I picked up on this too... How the HELL these things can be called 'non-profits' is simply threading a loophole in the law.
So, "contributions" to the Heritage Foundation is tax deductable when "straight" political contributions are NOT?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heritage_Foundation"Though it boasts considerable clout on Capitol Hill, the Heritage Foundation insists it doesn't "lobby." Like all other political advocacy groups, left and right, this allows Heritage to retain tax-exempt status as a "charity" under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This status, in part, helped it collect $29.7 million in 2004 corporate and individual donations. Core funding comes from conservative foundations and individual donors: In 1995, 31 checks accounted for $8.5 million; another 123 donors supplied $2.6 million. The foundation receives comparatively little from corporations, which shy away from Heritage's activist approach to policy advocacy. Through direct mail fundraising, Heritage obtains millions more from small donors. Among Washington think tanks, Heritage is unique in obtaining a large, popular base of funding support."
"All other political advocacy groups"??? Funny I can't deduct my contributions to the ACLU - what about MoveOn.org:
"Contributions to MoveOn.org are not tax deductible because they will be used to influence legislation."
What's the freaking' difference?
I say close this loophole - political advocacy groups should
not be considered "charities" even
if it benefits our side...