Follow-up: Freedom Socialist Party allowed to keep donors secret
Socialist candidate can keep donors confidential
I reported on their application to thwart the open political process in Washington State here.
I believe this is stupid beyond belief, should be illegal (but unfortuneately isn't completely), and absolutely un-American.
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer Editorial Board believes likewise (though not as vehemently):
Because there is some administrative and legal precedent, Lasnik's ruling may be understandable in a legal, procedural sense. But as public policy for fair and open elections, the practice of secret political donations must not stand.
Averill claims that fear of harassment and retaliation have kept individuals from contributing to her campaign. Even if that melodramatic claim was true, the remedy is not to keep secrets from the voters but to repudiate and were (sic - where) possible prosecute the alleged intimidation. (emphasis mine)