Part 3: Questions Raised About Super PAC And Political Consultant

By Gordon HopkinsConcerns about a Super PAC (Political Action Committee) that became involved in recent down ballot primary elections in rural Nebraska, and a political consultant associated with the Super PAC, have resulted in a number of unanswered questions and at least one formal complaint to the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission.That Super PAC is called RED PAC, sometimes written as R.E.D. PAC, and is based in Austin, Texas.Political Advertising ComplianceShortly before the 2024 Nebraska primary election in May, RED PAC began sending out political mailers supporting some candidates and opposing others. One of the candidates RED PAC opposed was Emily Haxby, Gage County Supervisor, District 2. In an email to the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission, Haxby wrote, “I am writing to file a formal complaint against the R.E.D. PAC for sending political mailers into Nebraska without the proper legal political paid for disclosure. The mailings sponsored by R.E.D. PAC do not include a physical address or any other contact information for the organization or anyone affiliated with the organization on the mailers.”Haxby alleged, “Not disclosing the address of the organization sponsoring the ads is clearly done with intent to hide from voters the mailers originated from Austin, Texas. This is also a clear violation of Nebraska law and R.E.D. PAC should immediately cease mailing until they include a proper legal disclaimer. Austin, Texas based R.E.D. PAC should also be fined for their illegal actions to influence a Gage County, Nebraska election.” FJN has obtained examples of those mailers and confirmed no return address was included.According to Nebraska Revised Statute 49-1474.01, “The person, except an individual or individuals acting independently utilizing their own personal resources, who pays for the production, distribution, or posting of a billboard, placard, poster, pamphlet, or other printed matter relating to a candidate or ballot question shall cause a disclaimer containing the name and street address of the person to appear on such matter.”David Hunter, Director for the Accountability and Disclosure Commission, would not confirm that an investigation was opened. Hunter told FJN, “Complaints filed with the commission are subject to the confidentiality provisions of the Nebraska Political Accountability and Disclosure Act. These matters only become public if the commission finds that a violation has occurred and issues an order to that effect or the accused person invokes his or her right to make the matter public.” Tax FranchiseOn February 23 of this year, Strategic Political Management’s tax franchise in Texas was involuntarily forfeited with the Texas Secretary of State. That is according to a representative with the Texas Comptroller’s Office, who advised FJN that Strategic Political Management LLC did not file a Public Information report nor a No Tax Due report for 2023 or 2024.Per Texas law, a business must has a tax franchise in order to conduct business as a Texas corporate entity.FJN reached out to Charlie Kolean, President of Strategic Political Management, to ask about the tax franchise and asked if the business was still accepting clients. Again, no response was received.RED PAC’s funding is provided by Conservatives for a Clean Energy Future, a 501(c)(4) based in Lansing, Michigan. FJN attempted to contact that organization multiple times for comment on this story but is not receive a response.

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