Conservatives have created a playbook for concealing the identity of wealthy donors in political campaigns. So reports Robert Faturechi in Pro Publica, February 4, 2016: “How do you stop states and cities from forcing more disclosure of so-called dark money in politics? Get the debate to focus on an ‘average Joe,’ not a wealthy person. Find examples of ‘inconsequential donation amounts.’ Point out that naming donors would be a threat to ‘innocents,’ including their children, families and co-workers. And never call it dark money. ‘Private giving’ sounds better.”
The main way to conceal donations is to set up shell companies, mainly limited liability companies (LLCs), many established in Delaware which has loose regulations. The LLCs make donations to super PACS successfully concealing the identities of individuals giving the money. The Sunlight Foundation offers a sketchy rundown of the super PAC/LLC symbiosis in the current presidential primary races. (Sunlight Foundation, February 3, 2016, by Libby Watson)