Koch Brothers in Lehighton?

A front page article in today’s Times details the billionaire Koch Brothers involvement in local races, including a mayor and council race in Coralville, Iowa, a small town in the eastern part of the state.  “Americans for Prosperity,” a Koch Brothers front group, is mailing fliers, advertising in newspapers, and calling voters in an effort to influence the race.

Fortunately for democracy and for the people of Coralville, the involvement of the Koch Brothers seems to have created more resentment than support, even from people who are on the same side as “Americans for Prosperity.”

Suppose, however, the activities of the Koch Brothers were not publicized.  Suppose, for example, they gave money to the Lehighton 9/12 group, our local Glenn Beck-inspired organization, and didn’t tell anyone.

A few years ago I picketed a 9/12-sponsored event at Penn’s Peak with a sign that said “Who funds the 9/12 group?”  Local businessman Fred Reinhard accosted me at the event and said something to the effect of “Who cares where they get their funding?”

I told him at the time, “I care.”  I still care, and I’m still curious.