By Joseph Gerth“If we want to get more disclosure from these groups, somebody of some prominence in the Democratic Party, maybe Alison Lundergan Grimes, has to come out and say, ‘This harassment of donors to these groups has to stop,'” Smith said. “The fear is palpable and it is real.”The “harassment” ranges from Reid’s statements, to consumer boycotts against companies and their owners who are involved in the political process, to threats from lawmakers to impact legislation either supported or opposed by donors.Furthermore, Smith said disclosure of such donors could chill the political speech of some potential donors because disclosing them could harm some personal or business relationships. For instance, he said that a lawyer for a firm that represents gas and oil interests might not feel free to contribute to a group concerned about climate change if that donation would be made public.
