“Lynchburg is not for sale, we will not stand by while dark money and illegal campaign activity undermine the integrity of our local elections.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Concerns Raised Over Democrat Lynchburg Better Together’s Campaign Activities and Dark Money Connections
Lynchburg, VA – Serious concerns have been raised regarding Lynchburg Better Together, an organization appearing to be led by Megan Huffman that claims to support Democratic candidates for Lynchburg City Council. Recent investigations reveal that Lynchburg Better Together has raised significant funds but has never registered as a Political Action Committee (PAC) with the Virginia Department of Elections, as required by law.
The source of these funds and how they are being spent remain unknown, raising troubling questions about the transparency of the organization’s operations and the potential influence of outside money on local elections.
Adding to these concerns, large road signs, billboards, and the website promoting all four Democratic candidates display disclaimers stating, “Paid for by Lynchburg Better Together.” Similarly, the small yard signs for Democratic candidates Randy Smith, James Coleman, and April Watson also contain disclaimers stating, “Paid for by Lynchburg Better Together.” However, Democrat Sterling Wilder’s yard signs only state “Approved by Wilder for Ward II” without the required “Paid for by” statement, failing to disclose who funded his signs. Additionally, James Coleman, former school board chair and candidate for Ward III, has large 4x4 signs that lack any disclaimer whatsoever.
These disclaimers and financial reporting are required by Virginia law, and failing to properly disclose this information is illegal. The lack of compliance with these legal requirements raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability in this election.
Lynchburg Better Together appears to be affiliated with Rural GroundGame, an organization linked to national dark money groups, including the notorious Sixteen Thirty Fund. According to multiple sources, including Politico and NBC News, the Sixteen Thirty Fund has been a major player in injecting untraceable dark money into elections across the country, including $196 million in secret donations during the 2022 election cycle alone. Contributions to the Sixteen Thirty Fund come from prominent liberal donors such as Michael Bloomberg and George Soros.
“Local extreme liberal activists are trying to buy the Lynchburg City Council with special interest dark money from Washington, D.C.,” said Veronica Bratton, Chairwoman of the Lynchburg Republican City Committee. “They would have been better off naming their organization ‘Lynchburg Bought Together,’ because that is exactly what it looks like they are trying to do.”
“Who is really funding this organization, and why is dark money from outside Lynchburg being used to influence our local elections?” Bratton continued. “Lynchburg deserves transparency and
accountability, not hidden agendas and outside interference.”
These concerns will be formally reported to the State Board of Elections. Each contribution to Lynchburg Better Together that was not reported should be treated as an individual campaign finance violation, and every improperly disclosed sign should be treated as a violation for both the candidate committees and Lynchburg Better Together.
“Lynchburg is not for sale,” Bratton concluded. “We will not stand by while dark money and illegal campaign activity undermine the integrity of our local elections.”
For more information, please contact Veronica Bratton, Chairwoman, at (804) 497-6889 or veronicalynchburggop@gmail.com.
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