major-us-speech NATO Secretary General Rasmussen: First Major U.S. Speech], Atlantic Council, 28 September 2009</ref> Prominent members of the US Congress have also appeared, including Senators [[Richard Lugar]] and [[John Kerry]].<ref name="lugar">[http://www.acus.org/event/senator-richard-lugar-congressional-perspective-future-nato Senator Richard Lugar: Congressional Perspective on the Future of NATO], Atlantic Council, 28 September 2009</ref><ref name="kerry">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/john-kerry-and-chuck-hagel-unveil-atlantic-councils-pakistan-report Kerry and Hagel Unveil Atlantic Council's Pakistan Report], Atlantic Council, 25 February 2009</ref> The Council often hosts events with sitting heads of state and government, including Georgian President [[Mikheil Saakashvili]],<ref name="georgia">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/council-hosts-georgian-president-mikhail-saakashvili Council Hosts Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili], Atlantic Council, 24 September 2008</ref> Ukrainian Prime Minister [[Viktor Yushchenko]],<ref name="ukraine">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/atlantic-council-luncheon-victor-yushchenko-president-ukraine Council Hosts Ukrainian President Yushchenko], Atlantic Council, 23 September 2008</ref> and Latvian President [[Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga]].<ref name="latvia">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/young-atlanticist-discussion-he-vaira-vike-freiberga Young Atlanticist Discussion with President Vaira Vike-Freiberga], Atlantic Council, 3 May 2007</ref>

The Council has hosted many military leaders from both sides of the Atlantic as well. The Program on International Security has since January 2007 held periodic events known as the Commanders Series where it invites military leaders from the United States and Europe to speak about conflicts of interest to the Atlantic community.<ref name="commser">[http://www.acus.org/tags/commanders-series Commanders Series], Atlantic Council</ref> As part of the Commanders Series, American military leaders such as [[George W. Casey, Jr.|George Casey]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event/general-casey-complex-operations-and-counterinsurgency General Casey: Complex Operations and Counterinsurgency], Atlantic Council, 28 May 2009</ref> and Admiral [[Timothy Keating]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event/admiral-timothy-keating-asia-pacific-security-challenges Admiral Timothy Keating: Asia-Pacific Security Challenges], Atlantic Council, 29 June 2009</ref> and European leaders like French Chief of Defense General [[Jean-Louis Georgelin]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event/general-jean-louis-georgelin-france-nato General Jean-Louis Georgelin: France in NATO], Atlantic Council, 10 September 2009</ref> and Dutch Major General [[Ton van Loon]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/ton-van-loon-taliban-have-lost-war Ton van Loon: Taliban Have Lost the War], Atlantic Council, 5 June 2007</ref> have spoken on issues as diverse as Iraq, Afghanistan, and security threats in Asia and Africa.

Its flagship annual events are the Annual Awards Dinner in Washington, DC and the Global Citizen Awards Dinner in New York City.

==Programs and centers==
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/transatlantic-relations Transatlantic Relations]
The Program on Transatlantic Relations promotes dialogue on the major issues that will affect the evolution of the transatlantic relationship. At the heart of the program is the conviction that a healthy transatlantic relationship is an essential prerequisite for a stronger international system. The Council seeks to strengthen the transatlantic relationship by addressing specific areas of policy differences by identifying areas of potential cooperation and by building the personal networks and mutual understanding that form the basis for an effective partnership.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/international-security International Security]
The Council’s Program on International Security examines U.S. relationships with allies and adversaries in an effort to build consensus around policies that contribute to a more stable, secure and well-governed world.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/global-business-economics Global Business & Economics]
The Global Business and Economics Program works to build upon and strengthen the already deep economic integration between Europe and the United States as well as promote Transatlantic leadership in the global economy. Bringing together top business leaders, government policy makers, and economic experts, the program explores transatlantic and global issues of importance to the U.S. and European business community.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/strategic-foresight-initiative Strategic Foresight Initiative]
The Strategic Foresight Initiative seeks to enhance understanding of the potential impact and the policy implications of long-term global trends, disruptive change, and strategic shocks. The Initiative provides a hub for an expanding international community of global trends experts that seeks to enhance public policy making in the United States and other key countries.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/south-asia South Asia Center]
Under the leadership of Shuja Nawaz, the South Asia Center is the Atlantic Council’s focal point for work on Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan as well as on relations between these countries and China, Central Asia, Iran, the Arab world, Europe and the U.S. As part of the Council's Asia program, the Center seeks to foster partnerships with key institutions in the region to establish iself as a forum for dialogue between decision makers in South Asia, the U.S. and NATO. These deliberations cover internal and external security, governance, trade, economic development, education and other issues.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/energy-environment Energy & Environment]
The Energy and Environment program explores the economic and political aspects of energy security and supply, as well as international environmental issues. It promotes open access and clean air and offers policy recommendations to meet developing countries’ needs through the increased flow of capital, technology and know-how in the energy and water supply sectors.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/patriciu-eurasia-center Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center]
The Atlantic Council’s Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center fosters dialogue among regional leaders, as well with counterparts from key neighbors and global leaders. Combining in-depth understanding of Eurasia’s history with expertise on politics, economics and energy, the Center provides distinctive research and advice to governments and businesses worldwide. It seeks to promote an agenda of regional cooperation and integration based on shared values and common interest in a free, prosperous and peaceful future.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/young-atlanticist Young Atlanticist]
Launched at the 2008 NATO Summit in Bucharest, the Young Atlanticist Network brings together a community of emerging leaders who share a vision of closer Euro-Atlantic cooperation based on common values. Through online tools and regular events, the Young Atlanticist Network serves as a forum for open dialogue between young Atlanticists so they can exchange their views on a range of international issues. As a meeting place, the Network serves as a stage for global leaders to address the next generation and to share the perspective on current issues.
* [http://www.acus.org/program/ansari-africa-center Michael S. Ansari Africa Center]
The Michael S. Ansari Africa Center was established in September 2009 with a mission to help transform US and European policy approaches to Africa by emphasizing the building of strong geopolitical partnerships with African states and strengthening economic growth and prosperity on the continent.
* [http://www.acus.org/program/hariri-middle-east-center Rafik Hariri Middle East Center]
The Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East seeks to produce original analysis of the forces transforming the region, as well as policy recommendations for the United States and Europe about how to promote closer and more productive relations with the region.

==Leadership==
* [http://www.acus.org/users/chuck-hagel Chuck Hagel], Chairman
* [http://www.acus.org/users/brent-scowcroft Brent Scowcroft], Chairman of the Atlantic Council International Advisory Board
* [http://www.acus.org/users/frederick-kempe Frederick Kempe], President and CEO
* [[Damon Wilson]], Executive Vice President
* [http://www.acus.org/users/fran-burwell Fran Burwell], Vice President, Director of Transatlantic Relations
* [http://www.acus.org/users/michele-dunne Michele Dunne], Director of the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East
* [http://www.acus.org/users/banning-garrett Banning Garrett], Director of Program on Asia and Strategic Foresight Intiative
* [http://www.acus.org/users/jason-healey Jason Healey], Director of Cyber Statecraft Intiative
* [http://www.acus.org/users/james-joyner James Joyner], Managing Editor
* [http://www.acus.org/users/john-lyman John Lyman], Director of Energy & Environment
* [http://www.acus.org/users/alexei-monsarrat Alexei Monsarrat], Director of Global Business & Economics
* [http://www.acus.org/users/shuja-nawaz Shuja Nawaz], Director of South Asia Center
* [http://www.acus.org/users/barry-pavel Barry Pavel], Director of the International Security Program
* [http://www.acus.org/users/peter-pham J. Peter Pham], Director of the Michael S. Ansari Africa Center
* [http://www.acus.org/users/ross-wilson Ross Wilson], Director of the Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center

==[http://www.acus.org/people/board Board of Directors]==
* [[Robert Abernethy]]
* [[Timothy D. Adams]]
* [[Ralph Bahna]]
* [[Wesley K. Clark]]
* [[Paula Dobriansky]]
* [[C. Boyden Gray]]
* [[William Howard Taft IV]]
* [[Henry Kissinger]]
* [[Alexander Mirtchev]]
* [[Thomas R. Pickering]]
* [[James Schlesinger]]
* [[Anne-Marie Slaughter]]
* [[Walter Slocombe]]
* [[Ellen Tauscher]]
* [[David A. Wilson]]
* [[Mark Warner]]
* [[Maciej Witucki]]
* [[R. James Woolsey]]
* [[Dov S. Zakheim]]
* [[Anthony C. Zinni]]

==[http://www.acus.org/people/international-advisory-board International Advisory Board]==
The International Advisory Board (IAB) is a uniquely influential group of global business and policy leaders who provide perspectives to the Atlantic Council’s president and board.

* [[Josef Ackermann]], Chairman, Zurich Insurance Group Ltd
* [[Shaukat Aziz]], former Prime Minister of Pakistan
* [[Jose Maria Aznar]], former Prime Minister of Spain
* [[Zbigniew Brzezinski]], National Security Advisor to President Jimmy Carter
* [[Victor L.L. Chu]], Chairman, First Eastern Investment Group
* [[Bob Diamond (banker)|Robert E. Diamond]] Jr., Chief Executive, Barclays PLC
* [[Richard Edelman]], President and CEO, Edelman
* [[Thomas Enders]], CEO, EADS N.V
* [[Orit Gadiesh]], Chairman of the Board, Bain & Company Inc.
* [[Ashraf Ghani]], former Finance Minister of Afghanistan
* [[Thomas H. Glocer]]
* [[Jim Goodnight]], Chief Executive Officer, SAS
* [[S. Gopalakrishnan]], Co-Founder and Co-Chairman, Infosys Technologies
* [[Bahaa R. Hariri]]
* [[Muhtar Kent]], Chairman, President and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company
* [[Jan Kulczyk]], Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Kulczyk Holding SA
* [[Dinu Patriciu]], Chairman, DP Holding SA
* [[George Robertson, Baron Robertson of Port Ellen|Lord Robertson]], former Secretary General of NATO
* [[Güler Sabanci]], Chairman and Managing Director, Haci Ömer Sabanci Holding A.S.
* [[Stephen A. Schwarzman]], Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder, The Blackstone Group
* [[Martin Senn]], CEO, Zurich Financial Services
* [[James C. Smith]], CEO, Thomson Reuters
* [[Martin Sorrell]], Group Chief Executive, WPP Group PLC
* [[Robert J. Stevens]], Chairman and CEO, Lockheed Martin
* [[Lawrence Summers]], Former Director, National Economic Council
* [[Gunter Thielen]], Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Bertelsmann AG
* [[Ruben Vardanian]], Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO, Troika Dialog
* [[Daniel Vasella]], Chairman, Novartis International AG
* [[Jacob Wallenberg]], Chairman, Investor AB
* [[John Wren]], President and Chief Executive Officer, Omnicom

==Publications==
The Atlantic Council produces many publications and issue briefs about important global challenges ranging from NATO's global role to energy security. A full list of the Atlantic Council's publications and issue briefs can be found on the [http://www.acus.org/publications ACUS website].
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/anchoring-alliance Anchoring the Alliance]
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/task-ahead-memos-winner-2012-presidential-election The Task Ahead]
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/us-cyber-policy-reboot US Cyber Policy Reboot]
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/learning-libya-right-lessons-nato Learning From Libya: The Right Lessons for NATO]

==References==
{{reflist|35em}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.acus.org/ Atlantic Council]
* [http://www.bnac.org/ British-North American Committee]
* [http://www.oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/tf667nb1h6/ Atlantic Council of the United States records, 1950-1986] at the [http://www.hoover.org/hila Hoover Institution Archives].

{{NATO relations}}

[[Category:NATO]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1961]]
[[Category:Foreign policy and strategy think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:United States–European relations]]

[[de:Atlantic Council]]
[[it:Atlantic Council]]

Atlantic Council

2012-09-18T04:59:17Z

Polmandc: + link

{{infobox Organization
|name = [[Image:aclores.jpg]]
|abbreviation = Atlantic Council
|motto = Ideas. Influence. Impact.
|formation = 1961
|type = [[International relations|international affairs]] [[think tank]]
|headquarters = 1101 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC
|location = [[Washington, D.C.]]
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Frederick Kempe]]
|website = [http://www.acus.org acus.org]
}}
The '''Atlantic Council''' is a Washington, D.C. [[think tank]] and public policy group whose mission is to "promote constructive U.S. leadership and engagement in international affairs based on the central role of the Atlantic community in meeting the international challenges of the 21st century".<ref name="Mission">"[http://www.acus.org/about-mission.asp Mission]"</ref>

==History==
The Atlantic Council was founded in 1961, with the mission to encourage the continuation of cooperation between North America and Europe that began in the immediate post-war years. In its early years its work consisted largely of publishing policy papers and polling Europeans and Americans about their attitudes towards transatlantic and international cooperation. In these early years its primary focus was on economic issues – mainly encouraging free trade between the two continents, and to a lesser extent to the rest of the world – but it also did some work on political and environmental issues.<ref name="Paper">"[http://www.nato.int/acad/fellow/96-98/small.pdf]"</ref>

Although the Atlantic Council did publish policy papers and monographs, Prof. Melvin Small of [[Wayne State University]] wrote that, especially in its early years, the Council's real strength lie in its connections to influential policy makers. The Council early on found a niche as "center for informal get-togethers" of leaders from both sides of the Atlantic, with members working to develop "networks of continuing communication."<ref name="Paper" />

From its inception, the Atlantic Council has worked on issues in regions other than North America and Europe, with Asia figuring prominently in the Council's work. The Atlantic Council was among the first organizations advocating for an increased Japanese presence in the international community, and in recent years has expanded its focus with the opening of its South Asia Center and Program on Asia. Its Asian programs have expanded in recent years due to the ongoing war in Afghanistan and the new challenge of coordinating with India and China on climate change efforts.<ref name="Paper" /><ref name="transcript3">[http://www.acus.org/event/admiral-timothy-keating-asia-pacific-security-challenges/transcript]</ref>

In February 2009, [[James L. Jones]], former chairman of the Atlantic Council, stepped down in order to serve as President Obama's new [[National Security Advisor (United States)|National Security Advisor]]. In addition, Council member [[Susan Rice]] left to serve as the administration's ambassador to the UN, [[Richard Holbrooke]] became the Special Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan, General [[Eric K. Shinseki]] became the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and [[Anne-Marie Slaughter]] became Director of Policy Planning at the State Department.<ref>[http://www.politico.com/playbook/0209/playbook583.html Exclusive: Senator Hagel succeeds Gen. Jones at Atlantic Council], [[Politico (newspaper)|Politico]], 11 February 2009</ref>

The Atlantic Council has earned praise from across the international community, with NATO Secretary General [[Anders Fogh Rasmussen]] calling the Council a "pre-eminent think tank" with a "longstanding reputation,"<ref name="transcript1">[http://www.acus.org/event/nato-secretary-general-rasmussen-first-major-us-speech/transcript-full]</ref> and US Republican Senator [[Richard Lugar]] noting that the Council is "held in high esteem within the Atlantic community."<ref name="transcript2">[http://www.acus.org/event/senator-richard-lugar-congressional-perspective-future-nato/transcript-full]</ref>

==Political stance==
The Atlantic Council has, since its inception, been a nonpartisan institution with members "from the moderate internationalist wings of both parties." Despite its connections, the Council is by charter independent of the US government and NATO, and a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.<ref name="Paper" />

==Events==
The Atlantic Council has traditionally been a meeting place for heads of state, military leaders, and international leaders from both sides of the Atlantic. Recently, the Council hosted NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen's first major US speech, in which he discussed issues such as Afghanistan, Russia, and the broader transatlantic relationship.<ref name="rasmussen">[http://www.acus.org/event/nato-secretary-general-rasmussen-first-major-us-speech NATO Secretary General Rasmussen: First Major U.S. Speech], Atlantic Council, 28 September 2009</ref> Prominent members of the US Congress have also appeared, including Senators [[Richard Lugar]] and [[John Kerry]].<ref name="lugar">[http://www.acus.org/event/senator-richard-lugar-congressional-perspective-future-nato Senator Richard Lugar: Congressional Perspective on the Future of NATO], Atlantic Council, 28 September 2009</ref><ref name="kerry">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/john-kerry-and-chuck-hagel-unveil-atlantic-councils-pakistan-report Kerry and Hagel Unveil Atlantic Council's Pakistan Report], Atlantic Council, 25 February 2009</ref> The Council often hosts events with sitting heads of state and government, including Georgian President [[Mikheil Saakashvili]],<ref name="georgia">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/council-hosts-georgian-president-mikhail-saakashvili Council Hosts Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili], Atlantic Council, 24 September 2008</ref> Ukrainian Prime Minister [[Viktor Yushchenko]],<ref name="ukraine">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/atlantic-council-luncheon-victor-yushchenko-president-ukraine Council Hosts Ukrainian President Yushchenko], Atlantic Council, 23 September 2008</ref> and Latvian President [[Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga]].<ref name="latvia">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/young-atlanticist-discussion-he-vaira-vike-freiberga Young Atlanticist Discussion with President Vaira Vike-Freiberga], Atlantic Council, 3 May 2007</ref>

The Council has hosted many military leaders from both sides of the Atlantic as well. The Program on International Security has since January 2007 held periodic events known as the Commanders Series where it invites military leaders from the United States and Europe to speak about conflicts of interest to the Atlantic community.<ref name="commser">[http://www.acus.org/tags/commanders-series Commanders Series], Atlantic Council</ref> As part of the Commanders Series, American military leaders such as [[George W. Casey, Jr.|George Casey]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event/general-casey-complex-operations-and-counterinsurgency General Casey: Complex Operations and Counterinsurgency], Atlantic Council, 28 May 2009</ref> and Admiral [[Timothy Keating]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event/admiral-timothy-keating-asia-pacific-security-challenges Admiral Timothy Keating: Asia-Pacific Security Challenges], Atlantic Council, 29 June 2009</ref> and European leaders like French Chief of Defense General [[Jean-Louis Georgelin]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event/general-jean-louis-georgelin-france-nato General Jean-Louis Georgelin: France in NATO], Atlantic Council, 10 September 2009</ref> and Dutch Major General [[Ton van Loon]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/ton-van-loon-taliban-have-lost-war Ton van Loon: Taliban Have Lost the War], Atlantic Council, 5 June 2007</ref> have spoken on issues as diverse as Iraq, Afghanistan, and security threats in Asia and Africa.

Its flagship annual events are the Annual Awards Dinner in Washington, DC and the Global Citizen Awards Dinner in New York City.

==Programs and centers==
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/transatlantic-relations Transatlantic Relations]
The Program on Transatlantic Relations promotes dialogue on the major issues that will affect the evolution of the transatlantic relationship. At the heart of the program is the conviction that a healthy transatlantic relationship is an essential prerequisite for a stronger international system. The Council seeks to strengthen the transatlantic relationship by addressing specific areas of policy differences by identifying areas of potential cooperation and by building the personal networks and mutual understanding that form the basis for an effective partnership.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/international-security International Security]
The Council’s Program on International Security examines U.S. relationships with allies and adversaries in an effort to build consensus around policies that contribute to a more stable, secure and well-governed world.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/global-business-economics Global Business & Economics]
The Global Business and Economics Program works to build upon and strengthen the already deep economic integration between Europe and the United States as well as promote Transatlantic leadership in the global economy. Bringing together top business leaders, government policy makers, and economic experts, the program explores transatlantic and global issues of importance to the U.S. and European business community.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/strategic-foresight-initiative Strategic Foresight Initiative]
The Strategic Foresight Initiative seeks to enhance understanding of the potential impact and the policy implications of long-term global trends, disruptive change, and strategic shocks. The Initiative provides a hub for an expanding international community of global trends experts that seeks to enhance public policy making in the United States and other key countries.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/south-asia South Asia Center]
Under the leadership of Shuja Nawaz, the South Asia Center is the Atlantic Council’s focal point for work on Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan as well as on relations between these countries and China, Central Asia, Iran, the Arab world, Europe and the U.S. As part of the Council's Asia program, the Center seeks to foster partnerships with key institutions in the region to establish iself as a forum for dialogue between decision makers in South Asia, the U.S. and NATO. These deliberations cover internal and external security, governance, trade, economic development, education and other issues.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/energy-environment Energy & Environment]
The Energy and Environment program explores the economic and political aspects of energy security and supply, as well as international environmental issues. It promotes open access and clean air and offers policy recommendations to meet developing countries’ needs through the increased flow of capital, technology and know-how in the energy and water supply sectors.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/patriciu-eurasia-center Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center]
The Atlantic Council’s Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center fosters dialogue among regional leaders, as well with counterparts from key neighbors and global leaders. Combining in-depth understanding of Eurasia’s history with expertise on politics, economics and energy, the Center provides distinctive research and advice to governments and businesses worldwide. It seeks to promote an agenda of regional cooperation and integration based on shared values and common interest in a free, prosperous and peaceful future.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/young-atlanticist Young Atlanticist]
Launched at the 2008 NATO Summit in Bucharest, the Young Atlanticist Network brings together a community of emerging leaders who share a vision of closer Euro-Atlantic cooperation based on common values. Through online tools and regular events, the Young Atlanticist Network serves as a forum for open dialogue between young Atlanticists so they can exchange their views on a range of international issues. As a meeting place, the Network serves as a stage for global leaders to address the next generation and to share the perspective on current issues.
* [http://www.acus.org/program/ansari-africa-center Michael S. Ansari Africa Center]
The Michael S. Ansari Africa Center was established in September 2009 with a mission to help transform US and European policy approaches to Africa by emphasizing the building of strong geopolitical partnerships with African states and strengthening economic growth and prosperity on the continent.
* [http://www.acus.org/program/hariri-middle-east-center Rafik Hariri Middle East Center]
The Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East seeks to produce original analysis of the forces transforming the region, as well as policy recommendations for the United States and Europe about how to promote closer and more productive relations with the region.

==Leadership==
* [http://www.acus.org/users/chuck-hagel Chuck Hagel], Chairman
* [http://www.acus.org/users/brent-scowcroft Brent Scowcroft], Chairman of the Atlantic Council International Advisory Board
* [http://www.acus.org/users/frederick-kempe Frederick Kempe], President and CEO
* [[Damon Wilson]], Executive Vice President
* [http://www.acus.org/users/fran-burwell Fran Burwell], Vice President, Director of Transatlantic Relations
* [http://www.acus.org/users/michele-dunne Michele Dunne], Director of the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East
* [http://www.acus.org/users/banning-garrett Banning Garrett], Director of Program on Asia and Strategic Foresight Intiative
* [http://www.acus.org/users/jason-healey Jason Healey], Director of Cyber Statecraft Intiative
* [http://www.acus.org/users/james-joyner James Joyner], Managing Editor
* [http://www.acus.org/users/john-lyman John Lyman], Director of Energy & Environment
* [http://www.acus.org/users/alexei-monsarrat Alexei Monsarrat], Director of Global Business & Economics
* [http://www.acus.org/users/shuja-nawaz Shuja Nawaz], Director of South Asia Center
* [http://www.acus.org/users/barry-pavel Barry Pavel], Director of the International Security Program
* [http://www.acus.org/users/peter-pham J. Peter Pham], Director of the Michael S. Ansari Africa Center
* [http://www.acus.org/users/ross-wilson Ross Wilson], Director of the Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center

==[http://www.acus.org/people/board Board of Directors]==
* [[Robert Abernethy]]
* [[Timothy D. Adams]]
* [[Ralph Bahna]]
* [[Wesley K. Clark]]
* [[Paula Dobriansky]]
* [[C. Boyden Gray]]
* [[William Howard Taft IV]]
* [[Henry Kissinger]]
* [[Alexander Mirtchev]]
* [[Thomas R. Pickering]]
* [[James Schlesinger]]
* [[Anne-Marie Slaughter]]
* [[Walter Slocombe]]
* [[Ellen Tauscher]]
* [[David A. Wilson]]
* [[Mark Warner]]
* [[Maciej Witucki]]
* [[R. James Woolsey]]
* [[Dov S. Zakheim]]
* [[Anthony C. Zinni]]

==[http://www.acus.org/people/international-advisory-board International Advisory Board]==
The International Advisory Board (IAB) is a uniquely influential group of global business and policy leaders who provide perspectives to the Atlantic Council’s president and board.

* [[Josef Ackermann]], Chairman, Zurich Insurance Group Ltd
* [[Shaukat Aziz]], former Prime Minister of Pakistan
* [[Jose Maria Aznar]], former Prime Minister of Spain
* [[Zbigniew Brzezinski]], National Security Advisor to President Jimmy Carter
* [[Victor L.L. Chu]], Chairman, First Eastern Investment Group
* [[Bob Diamond (banker)|Robert E. Diamond]] Jr., Chief Executive, Barclays PLC
* [[Richard Edelman]], President and CEO, Edelman
* [[Thomas Enders]], CEO, EADS N.V
* [[Orit Gadiesh]], Chairman of the Board, Bain & Company Inc.
* [[Ashraf Ghani]], former Finance Minister of Afghanistan
* [[Thomas H. Glocer]]
* [[Jim Goodnight]], Chief Executive Officer, SAS
* [[S. Gopalakrishnan]], Co-Founder and Co-Chairman, Infosys Technologies
* [[Bahaa R. Hariri]]
* [[Muhtar Kent]], Chairman, President and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company
* [[Jan Kulczyk]], Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Kulczyk Holding SA
* [[Dinu Patriciu]], Chairman, DP Holding SA
* [[George Robertson, Baron Robertson of Port Ellen|Lord Robertson]], former Secretary General of NATO
* [[Güler Sabanci]], Chairman and Managing Director, Haci Ömer Sabanci Holding A.S.
* [[Stephen A. Schwarzman]], Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder, The Blackstone Group
* [[Martin Senn]], CEO, Zurich Financial Services
* [[James C. Smith]], CEO, Thomson Reuters
* [[Martin Sorrell]], Group Chief Executive, WPP Group PLC
* [[Robert J. Stevens]], Chairman and CEO, Lockheed Martin
* [[Lawrence Summers]], Former Director, National Economic Council
* [[Gunter Thielen]], Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Bertelsmann AG
* [[Ruben Vardanian]], Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO, Troika Dialog
* [[Daniel Vasella]], Chairman, Novartis International AG
* [[Jacob Wallenberg]], Chairman, Investor AB
* [[John Wren]], President and Chief Executive Officer, Omnicom

==Publications==
The Atlantic Council produces many publications and issue briefs about important global challenges ranging from NATO's global role to energy security. A full list of the Atlantic Council's publications and issue briefs can be found on the [http://www.acus.org/publications ACUS website].
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/anchoring-alliance Anchoring the Alliance]
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/task-ahead-memos-winner-2012-presidential-election The Task Ahead]
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/us-cyber-policy-reboot US Cyber Policy Reboot]
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/learning-libya-right-lessons-nato Learning From Libya: The Right Lessons for NATO]

==References==
{{reflist|35em}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.acus.org/ Atlantic Council]
* [http://www.bnac.org/ British-North American Committee]
* [http://www.oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/tf667nb1h6/ Atlantic Council of the United States records, 1950-1986] at the [http://www.hoover.org/hila Hoover Institution Archives].

{{NATO relations}}

[[Category:NATO]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1961]]
[[Category:Foreign policy and strategy think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:United States–European relations]]

[[de:Atlantic Council]]
[[it:Atlantic Council]]

Atlantic Council

2012-09-18T04:56:55Z

Polmandc: synt.

{{infobox Organization
|name = [[Image:aclores.jpg]]
|abbreviation = Atlantic Council
|motto = Ideas. Influence. Impact.
|formation = 1961
|type = [[International relations|international affairs]] [[think tank]]
|headquarters = 1101 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC
|location = [[Washington, D.C.]]
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = [[Frederick Kempe]]
|website = [http://www.acus.org acus.org]
}}
The '''Atlantic Council''' is a Washington, D.C. think tank and public policy group whose mission is to "promote constructive U.S. leadership and engagement in international affairs based on the central role of the Atlantic community in meeting the international challenges of the 21st century".<ref name="Mission">"[http://www.acus.org/about-mission.asp Mission]"</ref>

==History==
The Atlantic Council was founded in 1961, with the mission to encourage the continuation of cooperation between North America and Europe that began in the immediate post-war years. In its early years its work consisted largely of publishing policy papers and polling Europeans and Americans about their attitudes towards transatlantic and international cooperation. In these early years its primary focus was on economic issues – mainly encouraging free trade between the two continents, and to a lesser extent to the rest of the world – but it also did some work on political and environmental issues.<ref name="Paper">"[http://www.nato.int/acad/fellow/96-98/small.pdf]"</ref>

Although the Atlantic Council did publish policy papers and monographs, Prof. Melvin Small of [[Wayne State University]] wrote that, especially in its early years, the Council's real strength lie in its connections to influential policy makers. The Council early on found a niche as "center for informal get-togethers" of leaders from both sides of the Atlantic, with members working to develop "networks of continuing communication."<ref name="Paper" />

From its inception, the Atlantic Council has worked on issues in regions other than North America and Europe, with Asia figuring prominently in the Council's work. The Atlantic Council was among the first organizations advocating for an increased Japanese presence in the international community, and in recent years has expanded its focus with the opening of its South Asia Center and Program on Asia. Its Asian programs have expanded in recent years due to the ongoing war in Afghanistan and the new challenge of coordinating with India and China on climate change efforts.<ref name="Paper" /><ref name="transcript3">[http://www.acus.org/event/admiral-timothy-keating-asia-pacific-security-challenges/transcript]</ref>

In February 2009, [[James L. Jones]], former chairman of the Atlantic Council, stepped down in order to serve as President Obama's new [[National Security Advisor (United States)|National Security Advisor]]. In addition, Council member [[Susan Rice]] left to serve as the administration's ambassador to the UN, [[Richard Holbrooke]] became the Special Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan, General [[Eric K. Shinseki]] became the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and [[Anne-Marie Slaughter]] became Director of Policy Planning at the State Department.<ref>[http://www.politico.com/playbook/0209/playbook583.html Exclusive: Senator Hagel succeeds Gen. Jones at Atlantic Council], [[Politico (newspaper)|Politico]], 11 February 2009</ref>

The Atlantic Council has earned praise from across the international community, with NATO Secretary General [[Anders Fogh Rasmussen]] calling the Council a "pre-eminent think tank" with a "longstanding reputation,"<ref name="transcript1">[http://www.acus.org/event/nato-secretary-general-rasmussen-first-major-us-speech/transcript-full]</ref> and US Republican Senator [[Richard Lugar]] noting that the Council is "held in high esteem within the Atlantic community."<ref name="transcript2">[http://www.acus.org/event/senator-richard-lugar-congressional-perspective-future-nato/transcript-full]</ref>

==Political stance==
The Atlantic Council has, since its inception, been a nonpartisan institution with members "from the moderate internationalist wings of both parties." Despite its connections, the Council is by charter independent of the US government and NATO, and a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.<ref name="Paper" />

==Events==
The Atlantic Council has traditionally been a meeting place for heads of state, military leaders, and international leaders from both sides of the Atlantic. Recently, the Council hosted NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen's first major US speech, in which he discussed issues such as Afghanistan, Russia, and the broader transatlantic relationship.<ref name="rasmussen">[http://www.acus.org/event/nato-secretary-general-rasmussen-first-major-us-speech NATO Secretary General Rasmussen: First Major U.S. Speech], Atlantic Council, 28 September 2009</ref> Prominent members of the US Congress have also appeared, including Senators [[Richard Lugar]] and [[John Kerry]].<ref name="lugar">[http://www.acus.org/event/senator-richard-lugar-congressional-perspective-future-nato Senator Richard Lugar: Congressional Perspective on the Future of NATO], Atlantic Council, 28 September 2009</ref><ref name="kerry">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/john-kerry-and-chuck-hagel-unveil-atlantic-councils-pakistan-report Kerry and Hagel Unveil Atlantic Council's Pakistan Report], Atlantic Council, 25 February 2009</ref> The Council often hosts events with sitting heads of state and government, including Georgian President [[Mikheil Saakashvili]],<ref name="georgia">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/council-hosts-georgian-president-mikhail-saakashvili Council Hosts Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili], Atlantic Council, 24 September 2008</ref> Ukrainian Prime Minister [[Viktor Yushchenko]],<ref name="ukraine">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/atlantic-council-luncheon-victor-yushchenko-president-ukraine Council Hosts Ukrainian President Yushchenko], Atlantic Council, 23 September 2008</ref> and Latvian President [[Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga]].<ref name="latvia">[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/young-atlanticist-discussion-he-vaira-vike-freiberga Young Atlanticist Discussion with President Vaira Vike-Freiberga], Atlantic Council, 3 May 2007</ref>

The Council has hosted many military leaders from both sides of the Atlantic as well. The Program on International Security has since January 2007 held periodic events known as the Commanders Series where it invites military leaders from the United States and Europe to speak about conflicts of interest to the Atlantic community.<ref name="commser">[http://www.acus.org/tags/commanders-series Commanders Series], Atlantic Council</ref> As part of the Commanders Series, American military leaders such as [[George W. Casey, Jr.|George Casey]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event/general-casey-complex-operations-and-counterinsurgency General Casey: Complex Operations and Counterinsurgency], Atlantic Council, 28 May 2009</ref> and Admiral [[Timothy Keating]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event/admiral-timothy-keating-asia-pacific-security-challenges Admiral Timothy Keating: Asia-Pacific Security Challenges], Atlantic Council, 29 June 2009</ref> and European leaders like French Chief of Defense General [[Jean-Louis Georgelin]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event/general-jean-louis-georgelin-france-nato General Jean-Louis Georgelin: France in NATO], Atlantic Council, 10 September 2009</ref> and Dutch Major General [[Ton van Loon]]<ref>[http://www.acus.org/event_blog/ton-van-loon-taliban-have-lost-war Ton van Loon: Taliban Have Lost the War], Atlantic Council, 5 June 2007</ref> have spoken on issues as diverse as Iraq, Afghanistan, and security threats in Asia and Africa.

Its flagship annual events are the Annual Awards Dinner in Washington, DC and the Global Citizen Awards Dinner in New York City.

==Programs and centers==
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/transatlantic-relations Transatlantic Relations]
The Program on Transatlantic Relations promotes dialogue on the major issues that will affect the evolution of the transatlantic relationship. At the heart of the program is the conviction that a healthy transatlantic relationship is an essential prerequisite for a stronger international system. The Council seeks to strengthen the transatlantic relationship by addressing specific areas of policy differences by identifying areas of potential cooperation and by building the personal networks and mutual understanding that form the basis for an effective partnership.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/international-security International Security]
The Council’s Program on International Security examines U.S. relationships with allies and adversaries in an effort to build consensus around policies that contribute to a more stable, secure and well-governed world.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/global-business-economics Global Business & Economics]
The Global Business and Economics Program works to build upon and strengthen the already deep economic integration between Europe and the United States as well as promote Transatlantic leadership in the global economy. Bringing together top business leaders, government policy makers, and economic experts, the program explores transatlantic and global issues of importance to the U.S. and European business community.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/strategic-foresight-initiative Strategic Foresight Initiative]
The Strategic Foresight Initiative seeks to enhance understanding of the potential impact and the policy implications of long-term global trends, disruptive change, and strategic shocks. The Initiative provides a hub for an expanding international community of global trends experts that seeks to enhance public policy making in the United States and other key countries.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/south-asia South Asia Center]
Under the leadership of Shuja Nawaz, the South Asia Center is the Atlantic Council’s focal point for work on Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan as well as on relations between these countries and China, Central Asia, Iran, the Arab world, Europe and the U.S. As part of the Council's Asia program, the Center seeks to foster partnerships with key institutions in the region to establish iself as a forum for dialogue between decision makers in South Asia, the U.S. and NATO. These deliberations cover internal and external security, governance, trade, economic development, education and other issues.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/energy-environment Energy & Environment]
The Energy and Environment program explores the economic and political aspects of energy security and supply, as well as international environmental issues. It promotes open access and clean air and offers policy recommendations to meet developing countries’ needs through the increased flow of capital, technology and know-how in the energy and water supply sectors.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/patriciu-eurasia-center Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center]
The Atlantic Council’s Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center fosters dialogue among regional leaders, as well with counterparts from key neighbors and global leaders. Combining in-depth understanding of Eurasia’s history with expertise on politics, economics and energy, the Center provides distinctive research and advice to governments and businesses worldwide. It seeks to promote an agenda of regional cooperation and integration based on shared values and common interest in a free, prosperous and peaceful future.
* [http://www.acus.org/tags/young-atlanticist Young Atlanticist]
Launched at the 2008 NATO Summit in Bucharest, the Young Atlanticist Network brings together a community of emerging leaders who share a vision of closer Euro-Atlantic cooperation based on common values. Through online tools and regular events, the Young Atlanticist Network serves as a forum for open dialogue between young Atlanticists so they can exchange their views on a range of international issues. As a meeting place, the Network serves as a stage for global leaders to address the next generation and to share the perspective on current issues.
* [http://www.acus.org/program/ansari-africa-center Michael S. Ansari Africa Center]
The Michael S. Ansari Africa Center was established in September 2009 with a mission to help transform US and European policy approaches to Africa by emphasizing the building of strong geopolitical partnerships with African states and strengthening economic growth and prosperity on the continent.
* [http://www.acus.org/program/hariri-middle-east-center Rafik Hariri Middle East Center]
The Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East seeks to produce original analysis of the forces transforming the region, as well as policy recommendations for the United States and Europe about how to promote closer and more productive relations with the region.

==Leadership==
* [http://www.acus.org/users/chuck-hagel Chuck Hagel], Chairman
* [http://www.acus.org/users/brent-scowcroft Brent Scowcroft], Chairman of the Atlantic Council International Advisory Board
* [http://www.acus.org/users/frederick-kempe Frederick Kempe], President and CEO
* [[Damon Wilson]], Executive Vice President
* [http://www.acus.org/users/fran-burwell Fran Burwell], Vice President, Director of Transatlantic Relations
* [http://www.acus.org/users/michele-dunne Michele Dunne], Director of the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East
* [http://www.acus.org/users/banning-garrett Banning Garrett], Director of Program on Asia and Strategic Foresight Intiative
* [http://www.acus.org/users/jason-healey Jason Healey], Director of Cyber Statecraft Intiative
* [http://www.acus.org/users/james-joyner James Joyner], Managing Editor
* [http://www.acus.org/users/john-lyman John Lyman], Director of Energy & Environment
* [http://www.acus.org/users/alexei-monsarrat Alexei Monsarrat], Director of Global Business & Economics
* [http://www.acus.org/users/shuja-nawaz Shuja Nawaz], Director of South Asia Center
* [http://www.acus.org/users/barry-pavel Barry Pavel], Director of the International Security Program
* [http://www.acus.org/users/peter-pham J. Peter Pham], Director of the Michael S. Ansari Africa Center
* [http://www.acus.org/users/ross-wilson Ross Wilson], Director of the Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center

==[http://www.acus.org/people/board Board of Directors]==
* [[Robert Abernethy]]
* [[Timothy D. Adams]]
* [[Ralph Bahna]]
* [[Wesley K. Clark]]
* [[Paula Dobriansky]]
* [[C. Boyden Gray]]
* [[William Howard Taft IV]]
* [[Henry Kissinger]]
* [[Alexander Mirtchev]]
* [[Thomas R. Pickering]]
* [[James Schlesinger]]
* [[Anne-Marie Slaughter]]
* [[Walter Slocombe]]
* [[Ellen Tauscher]]
* [[David A. Wilson]]
* [[Mark Warner]]
* [[Maciej Witucki]]
* [[R. James Woolsey]]
* [[Dov S. Zakheim]]
* [[Anthony C. Zinni]]

==[http://www.acus.org/people/international-advisory-board International Advisory Board]==
The International Advisory Board (IAB) is a uniquely influential group of global business and policy leaders who provide perspectives to the Atlantic Council’s president and board.

* [[Josef Ackermann]], Chairman, Zurich Insurance Group Ltd
* [[Shaukat Aziz]], former Prime Minister of Pakistan
* [[Jose Maria Aznar]], former Prime Minister of Spain
* [[Zbigniew Brzezinski]], National Security Advisor to President Jimmy Carter
* [[Victor L.L. Chu]], Chairman, First Eastern Investment Group
* [[Bob Diamond (banker)|Robert E. Diamond]] Jr., Chief Executive, Barclays PLC
* [[Richard Edelman]], President and CEO, Edelman
* [[Thomas Enders]], CEO, EADS N.V
* [[Orit Gadiesh]], Chairman of the Board, Bain & Company Inc.
* [[Ashraf Ghani]], former Finance Minister of Afghanistan
* [[Thomas H. Glocer]]
* [[Jim Goodnight]], Chief Executive Officer, SAS
* [[S. Gopalakrishnan]], Co-Founder and Co-Chairman, Infosys Technologies
* [[Bahaa R. Hariri]]
* [[Muhtar Kent]], Chairman, President and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company
* [[Jan Kulczyk]], Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Kulczyk Holding SA
* [[Dinu Patriciu]], Chairman, DP Holding SA
* [[George Robertson, Baron Robertson of Port Ellen|Lord Robertson]], former Secretary General of NATO
* [[Güler Sabanci]], Chairman and Managing Director, Haci Ömer Sabanci Holding A.S.
* [[Stephen A. Schwarzman]], Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder, The Blackstone Group
* [[Martin Senn]], CEO, Zurich Financial Services
* [[James C. Smith]], CEO, Thomson Reuters
* [[Martin Sorrell]], Group Chief Executive, WPP Group PLC
* [[Robert J. Stevens]], Chairman and CEO, Lockheed Martin
* [[Lawrence Summers]], Former Director, National Economic Council
* [[Gunter Thielen]], Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Bertelsmann AG
* [[Ruben Vardanian]], Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO, Troika Dialog
* [[Daniel Vasella]], Chairman, Novartis International AG
* [[Jacob Wallenberg]], Chairman, Investor AB
* [[John Wren]], President and Chief Executive Officer, Omnicom

==Publications==
The Atlantic Council produces many publications and issue briefs about important global challenges ranging from NATO's global role to energy security. A full list of the Atlantic Council's publications and issue briefs can be found on the [http://www.acus.org/publications ACUS website].
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/anchoring-alliance Anchoring the Alliance]
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/task-ahead-memos-winner-2012-presidential-election The Task Ahead]
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/us-cyber-policy-reboot US Cyber Policy Reboot]
* [http://www.acus.org/publication/learning-libya-right-lessons-nato Learning From Libya: The Right Lessons for NATO]

==References==
{{reflist|35em}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.acus.org/ Atlantic Council]
* [http://www.bnac.org/ British-North American Committee]
* [http://www.oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/tf667nb1h6/ Atlantic Council of the United States records, 1950-1986] at the [http://www.hoover.org/hila Hoover Institution Archives].

{{NATO relations}}

[[Category:NATO]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1961]]
[[Category:Foreign policy and strategy think tanks in the United States]]
[[Category:United States–European relations]]

[[de:Atlantic Council]]
[[it:Atlantic Council]]

Edward Luttwak

2011-12-13T03:21:39Z

Polmandc: /* Intelligence operative */ syntax

{{refimprove|date=December 2011}}

'''Edward Nicolae Luttwak''' (born 1942) is an [[United States|American]] military strategist and historian who has published works on [[military strategy]], history and [[international relations]].

==Biography==
Luttwak was born into a [[History of the Jews in Romania|Jewish]] family in [[Arad, Romania|Arad]], [[Romania]], and raised in [[Italy]] and [[England]]. He attended the [[London School of Economics]] and [[Johns Hopkins University]], where he received a doctorate. His first academic post, before moving to the United States, was at the [[University of Bath]]. He became a professor at Georgetown University in 1975. In 2008, Luttwak became a Senior Advisor at the [[Center for Strategic and International Studies]] in [[Washington, D.C.]]

He has served as a consultant to the [[Office of the Secretary of Defense]], the [[United States National Security Council|National Security Council]], the [[United States Department of State]], the [[United States Navy]], [[United States Army]], [[United States Air Force]], and several NATO defense ministries. Luttwak was a member of the [[National Security Study Group]] of the [[United States Department of Defense]], and an associate of the [[Minister of Finance (Japan)|Japanese Finance Ministry]]'s Institute of Fiscal and Monetary Policy. With three other partners, he established and operated a self-sufficient forest-conservation ranch in the southern Amazon basin.

Luttwak has been a frequent [[lecturer]] and [[consultant]], and is known for his unorthodox policy ideas, suggesting for example that major powers' attempts to quell regional wars actually make conflicts more protracted.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Luttwak |first=Edward |authorlink= |coauthors= |year=1999 |month=July/August |title=Give War a Chance |journal=Foreign Affairs |volume=78 |issue=4 |pages=36–44 |id= |url= |accessdate= |quote= |doi=10.2307/20049362 }}</ref> His book ''[[Coup d'État: A Practical Handbook]]'' has been reprinted numerous times, and translated into 14 languages. His ''[[Strategy (book)|Strategy: The Logic of War and Peace]]'' is widely used as a textbook on the subject.

''[[The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire from the First Century AD to the Third]]'' is controversial among professional historians. Luttwak is seen as an outsider and non-specialist in the field. However, his book has raised questions about the [[Roman army]] and its defense of the Roman frontier. Luttwak asked "How did the [[Roman Empire|Romans]] defend the frontier?", a question that he argued had been lost in the professional discourse that focused on demographics, economics and sociology. Although many professional historians reject his views on Roman strategy, his 1976 book has increased interest in the study of Roman frontiers and strategy. Since the 1980s he has published articles on Byzantium and his book, ''The Grand Strategy of the Byzantine Empire'', was published in late 2009 and received generally positive reviews. (For a summary of his thesis and its criticisms, see [[Defence-in-depth (Roman military)]].)

Luttwak, during his childhood, spent a few years in [[Italy]], traveling between [[Palermo]], in [[Sicily]], and [[Milan]]. He speaks [[Italian language|Italian]] and is frequently cited by Italian media on political subjects. He has also co-authored two books in Italian with [[Susanna Creperio Verratti]], (a political philosopher and journalist): ''Che cos’è davvero la democrazia'' ("What Democracy really Is"), 1996 and ''Il libro delle Libertà'' ("The Book of Liberties"), 2000.

He served on the editorial boards of ''[[Geopolitique]]'' (France), the ''[[Journal of Strategic Studies]]'', ''[[The European Journal of International Affairs]]'', and the ''[[Washington Quarterly]]''. He speaks [[English language|English]], [[French language|French]], [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]], [[Italian language|Italian]], [[Spanish language|Spanish]] and other languages.

In 2004 he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degreen from the [[University of Bath]]. He received the ''America Award'' of the [[Italy-USA Foundation]] in [[2011]].

==Intelligence operative==
In addition to his persona as a "public intellectual", Luttwak is also an independent intelligence operative who is involved in clandestine activities that include "field operations, extraditions, arrests, interrogations (never, he insists, using physical violence), military consulting and counterterrorism training for different agencies of the U.S., foreign governments and private interests", he told Laura Rozen of the weekly [[The Forward]] newspaper.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rozen |first=Laura |url=http://www.forward.com/articles/13515/ |title=The Operator: The Double Life of a Military Strategist |publisher=Forward.com" |date=2008-06-05 |accessdate=2010-12-14}}</ref>

==Obama op-ed==
In May 2008 the ''[[New York Times]]'' published an opinion piece by Luttwak in which he argued that then-presidential candidate [[Barack Obama]] "was born a Muslim under Muslim law as it is universally understood" and would be considered an "apostate" by the world's Muslims if he were to become president (see [[Apostasy in Islam]]).<ref>{{cite news|last=Luttwak|first=Edward N,|title=President Apostate?|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/12/opinion/12luttwak.html?_r=1&ref=opinion|work=28 May 2008|publisher=The New York Times|accessdate=14 December 2010|date=12 May 2008}}</ref> Luttwak was widely criticized by those authors who consider this analysis a misrepresentation of ''sharia'', or Islamic law, including by the public editor of the ''New York Times,'' [[Clark Hoyt]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ali-eteraz/obama-islam-smear-changes_b_101337.html |title=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ali-eteraz/obama-islam-smear-changes_b_101337.html |publisher=Huffingtonpost.com |date= |accessdate=2010-12-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/01/opinion/01pubed.html | work=The New York Times | title=Entitled to Their Opinions, Yes. But Their Facts? | first=Clark | last=Hoyt | date=June 1, 2008 | accessdate=May 1, 2010}}</ref>

==Books==
* ''A Dictionary of Modern War'' (London, 1971), ISBN 0-7139-0130-6.
* ''The Strategic Balance, 1972'' (New York, 1972), ISBN 0-912050-33-0.
* ''The Political Uses of Sea Power'' (Baltimore, 1974), ISBN 0-8018-1658-0.
* ''The US – USSR Nuclear Weapons Balance'' (Beverly Hills, 1974), ISBN 0-8039-0096-1.
* ''The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire from the First Century AD to the Third'' (Baltimore, 1976), ISBN 0-8018-2158-4.
* ''Strategic Power: Military Capabilities and Political Utility'' (California, 1976), ISBN 0-8039-0659-5.
* ''[[Coup d'État: A Practical Handbook]]'' [ London, 1968, 1969], ISBN 0-674-17547-6. New York, 1969, Greenwich, Conn., 1969; Revised Edition: (Cambridge, Mass., 1979),(London, 1979; Sydney, 1979). Foreign-language editions: Arabic, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French (2), German, Greek, Italian (2), Japanese, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish.
* ''Sea Power in the Mediterranean: Political Utility and Military Constraints'' (California, 1979), ISBN 0-8191-6010-5
* ''The Israeli Army'' (with [[Dan Horowitz]]) (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1983), ISBN 0-06-012723-6
* ''The Grand Strategy of the Soviet Union'' (London, 1983), ISBN 0-312-34260-8
* ''The Pentagon and the Art of War'' (New York, 1984), ISBN 0-671-61770-2
* ''Strategy and History'' (New Jersey, 1985), ISBN 0-88738-065-4
* ''Strategy: The Logic of War and Peace'' (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1987), ISBN 0-674-00703-4
* ''The Endangered American Dream: How To Stop the United States from Being a Third World Country and How To Win the Geo-Economic Struggle for Industrial Supremacy'' (New York, 1993), ISBN 0-671-86963-9
* ''Turbo-Capitalism: Winners and Losers in the Global Economy'' (New York, 1999), ISBN 0-06-019330-1
* ''Strategy: The Logic of War and Peace'' Rev.Enlarged Edition (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2002), ISBN 978-0674007031.
* ''The Grand Strategy of the Byzantine Empire'' (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2009), ISBN 978-0-674-03519-5.

==See also==

* [http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/03/what_the_byzantines_can_teach.html "What the Byzantines Can Teach Us about Our National Security”] by Ishmael Jones, American Thinker, March 6, 2010.

* [http://www.infinityjournal.com/article/32/Why_China_Will_Not_Become_the_Next_Global_Power_But_It_Could "Why China Will Not Become the Next Global Power… But It Could”] by Edward Luttwak, Infinity Journal, Fall 2011.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{cite news |first=Edward |last=Luttwak |url=http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/55210/edward-n-luttwak/give-war-a-chance |title=Give War a Chance |work=[[Foreign Affairs]] |date=July 1999}}
* {{cite news |first=Edward |last=Luttwak |url=http://www.comw.org/pda/fulltext/0512luttwak.pdf |format=PDF |title=Iraq: The Logic of Disengagement |work=Foreign Affairs |date=January 2005}}
* {{cite news |first=Edward |last=Luttwak |url=http://www.prospect-magazine.co.uk/article_details.php?id=9302 |title=The middle of nowhere |work=[[Prospect (magazine)|Prospect]] |date=May 2007}}
* {{cite news |first=Corey |last=Robin |authorlink=Corey Robin |url=http://www3.iath.virginia.edu/lists_archive/sixties-l/2776.html|title=The Ex-Cons: Right-Wing Thinkers Go Left!}}, an analysis containing several pages on Luttwak's life and thought.
* Interview with Edward Luttwak, [http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/conversations/Luttwak/luttwak-con0.html Conversation with Edward Luttwak], [[Conversations with History]], March 1987.
* Interview with Edward Luttwak, [http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/people7/Luttwak/luttwak-con0.html The Logic of Strategy and U.S. Foreign Policy], [[Conversations with History]], November 2007.

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[[Category:1942 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Academics of the University of Bath]]
[[Category:Alumni of the London School of Economics]]
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[[fr:Edward Luttwak]]
[[it:Edward Luttwak]]
[[he:אדוארד לוטוואק]]
[[ja:エドワード・ルトワック]]
[[pl:Edward Luttwak]]
[[ru:Люттвак, Эдвард]]

Edward Luttwak

2011-12-13T03:20:48Z

Polmandc: /* External links */ - dead link

{{refimprove|date=December 2011}}

'''Edward Nicolae Luttwak''' (born 1942) is an [[United States|American]] military strategist and historian who has published works on [[military strategy]], history and [[international relations]].

==Biography==
Luttwak was born into a [[History of the Jews in Romania|Jewish]] family in [[Arad, Romania|Arad]], [[Romania]], and raised in [[Italy]] and [[England]]. He attended the [[London School of Economics]] and [[Johns Hopkins University]], where he received a doctorate. His first academic post, before moving to the United States, was at the [[University of Bath]]. He became a professor at Georgetown University in 1975. In 2008, Luttwak became a Senior Advisor at the [[Center for Strategic and International Studies]] in [[Washington, D.C.]]

He has served as a consultant to the [[Office of the Secretary of Defense]], the [[United States National Security Council|National Security Council]], the [[United States Department of State]], the [[United States Navy]], [[United States Army]], [[United States Air Force]], and several NATO defense ministries. Luttwak was a member of the [[National Security Study Group]] of the [[United States Department of Defense]], and an associate of the [[Minister of Finance (Japan)|Japanese Finance Ministry]]'s Institute of Fiscal and Monetary Policy. With three other partners, he established and operated a self-sufficient forest-conservation ranch in the southern Amazon basin.

Luttwak has been a frequent [[lecturer]] and [[consultant]], and is known for his unorthodox policy ideas, suggesting for example that major powers' attempts to quell regional wars actually make conflicts more protracted.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Luttwak |first=Edward |authorlink= |coauthors= |year=1999 |month=July/August |title=Give War a Chance |journal=Foreign Affairs |volume=78 |issue=4 |pages=36–44 |id= |url= |accessdate= |quote= |doi=10.2307/20049362 }}</ref> His book ''[[Coup d'État: A Practical Handbook]]'' has been reprinted numerous times, and translated into 14 languages. His ''[[Strategy (book)|Strategy: The Logic of War and Peace]]'' is widely used as a textbook on the subject.

''[[The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire from the First Century AD to the Third]]'' is controversial among professional historians. Luttwak is seen as an outsider and non-specialist in the field. However, his book has raised questions about the [[Roman army]] and its defense of the Roman frontier. Luttwak asked "How did the [[Roman Empire|Romans]] defend the frontier?", a question that he argued had been lost in the professional discourse that focused on demographics, economics and sociology. Although many professional historians reject his views on Roman strategy, his 1976 book has increased interest in the study of Roman frontiers and strategy. Since the 1980s he has published articles on Byzantium and his book, ''The Grand Strategy of the Byzantine Empire'', was published in late 2009 and received generally positive reviews. (For a summary of his thesis and its criticisms, see [[Defence-in-depth (Roman military)]].)

Luttwak, during his childhood, spent a few years in [[Italy]], traveling between [[Palermo]], in [[Sicily]], and [[Milan]]. He speaks [[Italian language|Italian]] and is frequently cited by Italian media on political subjects. He has also co-authored two books in Italian with [[Susanna Creperio Verratti]], (a political philosopher and journalist): ''Che cos’è davvero la democrazia'' ("What Democracy really Is"), 1996 and ''Il libro delle Libertà'' ("The Book of Liberties"), 2000.

He served on the editorial boards of ''[[Geopolitique]]'' (France), the ''[[Journal of Strategic Studies]]'', ''[[The European Journal of International Affairs]]'', and the ''[[Washington Quarterly]]''. He speaks [[English language|English]], [[French language|French]], [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]], [[Italian language|Italian]], [[Spanish language|Spanish]] and other languages.

In 2004 he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degreen from the [[University of Bath]]. He received the ''America Award'' of the [[Italy-USA Foundation]] in [[2011]].

==Intelligence operative==
In addition to his persona as a "public intellectual," Luttwak is also an independent intelligence operative who is involved in clandestine activities that include "field operations, extraditions, arrests, interrogations (never, he insists, using physical violence), military consulting and counterterrorism training for different agencies of the U.S., foreign governments and private interests," he told Laura Rozen of the weekly [[The Forward]] newspaper.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rozen |first=Laura |url=http://www.forward.com/articles/13515/ |title=The Operator: The Double Life of a Military Strategist |publisher=Forward.com" |date=2008-06-05 |accessdate=2010-12-14}}</ref>

==Obama op-ed==
In May 2008 the ''[[New York Times]]'' published an opinion piece by Luttwak in which he argued that then-presidential candidate [[Barack Obama]] "was born a Muslim under Muslim law as it is universally understood" and would be considered an "apostate" by the world's Muslims if he were to become president (see [[Apostasy in Islam]]).<ref>{{cite news|last=Luttwak|first=Edward N,|title=President Apostate?|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/12/opinion/12luttwak.html?_r=1&ref=opinion|work=28 May 2008|publisher=The New York Times|accessdate=14 December 2010|date=12 May 2008}}</ref> Luttwak was widely criticized by those authors who consider this analysis a misrepresentation of ''sharia'', or Islamic law, including by the public editor of the ''New York Times,'' [[Clark Hoyt]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ali-eteraz/obama-islam-smear-changes_b_101337.html |title=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ali-eteraz/obama-islam-smear-changes_b_101337.html |publisher=Huffingtonpost.com |date= |accessdate=2010-12-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/01/opinion/01pubed.html | work=The New York Times | title=Entitled to Their Opinions, Yes. But Their Facts? | first=Clark | last=Hoyt | date=June 1, 2008 | accessdate=May 1, 2010}}</ref>

==Books==
* ''A Dictionary of Modern War'' (London, 1971), ISBN 0-7139-0130-6.
* ''The Strategic Balance, 1972'' (New York, 1972), ISBN 0-912050-33-0.
* ''The Political Uses of Sea Power'' (Baltimore, 1974), ISBN 0-8018-1658-0.
* ''The US – USSR Nuclear Weapons Balance'' (Beverly Hills, 1974), ISBN 0-8039-0096-1.
* ''The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire from the First Century AD to the Third'' (Baltimore, 1976), ISBN 0-8018-2158-4.
* ''Strategic Power: Military Capabilities and Political Utility'' (California, 1976), ISBN 0-8039-0659-5.
* ''[[Coup d'État: A Practical Handbook]]'' [ London, 1968, 1969], ISBN 0-674-17547-6. New York, 1969, Greenwich, Conn., 1969; Revised Edition: (Cambridge, Mass., 1979),(London, 1979; Sydney, 1979). Foreign-language editions: Arabic, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French (2), German, Greek, Italian (2), Japanese, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish.
* ''Sea Power in the Mediterranean: Political Utility and Military Constraints'' (California, 1979), ISBN 0-8191-6010-5
* ''The Israeli Army'' (with [[Dan Horowitz]]) (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1983), ISBN 0-06-012723-6
* ''The Grand Strategy of the Soviet Union'' (London, 1983), ISBN 0-312-34260-8
* ''The Pentagon and the Art of War'' (New York, 1984), ISBN 0-671-61770-2
* ''Strategy and History'' (New Jersey, 1985), ISBN 0-88738-065-4
* ''Strategy: The Logic of War and Peace'' (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1987), ISBN 0-674-00703-4
* ''The Endangered American Dream: How To Stop the United States from Being a Third World Country and How To Win the Geo-Economic Struggle for Industrial Supremacy'' (New York, 1993), ISBN 0-671-86963-9
* ''Turbo-Capitalism: Winners and Losers in the Global Economy'' (New York, 1999), ISBN 0-06-019330-1
* ''Strategy: The Logic of War and Peace'' Rev.Enlarged Edition (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2002), ISBN 978-0674007031.
* ''The Grand Strategy of the Byzantine Empire'' (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2009), ISBN 978-0-674-03519-5.

==See also==

* [http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/03/what_the_byzantines_can_teach.html "What the Byzantines Can Teach Us about Our National Security”] by Ishmael Jones, American Thinker, March 6, 2010.

* [http://www.infinityjournal.com/article/32/Why_China_Will_Not_Become_the_Next_Global_Power_But_It_Could "Why China Will Not Become the Next Global Power… But It Could”] by Edward Luttwak, Infinity Journal, Fall 2011.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{cite news |first=Edward |last=Luttwak |url=http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/55210/edward-n-luttwak/give-war-a-chance |title=Give War a Chance |work=[[Foreign Affairs]] |date=July 1999}}
* {{cite news |first=Edward |last=Luttwak |url=http://www.comw.org/pda/fulltext/0512luttwak.pdf |format=PDF |title=Iraq: The Logic of Disengagement |work=Foreign Affairs |date=January 2005}}
* {{cite news |first=Edward |last=Luttwak |url=http://www.prospect-magazine.co.uk/article_details.php?id=9302 |title=The middle of nowhere |work=[[Prospect (magazine)|Prospect]] |date=May 2007}}
* {{cite news |first=Corey |last=Robin |authorlink=Corey Robin |url=http://www3.iath.virginia.edu/lists_archive/sixties-l/2776.html|title=The Ex-Cons: Right-Wing Thinkers Go Left!}}, an analysis containing several pages on Luttwak's life and thought.
* Interview with Edward Luttwak, [http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/conversations/Luttwak/luttwak-con0.html Conversation with Edward Luttwak], [[Conversations with History]], March 1987.
* Interview with Edward Luttwak, [http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/people7/Luttwak/luttwak-con0.html The Logic of Strategy and U.S. Foreign Policy], [[Conversations with History]], November 2007.

{{Persondata 
| NAME = Luttwak, Edward
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1942
| PLACE OF BIRTH =
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Luttwak, Edward}}
[[Category:1942 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Academics of the University of Bath]]
[[Category:Alumni of the London School of Economics]]
[[Category:American economists]]
[[Category:American essayists]]
[[Category:American historians]]
[[Category:American Jews]]
[[Category:American people of Romanian-Jewish descent]]
[[Category:American military writers]]
[[Category:Johns Hopkins University alumni]]
[[Category:American military historians]]
[[Category:People from Arad, Romania]]
[[Category:Political analysts]]
[[Category:Romanian Jews]]

[[fr:Edward Luttwak]]
[[it:Edward Luttwak]]
[[he:אדוארד לוטוואק]]
[[ja:エドワード・ルトワック]]
[[pl:Edward Luttwak]]
[[ru:Люттвак, Эдвард]]

Edward Luttwak

2011-12-13T03:19:27Z

Polmandc: /* External links */ ciitation fixed

{{refimprove|date=December 2011}}

'''Edward Nicolae Luttwak''' (born 1942) is an [[United States|American]] military strategist and historian who has published works on [[military strategy]], history and [[international relations]].

==Biography==
Luttwak was born into a [[History of the Jews in Romania|Jewish]] family in [[Arad, Romania|Arad]], [[Romania]], and raised in [[Italy]] and [[England]]. He attended the [[London School of Economics]] and [[Johns Hopkins University]], where he received a doctorate. His first academic post, before moving to the United States, was at the [[University of Bath]]. He became a professor at Georgetown University in 1975. In 2008, Luttwak became a Senior Advisor at the [[Center for Strategic and International Studies]] in [[Washington, D.C.]]

He has served as a consultant to the [[Office of the Secretary of Defense]], the [[United States National Security Council|National Security Council]], the [[United States Department of State]], the [[United States Navy]], [[United States Army]], [[United States Air Force]], and several NATO defense ministries. Luttwak was a member of the [[National Security Study Group]] of the [[United States Department of Defense]], and an associate of the [[Minister of Finance (Japan)|Japanese Finance Ministry]]'s Institute of Fiscal and Monetary Policy. With three other partners, he established and operated a self-sufficient forest-conservation ranch in the southern Amazon basin.

Luttwak has been a frequent [[lecturer]] and [[consultant]], and is known for his unorthodox policy ideas, suggesting for example that major powers' attempts to quell regional wars actually make conflicts more protracted.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Luttwak |first=Edward |authorlink= |coauthors= |year=1999 |month=July/August |title=Give War a Chance |journal=Foreign Affairs |volume=78 |issue=4 |pages=36–44 |id= |url= |accessdate= |quote= |doi=10.2307/20049362 }}</ref> His book ''[[Coup d'État: A Practical Handbook]]'' has been reprinted numerous times, and translated into 14 languages. His ''[[Strategy (book)|Strategy: The Logic of War and Peace]]'' is widely used as a textbook on the subject.

''[[The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire from the First Century AD to the Third]]'' is controversial among professional historians. Luttwak is seen as an outsider and non-specialist in the field. However, his book has raised questions about the [[Roman army]] and its defense of the Roman frontier. Luttwak asked "How did the [[Roman Empire|Romans]] defend the frontier?", a question that he argued had been lost in the professional discourse that focused on demographics, economics and sociology. Although many professional historians reject his views on Roman strategy, his 1976 book has increased interest in the study of Roman frontiers and strategy. Since the 1980s he has published articles on Byzantium and his book, ''The Grand Strategy of the Byzantine Empire'', was published in late 2009 and received generally positive reviews. (For a summary of his thesis and its criticisms, see [[Defence-in-depth (Roman military)]].)

Luttwak, during his childhood, spent a few years in [[Italy]], traveling between [[Palermo]], in [[Sicily]], and [[Milan]]. He speaks [[Italian language|Italian]] and is frequently cited by Italian media on political subjects. He has also co-authored two books in Italian with [[Susanna Creperio Verratti]], (a political philosopher and journalist): ''Che cos’è davvero la democrazia'' ("What Democracy really Is"), 1996 and ''Il libro delle Libertà'' ("The Book of Liberties"), 2000.

He served on the editorial boards of ''[[Geopolitique]]'' (France), the ''[[Journal of Strategic Studies]]'', ''[[The European Journal of International Affairs]]'', and the ''[[Washington Quarterly]]''. He speaks [[English language|English]], [[French language|French]], [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]], [[Italian language|Italian]], [[Spanish language|Spanish]] and other languages.

In 2004 he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degreen from the [[University of Bath]]. He received the ''America Award'' of the [[Italy-USA Foundation]] in [[2011]].

==Intelligence operative==
In addition to his persona as a "public intellectual," Luttwak is also an independent intelligence operative who is involved in clandestine activities that include "field operations, extraditions, arrests, interrogations (never, he insists, using physical violence), military consulting and counterterrorism training for different agencies of the U.S., foreign governments and private interests," he told Laura Rozen of the weekly [[The Forward]] newspaper.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rozen |first=Laura |url=http://www.forward.com/articles/13515/ |title=The Operator: The Double Life of a Military Strategist |publisher=Forward.com" |date=2008-06-05 |accessdate=2010-12-14}}</ref>

==Obama op-ed==
In May 2008 the ''[[New York Times]]'' published an opinion piece by Luttwak in which he argued that then-presidential candidate [[Barack Obama]] "was born a Muslim under Muslim law as it is universally understood" and would be considered an "apostate" by the world's Muslims if he were to become president (see [[Apostasy in Islam]]).<ref>{{cite news|last=Luttwak|first=Edward N,|title=President Apostate?|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/12/opinion/12luttwak.html?_r=1&ref=opinion|work=28 May 2008|publisher=The New York Times|accessdate=14 December 2010|date=12 May 2008}}</ref> Luttwak was widely criticized by those authors who consider this analysis a misrepresentation of ''sharia'', or Islamic law, including by the public editor of the ''New York Times,'' [[Clark Hoyt]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ali-eteraz/obama-islam-smear-changes_b_101337.html |title=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ali-eteraz/obama-islam-smear-changes_b_101337.html |publisher=Huffingtonpost.com |date= |accessdate=2010-12-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/01/opinion/01pubed.html | work=The New York Times | title=Entitled to Their Opinions, Yes. But Their Facts? | first=Clark | last=Hoyt | date=June 1, 2008 | accessdate=May 1, 2010}}</ref>

==Books==
* ''A Dictionary of Modern War'' (London, 1971), ISBN 0-7139-0130-6.
* ''The Strategic Balance, 1972'' (New York, 1972), ISBN 0-912050-33-0.
* ''The Political Uses of Sea Power'' (Baltimore, 1974), ISBN 0-8018-1658-0.
* ''The US – USSR Nuclear Weapons Balance'' (Beverly Hills, 1974), ISBN 0-8039-0096-1.
* ''The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire from the First Century AD to the Third'' (Baltimore, 1976), ISBN 0-8018-2158-4.
* ''Strategic Power: Military Capabilities and Political Utility'' (California, 1976), ISBN 0-8039-0659-5.
* ''[[Coup d'État: A Practical Handbook]]'' [ London, 1968, 1969], ISBN 0-674-17547-6. New York, 1969, Greenwich, Conn., 1969; Revised Edition: (Cambridge, Mass., 1979),(London, 1979; Sydney, 1979). Foreign-language editions: Arabic, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French (2), German, Greek, Italian (2), Japanese, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish.
* ''Sea Power in the Mediterranean: Political Utility and Military Constraints'' (California, 1979), ISBN 0-8191-6010-5
* ''The Israeli Army'' (with [[Dan Horowitz]]) (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1983), ISBN 0-06-012723-6
* ''The Grand Strategy of the Soviet Union'' (London, 1983), ISBN 0-312-34260-8
* ''The Pentagon and the Art of War'' (New York, 1984), ISBN 0-671-61770-2
* ''Strategy and History'' (New Jersey, 1985), ISBN 0-88738-065-4
* ''Strategy: The Logic of War and Peace'' (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1987), ISBN 0-674-00703-4
* ''The Endangered American Dream: How To Stop the United States from Being a Third World Country and How To Win the Geo-Economic Struggle for Industrial Supremacy'' (New York, 1993), ISBN 0-671-86963-9
* ''Turbo-Capitalism: Winners and Losers in the Global Economy'' (New York, 1999), ISBN 0-06-019330-1
* ''Strategy: The Logic of War and Peace'' Rev.Enlarged Edition (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2002), ISBN 978-0674007031.
* ''The Grand Strategy of the Byzantine Empire'' (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2009), ISBN 978-0-674-03519-5.

==See also==

* [http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/03/what_the_byzantines_can_teach.html "What the Byzantines Can Teach Us about Our National Security”] by Ishmael Jones, American Thinker, March 6, 2010.

* [http://www.infinityjournal.com/article/32/Why_China_Will_Not_Become_the_Next_Global_Power_But_It_Could "Why China Will Not Become the Next Global Power… But It Could”] by Edward Luttwak, Infinity Journal, Fall 2011.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.csis.org/component/option,com_csis_experts/task,view/type,2/id,109/]
* {{cite news |first=Edward |last=Luttwak |url=http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/55210/edward-n-luttwak/give-war-a-chance |title=Give War a Chance |work=[[Foreign Affairs]] |date=July 1999}}
* {{cite news |first=Edward |last=Luttwak |url=http://www.comw.org/pda/fulltext/0512luttwak.pdf |format=PDF |title=Iraq: The Logic of Disengagement |work=Foreign Affairs |date=January 2005}}
* {{cite news |first=Edward |last=Luttwak |url=http://www.prospect-magazine.co.uk/article_details.php?id=9302 |title=The middle of nowhere |work=[[Prospect (magazine)|Prospect]] |date=May 2007}}
* {{cite news |first=Corey |last=Robin |authorlink=Corey Robin |url=http://www3.iath.virginia.edu/lists_archive/sixties-l/2776.html|title=The Ex-Cons: Right-Wing Thinkers Go Left!}}, an analysis containing several pages on Luttwak's life and thought.
* Interview with Edward Luttwak, [http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/conversations/Luttwak/luttwak-con0.html Conversation with Edward Luttwak], [[Conversations with History]], March 1987.
* Interview with Edward Luttwak, [http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/people7/Luttwak/luttwak-con0.html The Logic of Strategy and U.S. Foreign Policy], [[Conversations with History]], November 2007.

{{Persondata 
| NAME = Luttwak, Edward
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1942
| PLACE OF BIRTH =
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Luttwak, Edward}}
[[Category:1942 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Academics of the University of Bath]]
[[Category:Alumni of the London School of Economics]]
[[Category:American economists]]
[[Category:American essayists]]
[[Category:American historians]]
[[Category:American Jews]]
[[Category:American people of Romanian-Jewish descent]]
[[Category:American military writers]]
[[Category:Johns Hopkins University alumni]]
[[Category:American military historians]]
[[Category:People from Arad, Romania]]
[[Category:Political analysts]]
[[Category:Romanian Jews]]

[[fr:Edward Luttwak]]
[[it:Edward Luttwak]]
[[he:אדוארד לוטוואק]]
[[ja:エドワード・ルトワック]]
[[pl:Edward Luttwak]]
[[ru:Люттвак, Эдвард]]

Edward Luttwak

2011-12-13T03:17:37Z

Polmandc: {refimprove}

{{refimprove|date=December 2011}}

'''Edward Nicolae Luttwak''' (born 1942) is an [[United States|American]] military strategist and historian who has published works on [[military strategy]], history and [[international relations]].

==Biography==
Luttwak was born into a [[History of the Jews in Romania|Jewish]] family in [[Arad, Romania|Arad]], [[Romania]], and raised in [[Italy]] and [[England]]. He attended the [[London School of Economics]] and [[Johns Hopkins University]], where he received a doctorate. His first academic post, before moving to the United States, was at the [[University of Bath]]. He became a professor at Georgetown University in 1975. In 2008, Luttwak became a Senior Advisor at the [[Center for Strategic and International Studies]] in [[Washington, D.C.]]

He has served as a consultant to the [[Office of the Secretary of Defense]], the [[United States National Security Council|National Security Council]], the [[United States Department of State]], the [[United States Navy]], [[United States Army]], [[United States Air Force]], and several NATO defense ministries. Luttwak was a member of the [[National Security Study Group]] of the [[United States Department of Defense]], and an associate of the [[Minister of Finance (Japan)|Japanese Finance Ministry]]'s Institute of Fiscal and Monetary Policy. With three other partners, he established and operated a self-sufficient forest-conservation ranch in the southern Amazon basin.

Luttwak has been a frequent [[lecturer]] and [[consultant]], and is known for his unorthodox policy ideas, suggesting for example that major powers' attempts to quell regional wars actually make conflicts more protracted.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Luttwak |first=Edward |authorlink= |coauthors= |year=1999 |month=July/August |title=Give War a Chance |journal=Foreign Affairs |volume=78 |issue=4 |pages=36–44 |id= |url= |accessdate= |quote= |doi=10.2307/20049362 }}</ref> His book ''[[Coup d'État: A Practical Handbook]]'' has been reprinted numerous times, and translated into 14 languages. His ''[[Strategy (book)|Strategy: The Logic of War and Peace]]'' is widely used as a textbook on the subject.

''[[The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire from the First Century AD to the Third]]'' is controversial among professional historians. Luttwak is seen as an outsider and non-specialist in the field. However, his book has raised questions about the [[Roman army]] and its defense of the Roman frontier. Luttwak asked "How did the [[Roman Empire|Romans]] defend the frontier?", a question that he argued had been lost in the professional discourse that focused on demographics, economics and sociology. Although many professional historians reject his views on Roman strategy, his 1976 book has increased interest in the study of Roman frontiers and strategy. Since the 1980s he has published articles on Byzantium and his book, ''The Grand Strategy of the Byzantine Empire'', was published in late 2009 and received generally positive reviews. (For a summary of his thesis and its criticisms, see [[Defence-in-depth (Roman military)]].)

Luttwak, during his childhood, spent a few years in [[Italy]], traveling between [[Palermo]], in [[Sicily]], and [[Milan]]. He speaks [[Italian language|Italian]] and is frequently cited by Italian media on political subjects. He has also co-authored two books in Italian with [[Susanna Creperio Verratti]], (a political philosopher and journalist): ''Che cos’è davvero la democrazia'' ("What Democracy really Is"), 1996 and ''Il libro delle Libertà'' ("The Book of Liberties"), 2000.

He served on the editorial boards of ''[[Geopolitique]]'' (France), the ''[[Journal of Strategic Studies]]'', ''[[The European Journal of International Affairs]]'', and the ''[[Washington Quarterly]]''. He speaks [[English language|English]], [[French language|French]], [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]], [[Italian language|Italian]], [[Spanish language|Spanish]] and other languages.

In 2004 he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degreen from the [[University of Bath]]. He received the ''America Award'' of the [[Italy-USA Foundation]] in [[2011]].

==Intelligence operative==
In addition to his persona as a "public intellectual," Luttwak is also an independent intelligence operative who is involved in clandestine activities that include "field operations, extraditions, arrests, interrogations (never, he insists, using physical violence), military consulting and counterterrorism training for different agencies of the U.S., foreign governments and private interests," he told Laura Rozen of the weekly [[The Forward]] newspaper.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rozen |first=Laura |url=http://www.forward.com/articles/13515/ |title=The Operator: The Double Life of a Military Strategist |publisher=Forward.com" |date=2008-06-05 |accessdate=2010-12-14}}</ref>

==Obama op-ed==
In May 2008 the ''[[New York Times]]'' published an opinion piece by Luttwak in which he argued that then-presidential candidate [[Barack Obama]] "was born a Muslim under Muslim law as it is universally understood" and would be considered an "apostate" by the world's Muslims if he were to become president (see [[Apostasy in Islam]]).<ref>{{cite news|last=Luttwak|first=Edward N,|title=President Apostate?|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/12/opinion/12luttwak.html?_r=1&ref=opinion|work=28 May 2008|publisher=The New York Times|accessdate=14 December 2010|date=12 May 2008}}</ref> Luttwak was widely criticized by those authors who consider this analysis a misrepresentation of ''sharia'', or Islamic law, including by the public editor of the ''New York Times,'' [[Clark Hoyt]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ali-eteraz/obama-islam-smear-changes_b_101337.html |title=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ali-eteraz/obama-islam-smear-changes_b_101337.html |publisher=Huffingtonpost.com |date= |accessdate=2010-12-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/01/opinion/01pubed.html | work=The New York Times | title=Entitled to Their Opinions, Yes. But Their Facts? | first=Clark | last=Hoyt | date=June 1, 2008 | accessdate=May 1, 2010}}</ref>

==Books==
* ''A Dictionary of Modern War'' (London, 1971), ISBN 0-7139-0130-6.
* ''The Strategic Balance, 1972'' (New York, 1972), ISBN 0-912050-33-0.
* ''The Political Uses of Sea Power'' (Baltimore, 1974), ISBN 0-8018-1658-0.
* ''The US – USSR Nuclear Weapons Balance'' (Beverly Hills, 1974), ISBN 0-8039-0096-1.
* ''The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire from the First Century AD to the Third'' (Baltimore, 1976), ISBN 0-8018-2158-4.
* ''Strategic Power: Military Capabilities and Political Utility'' (California, 1976), ISBN 0-8039-0659-5.
* ''[[Coup d'État: A Practical Handbook]]'' [ London, 1968, 1969], ISBN 0-674-17547-6. New York, 1969, Greenwich, Conn., 1969; Revised Edition: (Cambridge, Mass., 1979),(London, 1979; Sydney, 1979). Foreign-language editions: Arabic, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French (2), German, Greek, Italian (2), Japanese, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish.
* ''Sea Power in the Mediterranean: Political Utility and Military Constraints'' (California, 1979), ISBN 0-8191-6010-5
* ''The Israeli Army'' (with [[Dan Horowitz]]) (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1983), ISBN 0-06-012723-6
* ''The Grand Strategy of the Soviet Union'' (London, 1983), ISBN 0-312-34260-8
* ''The Pentagon and the Art of War'' (New York, 1984), ISBN 0-671-61770-2
* ''Strategy and History'' (New Jersey, 1985), ISBN 0-88738-065-4
* ''Strategy: The Logic of War and Peace'' (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1987), ISBN 0-674-00703-4
* ''The Endangered American Dream: How To Stop the United States from Being a Third World Country and How To Win the Geo-Economic Struggle for Industrial Supremacy'' (New York, 1993), ISBN 0-671-86963-9
* ''Turbo-Capitalism: Winners and Losers in the Global Economy'' (New York, 1999), ISBN 0-06-019330-1
* ''Strategy: The Logic of War and Peace'' Rev.Enlarged Edition (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2002), ISBN 978-0674007031.
* ''The Grand Strategy of the Byzantine Empire'' (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2009), ISBN 978-0-674-03519-5.

==See also==

* [http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/03/what_the_byzantines_can_teach.html "What the Byzantines Can Teach Us about Our National Security”] by Ishmael Jones, American Thinker, March 6, 2010.

* [http://www.infinityjournal.com/article/32/Why_China_Will_Not_Become_the_Next_Global_Power_But_It_Could "Why China Will Not Become the Next Global Power… But It Could”] by Edward Luttwak, Infinity Journal, Fall 2011.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.csis.org/component/option,com_csis_experts/task,view/type,2/id,109/]
* {{cite news |first=Edward |last=Luttwak |url=http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/55210/edward-n-luttwak/give-war-a-chance |title=Give War a Chance |work=[[Foreign Affairs]] |date=July 1999}}
* {{cite news |first=Edward |last=Luttwak |url=http://www.comw.org/pda/fulltext/0512luttwak.pdf |format=PDF |title=Iraq: The Logic of Disengagement |work=Foreign Affairs |date=January 2005}}
* {{cite news |first=Edward |last=Luttwak |url=http://www.prospect-magazine.co.uk/article_details.php?id=9302 |title=The middle of nowhere |work=[[Prospect (magazine)|Prospect]] |date=May 2007}}
* {{cite news |first=Corey |last=Robin |authorlink=Corey Robin |url=http://www3.iath.virginia.edu/lists_archive/sixties-l/2776.html|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20060312233506/http://www3.iath.virginia.edu/lists_archive/sixties-l/2776.html|title=The Ex-Cons: Right-Wing Thinkers Go Left!}}, an analysis containing several pages on Luttwak's life and thought.
* Interview with Edward Luttwak, [http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/conversations/Luttwak/luttwak-con0.html Conversation with Edward Luttwak], [[Conversations with History]], March 1987.
* Interview with Edward Luttwak, [http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/people7/Luttwak/luttwak-con0.html The Logic of Strategy and U.S. Foreign Policy], [[Conversations with History]], November 2007.

{{Persondata 
| NAME = Luttwak, Edward
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1942
| PLACE OF BIRTH =
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Luttwak, Edward}}
[[Category:1942 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Academics of the University of Bath]]
[[Category:Alumni of the London School of Economics]]
[[Category:American economists]]
[[Category:American essayists]]
[[Category:American historians]]
[[Category:American Jews]]
[[Category:American people of Romanian-Jewish descent]]
[[Category:American military writers]]
[[Category:Johns Hopkins University alumni]]
[[Category:American military historians]]
[[Category:People from Arad, Romania]]
[[Category:Political analysts]]
[[Category:Romanian Jews]]

[[fr:Edward Luttwak]]
[[it:Edward Luttwak]]
[[he:אדוארד לוטוואק]]
[[ja:エドワード・ルトワック]]
[[pl:Edward Luttwak]]
[[ru:Люттвак, Эдвард]]

Edward Luttwak

2011-12-13T03:07:23Z

Polmandc: /* Biography */ style

'''Edward Nicolae Luttwak''' (born 1942) is an [[United States|American]] military strategist and historian who has published works on [[military strategy]], history and [[international relations]].

==Biography==
Luttwak was born into a [[History of the Jews in Romania|Jewish]] family in [[Arad, Romania|Arad]], [[Romania]], and raised in [[Italy]] and [[England]]. He attended the [[London School of Economics]] and [[Johns Hopkins University]], where he received a doctorate. His first academic post, before moving to the United States, was at the [[University of Bath]]. He became a professor at Georgetown University in 1975. In 2008, Luttwak became a Senior Advisor at the [[Center for Strategic and International Studies]] in [[Washington, D.C.]]

He has served as a consultant to the [[Office of the Secretary of Defense]], the [[United States National Security Council|National Security Council]], the [[United States Department of State]], the [[United States Navy]], [[United States Army]], [[United States Air Force]], and several NATO defense ministries. Luttwak was a member of the [[National Security Study Group]] of the [[United States Department of Defense]], and an associate of the [[Minister of Finance (Japan)|Japanese Finance Ministry]]'s Institute of Fiscal and Monetary Policy. With three other partners, he established and operated a self-sufficient forest-conservation ranch in the southern Amazon basin.

Luttwak has been a frequent [[lecturer]] and [[consultant]], and is known for his unorthodox{{Says who|date=April 2010}} policy ideas, suggesting for example that major powers' attempts to quell regional wars actually make conflicts more protracted.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Luttwak |first=Edward |authorlink= |coauthors= |year=1999 |month=July/August |title=Give War a Chance |journal=Foreign Affairs |volume=78 |issue=4 |pages=36–44 |id= |url= |accessdate= |quote= |doi=10.2307/20049362 }}</ref> His book ''[[Coup d'État: A Practical Handbook]]'' has been reprinted numerous times, and translated into 14 languages. His ''[[Strategy (book)|Strategy: The Logic of War and Peace]]'' is widely used as a textbook on the subject.{{Citation needed|date=June 2008}}

''[[The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire from the First Century AD to the Third]]'' is controversial among professional historians. Luttwak is seen as an outsider and non-specialist in the field. However, his book has raised questions about the [[Roman army]] and its defense of the Roman frontier. Luttwak asked "How did the [[Roman Empire|Romans]] defend the frontier?", a question that he argued had been lost in the professional discourse that focused on demographics, economics and sociology. Although many professional historians reject his views on Roman strategy, his 1976 book has increased interest in the study of Roman frontiers and strategy.{{Citation needed|date=June 2008}} Since the 1980s he has published articles on Byzantium and his book, ''The Grand Strategy of the Byzantine Empire'', was published in late 2009 and received generally positive reviews.{{Citation needed|date=April 2010}} (For a summary of his thesis and its criticisms, see [[Defence-in-depth (Roman military)]].)

Luttwak, during his childhood, spent a few years in [[Italy]], traveling between [[Palermo]], in [[Sicily]], and [[Milan]]. He speaks [[Italian language|Italian]] and is frequently cited by Italian media on political subjects.{{Citation needed|date=June 2008}} He has also co-authored two books in Italian with [[Susanna Creperio Verratti]], (a political philosopher and journalist): ''Che cos’è davvero la democrazia'' ("What Democracy really Is"), 1996 and ''Il libro delle Libertà'' ("The Book of Liberties"), 2000.

He served on the editorial boards of ''[[Geopolitique]]'' (France), the ''[[Journal of Strategic Studies]]'', ''[[The European Journal of International Affairs]]'', and the ''[[Washington Quarterly]]''. He speaks [[English language|English]], [[French language|French]], [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]], [[Italian language|Italian]], [[Spanish language|Spanish]] and other languages.

In 2004 he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degreen from the [[University of Bath]]. He received the ''America Award'' of the [[Italy-USA Foundation]] in [[2011]].

==Intelligence operative==
In addition to his persona as a "public intellectual," Luttwak is also an independent intelligence operative who is involved in clandestine activities that include "field operations, extraditions, arrests, interrogations (never, he insists, using physical violence), military consulting and counterterrorism training for different agencies of the U.S., foreign governments and private interests," he told Laura Rozen of the weekly [[The Forward]] newspaper.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rozen |first=Laura |url=http://www.forward.com/articles/13515/ |title=The Operator: The Double Life of a Military Strategist |publisher=Forward.com" |date=2008-06-05 |accessdate=2010-12-14}}</ref>

==Obama op-ed==
In May 2008 the ''[[New York Times]]'' published an opinion piece by Luttwak in which he argued that then-presidential candidate [[Barack Obama]] "was born a Muslim under Muslim law as it is universally understood" and would be considered an "apostate" by the world's Muslims if he were to become president (see [[Apostasy in Islam]]).<ref>{{cite news|last=Luttwak|first=Edward N,|title=President Apostate?|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/12/opinion/12luttwak.html?_r=1&ref=opinion|work=28 May 2008|publisher=The New York Times|accessdate=14 December 2010|date=12 May 2008}}</ref> Luttwak was widely criticized by those authors who consider this analysis a misrepresentation of ''sharia'', or Islamic law, including by the public editor of the ''New York Times,'' [[Clark Hoyt]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ali-eteraz/obama-islam-smear-changes_b_101337.html |title=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ali-eteraz/obama-islam-smear-changes_b_101337.html |publisher=Huffingtonpost.com |date= |accessdate=2010-12-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/01/opinion/01pubed.html | work=The New York Times | title=Entitled to Their Opinions, Yes. But Their Facts? | first=Clark | last=Hoyt | date=June 1, 2008 | accessdate=May 1, 2010}}</ref>

==Books==
* ''A Dictionary of Modern War'' (London, 1971), ISBN 0-7139-0130-6.
* ''The Strategic Balance, 1972'' (New York, 1972), ISBN 0-912050-33-0.
* ''The Political Uses of Sea Power'' (Baltimore, 1974), ISBN 0-8018-1658-0.
* ''The US – USSR Nuclear Weapons Balance'' (Beverly Hills, 1974), ISBN 0-8039-0096-1.
* ''The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire from the First Century AD to the Third'' (Baltimore, 1976), ISBN 0-8018-2158-4.
* ''Strategic Power: Military Capabilities and Political Utility'' (California, 1976), ISBN 0-8039-0659-5.
* ''[[Coup d'État: A Practical Handbook]]'' [ London, 1968, 1969], ISBN 0-674-17547-6. New York, 1969, Greenwich, Conn., 1969; Revised Edition: (Cambridge, Mass., 1979),(London, 1979; Sydney, 1979). Foreign-language editions: Arabic, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French (2), German, Greek, Italian (2), Japanese, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish.
* ''Sea Power in the Mediterranean: Political Utility and Military Constraints'' (California, 1979), ISBN 0-8191-6010-5
* ''The Israeli Army'' (with [[Dan Horowitz]]) (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1983), ISBN 0-06-012723-6
* ''The Grand Strategy of the Soviet Union'' (London, 1983), ISBN 0-312-34260-8
* ''The Pentagon and the Art of War'' (New York, 1984), ISBN 0-671-61770-2
* ''Strategy and History'' (New Jersey, 1985), ISBN 0-88738-065-4
* ''Strategy: The Logic of War and Peace'' (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1987), ISBN 0-674-00703-4
* ''The Endangered American Dream: How To Stop the United States from Being a Third World Country and How To Win the Geo-Economic Struggle for Industrial Supremacy'' (New York, 1993), ISBN 0-671-86963-9
* ''Turbo-Capitalism: Winners and Losers in the Global Economy'' (New York, 1999), ISBN 0-06-019330-1
* ''Strategy: The Logic of War and Peace'' Rev.Enlarged Edition (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2002), ISBN 978-0674007031.
* ''The Grand Strategy of the Byzantine Empire'' (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2009), ISBN 978-0-674-03519-5.

==See also==

* [http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/03/what_the_byzantines_can_teach.html "What the Byzantines Can Teach Us about Our National Security”] by Ishmael Jones, American Thinker, March 6, 2010.

* [http://www.infinityjournal.com/article/32/Why_China_Will_Not_Become_the_Next_Global_Power_But_It_Could "Why China Will Not Become the Next Global Power… But It Could”] by Edward Luttwak, Infinity Journal, Fall 2011.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.csis.org/component/option,com_csis_experts/task,view/type,2/id,109/]
* {{cite news |first=Edward |last=Luttwak |url=http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/55210/edward-n-luttwak/give-war-a-chance |title=Give War a Chance |work=[[Foreign Affairs]] |date=July 1999}}
* {{cite news |first=Edward |last=Luttwak |url=http://www.comw.org/pda/fulltext/0512luttwak.pdf |format=PDF |title=Iraq: The Logic of Disengagement |work=Foreign Affairs |date=January 2005}}
* {{cite news |first=Edward |last=Luttwak |url=http://www.prospect-magazine.co.uk/article_details.php?id=9302 |title=The middle of nowhere |work=[[Prospect (magazine)|Prospect]] |date=May 2007}}
* {{cite news |first=Corey |last=Robin |authorlink=Corey Robin |url=http://www3.iath.virginia.edu/lists_archive/sixties-l/2776.html|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20060312233506/http://www3.iath.virginia.edu/lists_archive/sixties-l/2776.html|title=The Ex-Cons: Right-Wing Thinkers Go Left!}}, an analysis containing several pages on Luttwak's life and thought.
* Interview with Edward Luttwak, [http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/conversations/Luttwak/luttwak-con0.html Conversation with Edward Luttwak], [[Conversations with History]], March 1987.
* Interview with Edward Luttwak, [http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/people7/Luttwak/luttwak-con0.html The Logic of Strategy and U.S. Foreign Policy], [[Conversations with History]], November 2007.

{{Persondata 
| NAME = Luttwak, Edward
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1942
| PLACE OF BIRTH =
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Luttwak, Edward}}
[[Category:1942 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Academics of the University of Bath]]
[[Category:Alumni of the London School of Economics]]
[[Category:American economists]]
[[Category:American essayists]]
[[Category:American historians]]
[[Category:American Jews]]
[[Category:American people of Romanian-Jewish descent]]
[[Category:American military writers]]
[[Category:Johns Hopkins University alumni]]
[[Category:American military historians]]
[[Category:People from Arad, Romania]]
[[Category:Political analysts]]
[[Category:Romanian Jews]]

[[fr:Edward Luttwak]]
[[it:Edward Luttwak]]
[[he:אדוארד לוטוואק]]
[[ja:エドワード・ルトワック]]
[[pl:Edward Luttwak]]
[[ru:Люттвак, Эдвард]]

Edward Luttwak

2011-12-13T03:04:48Z

Polmandc: /* Biography */ synt.

'''Edward Nicolae Luttwak''' (born 1942) is an [[United States|American]] military strategist and historian who has published works on [[military strategy]], history and [[international relations]].

==Biography==
Luttwak was born into a [[History of the Jews in Romania|Jewish]] family in [[Arad, Romania|Arad]], [[Romania]], and raised in [[Italy]] and [[England]]. He attended the [[London School of Economics]] and [[Johns Hopkins University]], where he received a doctorate. His first academic post, before moving to the United States, was at the [[University of Bath]]. He became a professor at Georgetown University in 1975. In 2008, he became a Senior Advisor at the [[Center for Strategic and International Studies]] in [[Washington, D.C.]]

He has served as a consultant to the [[Office of the Secretary of Defense]], the [[United States National Security Council|National Security Council]], the [[United States Department of State]], the [[United States Navy]], [[United States Army]], [[United States Air Force]], and several NATO defense ministries. He was a member of the [[National Security Study Group]] of the [[United States Department of Defense]], and an associate of the [[Minister of Finance (Japan)|Japanese Finance Ministry]]'s Institute of Fiscal and Monetary Policy. With three other partners, he established and operated a self-sufficient forest-conservation ranch in the southern Amazon basin.

Luttwak has been a frequent [[lecturer]] and [[consultant]], and is known for his unorthodox{{Says who|date=April 2010}} policy ideas, suggesting for example that major powers' attempts to quell regional wars actually make conflicts more protracted.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Luttwak |first=Edward |authorlink= |coauthors= |year=1999 |month=July/August |title=Give War a Chance |journal=Foreign Affairs |volume=78 |issue=4 |pages=36–44 |id= |url= |accessdate= |quote= |doi=10.2307/20049362 }}</ref> His book ''[[Coup d'État: A Practical Handbook]]'' has been reprinted numerous times, and translated into 14 languages. His ''[[Strategy (book)|Strategy: The Logic of War and Peace]]'' is widely used as a textbook on the subject.{{Citation needed|date=June 2008}}

''[[The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire from the First Century AD to the Third]]'' is controversial among professional historians. Luttwak is seen as an outsider and non-specialist in the field. However, his book has raised questions about the [[Roman army]] and its defense of the Roman frontier. Luttwak asked "How did the [[Roman Empire|Romans]] defend the frontier?", a question that he argued had been lost in the professional discourse that focused on demographics, economics and sociology. Although many professional historians reject his views on Roman strategy, his 1976 book has increased interest in the study of Roman frontiers and strategy.{{Citation needed|date=June 2008}} Since the 1980s he has published articles on Byzantium and his book, ''The Grand Strategy of the Byzantine Empire'', was published in late 2009 and received generally positive reviews.{{Citation needed|date=April 2010}} (For a summary of his thesis and its criticisms, see [[Defence-in-depth (Roman military)]].)

Luttwak, during his childhood, spent a few years in [[Italy]], traveling between [[Palermo]], in [[Sicily]], and [[Milan]]. He speaks [[Italian language|Italian]] and is frequently cited by Italian media on political subjects.{{Citation needed|date=June 2008}} He has also co-authored two books in Italian with [[Susanna Creperio Verratti]], (a political philosopher and journalist): ''Che cos’è davvero la democrazia'' ("What Democracy really Is"), 1996 and ''Il libro delle Libertà'' ("The Book of Liberties"), 2000.

He served on the editorial boards of ''[[Geopolitique]]'' (France), the ''[[Journal of Strategic Studies]]'', ''[[The European Journal of International Affairs]]'', and the ''[[Washington Quarterly]]''. He speaks [[English language|English]], [[French language|French]], [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]], [[Italian language|Italian]], [[Spanish language|Spanish]] and other languages.

In 2004 he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degreen from the [[University of Bath]]. He received the ''America Award'' of the [[Italy-USA Foundation]] in [[2011]].

==Intelligence operative==
In addition to his persona as a "public intellectual," Luttwak is also an independent intelligence operative who is involved in clandestine activities that include "field operations, extraditions, arrests, interrogations (never, he insists, using physical violence), military consulting and counterterrorism training for different agencies of the U.S., foreign governments and private interests," he told Laura Rozen of the weekly [[The Forward]] newspaper.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rozen |first=Laura |url=http://www.forward.com/articles/13515/ |title=The Operator: The Double Life of a Military Strategist |publisher=Forward.com" |date=2008-06-05 |accessdate=2010-12-14}}</ref>

==Obama op-ed==
In May 2008 the ''[[New York Times]]'' published an opinion piece by Luttwak in which he argued that then-presidential candidate [[Barack Obama]] "was born a Muslim under Muslim law as it is universally understood" and would be considered an "apostate" by the world's Muslims if he were to become president (see [[Apostasy in Islam]]).<ref>{{cite news|last=Luttwak|first=Edward N,|title=President Apostate?|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/12/opinion/12luttwak.html?_r=1&ref=opinion|work=28 May 2008|publisher=The New York Times|accessdate=14 December 2010|date=12 May 2008}}</ref> Luttwak was widely criticized by those authors who consider this analysis a misrepresentation of ''sharia'', or Islamic law, including by the public editor of the ''New York Times,'' [[Clark Hoyt]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ali-eteraz/obama-islam-smear-changes_b_101337.html |title=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ali-eteraz/obama-islam-smear-changes_b_101337.html |publisher=Huffingtonpost.com |date= |accessdate=2010-12-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/01/opinion/01pubed.html | work=The New York Times | title=Entitled to Their Opinions, Yes. But Their Facts? | first=Clark | last=Hoyt | date=June 1, 2008 | accessdate=May 1, 2010}}</ref>

==Books==
* ''A Dictionary of Modern War'' (London, 1971), ISBN 0-7139-0130-6.
* ''The Strategic Balance, 1972'' (New York, 1972), ISBN 0-912050-33-0.
* ''The Political Uses of Sea Power'' (Baltimore, 1974), ISBN 0-8018-1658-0.
* ''The US – USSR Nuclear Weapons Balance'' (Beverly Hills, 1974), ISBN 0-8039-0096-1.
* ''The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire from the First Century AD to the Third'' (Baltimore, 1976), ISBN 0-8018-2158-4.
* ''Strategic Power: Military Capabilities and Political Utility'' (California, 1976), ISBN 0-8039-0659-5.
* ''[[Coup d'État: A Practical Handbook]]'' [ London, 1968, 1969], ISBN 0-674-17547-6. New York, 1969, Greenwich, Conn., 1969; Revised Edition: (Cambridge, Mass., 1979),(London, 1979; Sydney, 1979). Foreign-language editions: Arabic, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French (2), German, Greek, Italian (2), Japanese, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish.
* ''Sea Power in the Mediterranean: Political Utility and Military Constraints'' (California, 1979), ISBN 0-8191-6010-5
* ''The Israeli Army'' (with [[Dan Horowitz]]) (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1983), ISBN 0-06-012723-6
* ''The Grand Strategy of the Soviet Union'' (London, 1983), ISBN 0-312-34260-8
* ''The Pentagon and the Art of War'' (New York, 1984), ISBN 0-671-61770-2
* ''Strategy and History'' (New Jersey, 1985), ISBN 0-88738-065-4
* ''Strategy: The Logic of War and Peace'' (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1987), ISBN 0-674-00703-4
* ''The Endangered American Dream: How To Stop the United States from Being a Third World Country and How To Win the Geo-Economic Struggle for Industrial Supremacy'' (New York, 1993), ISBN 0-671-86963-9
* ''Turbo-Capitalism: Winners and Losers in the Global Economy'' (New York, 1999), ISBN 0-06-019330-1
* ''Strategy: The Logic of War and Peace'' Rev.Enlarged Edition (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2002), ISBN 978-0674007031.
* ''The Grand Strategy of the Byzantine Empire'' (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2009), ISBN 978-0-674-03519-5.

==See also==

* [http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/03/what_the_byzantines_can_teach.html "What the Byzantines Can Teach Us about Our National Security”] by Ishmael Jones, American Thinker, March 6, 2010.

* [http://www.infinityjournal.com/article/32/Why_China_Will_Not_Become_the_Next_Global_Power_But_It_Could "Why China Will Not Become the Next Global Power… But It Could”] by Edward Luttwak, Infinity Journal, Fall 2011.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.csis.org/component/option,com_csis_experts/task,view/type,2/id,109/]
* {{cite news |first=Edward |last=Luttwak |url=http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/55210/edward-n-luttwak/give-war-a-chance |title=Give War a Chance |work=[[Foreign Affairs]] |date=July 1999}}
* {{cite news |first=Edward |last=Luttwak |url=http://www.comw.org/pda/fulltext/0512luttwak.pdf |format=PDF |title=Iraq: The Logic of Disengagement |work=Foreign Affairs |date=January 2005}}
* {{cite news |first=Edward |last=Luttwak |url=http://www.prospect-magazine.co.uk/article_details.php?id=9302 |title=The middle of nowhere |work=[[Prospect (magazine)|Prospect]] |date=May 2007}}
* {{cite news |first=Corey |last=Robin |authorlink=Corey Robin |url=http://www3.iath.virginia.edu/lists_archive/sixties-l/2776.html|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20060312233506/http://www3.iath.virginia.edu/lists_archive/sixties-l/2776.html|title=The Ex-Cons: Right-Wing Thinkers Go Left!}}, an analysis containing several pages on Luttwak's life and thought.
* Interview with Edward Luttwak, [http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/conversations/Luttwak/luttwak-con0.html Conversation with Edward Luttwak], [[Conversations with History]], March 1987.
* Interview with Edward Luttwak, [http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/people7/Luttwak/luttwak-con0.html The Logic of Strategy and U.S. Foreign Policy], [[Conversations with History]], November 2007.

{{Persondata 
| NAME = Luttwak, Edward
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1942
| PLACE OF BIRTH =
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Luttwak, Edward}}
[[Category:1942 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Academics of the University of Bath]]
[[Category:Alumni of the London School of Economics]]
[[Category:American economists]]
[[Category:American essayists]]
[[Category:American historians]]
[[Category:American Jews]]
[[Category:American people of Romanian-Jewish descent]]
[[Category:American military writers]]
[[Category:Johns Hopkins University alumni]]
[[Category:American military historians]]
[[Category:People from Arad, Romania]]
[[Category:Political analysts]]
[[Category:Romanian Jews]]

[[fr:Edward Luttwak]]
[[it:Edward Luttwak]]
[[he:אדוארד לוטוואק]]
[[ja:エドワード・ルトワック]]
[[pl:Edward Luttwak]]
[[ru:Люттвак, Эдвард]]