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Campaign Finance in Amarillo

In Lubbock, an analysis by The Texas Tribune and Sunlight Research Center revealed that campaign finance records couldn't account for all the money spent on advertising against an anti-abortion policy proposal in Amarillo. In the months leading up to the vote, thousands of dollars poured into advertising for and against Proposition A. The proposal aimed to open the door for private lawsuits against those using local streets and highways for out-of-state abortions.Local campaign records, social media spending reports and federally required notices offer a window into the spending, but the true cost remains unknown due to certain tax laws. The campaign finance records show that opponents of the ballot measure outspent supporters by more than $20,000, thanks in part to a statewide progressive organization's spending. However, thousands more were likely spent on billboard ads that aren't reflected in the financial disclosures.Sherri Greenberg, assistant dean for state and local government engagement at the University of Texas, emphasized the importance of transparency in campaign finance. She said it's not unusual for missing information to arise in local campaigns due to inexperience.A voter walks past people campaigning for and against Proposition A on Election Day in Amarillo. Credit: Mark Rogers for The Texas Tribune.

Political Committees and Donations

There were two main political committees that supported Proposition A: Project Destiny Amarillo and the Amarillo Area Young Republicans. Project Destiny Amarillo's only in-kind contribution labeled "billboards" cost $750 and was paid for by Green Tree & Landscaping. The Young Republicans committee reported $6,550 in advertising expenses paid to Burkett Outdoor Advertising, but at least two billboards with a disclaimer "paid for by Project Destiny Amarillo" were not included.Project Destiny Amarillo raised more than $74,000 through Oct. 28, including nearly $10,000 in in-kind donations. They spent more than $56,000 campaigning for the proposition, with expenses such as $16,164 for printed materials and $35,579.38 to a Lubbock political consultant. The PAC could have spent more in the final days of the campaign.Nearly $33,000 of the money was from four large donations from Amarillo residents, including a business owner and the PAC's treasurer. Other groups also played a role. The Amarillo Reproductive Freedom Alliance formed the Amarillo Freedom political action committee to oppose the ordinance and raised $31,783. Local opponents were also supported by out-of-town groups like Ground Game Texas and Avow.During the election season, the medical society was accused of violating Texas Ethics Commission rules. An attorney sent a letter saying the board failed to register the PAC before engaging in political activity, but a spokesperson said they deny unethical activity and their filing was late.

Media and Outreach

Outside of donations, the campaign supporting the ordinance received a boost from conservative news outlets like Texas Scorecard. The outlet published dozens of commentary pieces by Mark Lee Dickson. Local opponents were also supported by groups like the ACLU of Texas, Jane's Due Process and Women's March, which sponsored some billboards and social media promotions.Facebook and Google have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism.In conclusion, the various aspects of the Texas political landscape, from campaign finance to media influence, are intricately intertwined and play a crucial role in shaping the state's future. By delving into these details, The Y’all provides a comprehensive view of Texas.