IRS watches churches in mid-term campaign

[republicansarewhores]

I wonder if they will be keeping as keen an eye on the churches and ministries of Pat Robertson abd Jerry Falwell, who broadcast to millions of people?

RAW

http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20060918-095708-9872r

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- The Internal Revenue Service in Washington said it is watching the participation of church and charity groups in the 2006 mid-term election very closely.

The IRS said the increased attention followed investigations into the role churches played in the 2004 election, The New York Times reported Monday.

"We became concerned in the 2004 election cycle that we were seeing more political activity among charities, including churches," said Lois G. Lerner, the director for exempt organizations at the IRS. "In fact, of the organizations we looked at, we saw a very high percentage of some improper political activity and that is really why we have ramped up the program in 2006."

The IRS finished investigations into 40 churches after the 2004 election and found that 37 had violated the law, the Times said. The offending organizations were penalized but none lost their tax-exempt status. Seven other investigations are pending.

Meanwhile, advocacy group Americans United for Separation of Church and State was expected to begin mailing letters to clergy in 11 states warning them to avoid "any activity designed to influence the outcome of a partisan election."

[LaPera]

1. Not a thing will ever be done to all the right-wing churches preaching

their hate against democrats & progressives, which so many do every week, every day...never, ever!

Just as long as they keep feeding the sheep that the fascist little monkey is the second coming!

[indepat]

6. If no RW groups were included, then politicization of the entire Federal

apparatus undoubtedly is nearing completion.

[cyberpj]

2. The IRS finished investigations into 40 churches after the 2004 election

Any way to find out which 40 churches?
And notice...they didn't lose their tax exempt status.

[gatorboy]

3. What about the flip side of this argument?

Bush just spoke of seeing a "third awakening" of religiosity in America. What can they charge him with for egging these people on?

[Coyote_Bandit]

4. And just where should one report violators?

And how likely is the IRS to follow up with a full investigation?

Last night I linked a live web cast here on DU. The church hosted fundie revisionist quack historian David Barton fonder of Wallbuilders as a guest speaker. Local and state republican office holders were in attendance. One in particular was singled out for praise. Before the congregation was dismissed they took up a collection for Barton. The political agenda was clear - as was the implied endorsement of current office holders in attendance.

[chat_noir]

5. Kansas AG race - Phill Kline

Kline: "Get me in their pulpits"
It was early in the morning of Aug. 8, and Phill Kline was typing instructions to his campaign staff at warp speed.

The topic: Beefing up Kline's efforts in conservative Kansas churches.

Some excerpts from the memo, leaked to The Star this week and confirmed as authentic by Kline's campaign:

"Get the pastor to invite five `money people' whom he knows can help."
"Must rework Joe Wright and Terry Fox (Wichita pastors). Must get in their pulpit and have them personally host a reception to match (abortion provider George) Tiller's blood money."
"Am able to preach at several different churches where services times are different."

http://kcbuzzblog.typepad.com/kcbuzzblog/2006/09/kline_get_me_in.html


"Shame on Phill Kline"

A group of ministers and citizens connected to the MAINstream Coalition are criticizing Phill Kline in the wake of his leaked campaign memo last week.



IRS to keep eye on religious groups - Add this to the Phill Kline leaked-memo file:

The New York Times says today that the IRS is going to mount a renewed effort to make sure that non-profits don't go too far in their partisan activities.


http://kcbuzzblog.typepad.com/kcbuzzblog/