ORGANIZATION TIED TO EMBATTLED NEO-CONFEDERATE CONSULTANTS …
It’s called the “Conservative Leadership Project.”
According to its nonprofit filings, it’s a group that exists “to promote civic education and enhancement of South Carolina citizens’ knowledge of public policy issues that impact their lives and advocate for improved and increased civic discourse.”
Yeah … right!
In reality this group – which co-sponsored a poorly-attended presidential forum back in February – appears to be a front group for one of the Palmetto State’s most notorious political empires, the neo-Confederate firm of Richard Quinn and Associates.
In fact sources tell us this organization could soon morph into a dark money attack vehicle for embattled “Republican” S.C. attorney general Alan Wilson.
“No transparency,” one source said of the organization, adding that the entity was set up by Quinn “to shake down law firms” seeking to gain from a good relationship with the
“The total funds raised are online,” the source added. “(But) not the donors.”
Interesting … especially in light of Richard Quinn and his son S.C. Rep. Rick Quinn‘s proximity to an ongoing investigation into corruption at the S.C. State House.
We wrote not long ago that Wilson – badly damaged by an ongoing obstruction of justice scandal related to that probe – was “delusional” to think he could mount a successful bid for governor of South Carolina.
The “Conservative Leadership Project” may have several hundred thousand reasons to counter our assessment …
According to data from S.C. Secretary of State Mark Hammond‘s office, the organization has $282,696 in available assets on hand as of December 31, 2015.
(Cap via S.C. Secretary of State)
According to its initial filing (.pdf), Richard Quinn was the president of this group while Rick Quinn was listed as its treasurer.
In its 2013 filing (.pdf), Rick Quinn’s name had been removed as treasurer – replaced by his sister, Rebecca Mustian. The same was true on the group’s 2014 filing (.pdf).
Former S.C. attorney general Charlie Condon‘s name had been added though, which is noteworthy given his starring role in Wilson’s recent political meltdown.
No word yet on the 2015 filing …
Clearly this is a group we need to keep our eye on headed into the 2018 election cycle … especially as Wilson encounters difficulty raising money for his scandal-scarred gubernatorial campaign.
And given that it is already promoting Wilson on its website …
(Click to enlarge)
(Screencap via CLP)
(Banner image via iStock)