Monterey, CA Non-Profit Plan Of Political Agenda Of Sam Blakeslee For Governor Abandoned, Says Blakeslee

View From A Non-Profit Serving Carmel, Carmel Valley, Gonzalez, Greenfield, King City, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Salinas, Seaside And Soledad California

Senator Sam Blakeslee (Republican, San Luis Obispo) got into hot water regarding disclosures from a non-profit called California Reform Institute which he is leaving his senate seat at year-end to run.  He didn't campaign for reelection after a redistricting here made it questionable that he would successfully be elected.  But the Monterey Herald reported that a July 2011 Strategic Plan that the non-profit developed had a goal to "Devise and execute a plan that makes Blakeslee a politically viable candidate for Republican statewide office in 2014."  That can be a huge no-no for a non-profit.  CRI was incorporated as a 501 ( c ) 4 which allows for limited political activity if the entity promotes social welfare.  But promoting someone as a candidate wouldn't be allowed.  In fact the IRS recently pulled the tax exempt status of an undisclosed think tank which it deemed had a mission which dovetailed too closely with its founders political agenda.  At Hands To Help Seniors, we are careful to never promote either side of a political issue, only report on the facts.  Getting a tax exempt status is too difficult and can't be risked for any reason.  The agenda of California Reform Institute, first uncovered by the Los Angeles Times, was rather shocking given the strict IRS guidelines.  Blakeslee is viewed as a moderate Republican with the potential to appeal to a wide audience and so the non-profit reportedly wanted to "create messenger credibility" to make "a Blakeslee gubernatorial bid feasible." The Herald interviewed Frances Hill, a professor at the University Miami School of Law, who asked rhetorically, "Why did they ever write this down, and where was their lawyer when they did?"  Blakeslee told a reporter the plan reflected early blue-sky thinking of the organization which was scrapped.  "I am not planning on running for either statewide or any other office," he said. 

Please note that this blog reflects my personal opinion and may or may not reflect the opinion of HandsTo Help Seniors and the individual members comprising the Board of Governors.