Interview Request to Ohio Mayor Sets Off Alarms for Bloomberg, Media Matters

Published on August 13, 2012
Duration: 19:31

This video discusses an investigation by Media Trackers Ohio into the organization Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG). The investigation uncovered emails suggesting MAIG, funded in part by Michael Bloomberg, used tragic events like school shootings to harvest email addresses for their campaigns and to coordinate rapid response efforts. The report also highlights how a public records request to the Mayor of Columbus triggered alerts to MAIG's network, including Media Matters, raising questions about transparency and the use of public resources for private advocacy.

Quick Summary

Media Trackers Ohio uncovered emails suggesting Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG) used tragic events, like the Chardon, Ohio school shooting, to harvest email addresses from individuals offering condolences. They also found evidence of MAIG coordinating rapid response efforts and utilizing city hall resources, with an employee's salary paid by MAIG but operating from the Mayor of Columbus's office.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Media Trackers Ohio
  2. 00:23Public Records Request and Initial Findings
  3. 01:41Chardon Shooting and MAIG's Response
  4. 03:50Quote from Lance Orchid
  5. 05:00MAIG's Rapid Response Actions
  6. 06:06Interview Request to Columbus Mayor
  7. 06:38Alerts to Bloomberg's Office and Media Matters
  8. 08:33Use of Private Email Addresses
  9. 10:08MAIG's Strategy and Lobbying Tactics
  10. 11:22Media Double Standard Comparison
  11. 13:06Columbus Dispatch's Inaction
  12. 14:04Media Trackers' Role and Transparency
  13. 15:28Further Findings from Public Records
  14. 16:38More Revelations from Public Records
  15. 17:17Evidence of Past Tactics
  16. 17:35MAIG's Concerns about Media Scrutiny
  17. 18:11Washington Times Coverage
  18. 18:39Bipartisan Nature of MAIG and Potential Repercussions

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Media Trackers Ohio uncover about Mayors Against Illegal Guns?

Media Trackers Ohio uncovered emails suggesting Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG) used tragic events, like the Chardon, Ohio school shooting, to harvest email addresses from individuals offering condolences. They also found evidence of MAIG coordinating rapid response efforts and utilizing city hall resources, with an employee's salary paid by MAIG but operating from the Mayor of Columbus's office.

How did a public records request to the Columbus Mayor's office lead to Media Matters' involvement?

A public records request from Media Trackers Ohio to the Columbus Mayor's office prompted an email alert that was forwarded to consultants in Washington D.C. and subsequently to Media Matters for America. This suggests a coordinated effort by MAIG's network to monitor and respond to investigative journalism targeting their organization.

What concerns are raised about the use of public resources by Mayors Against Illegal Guns?

Concerns are raised because an employee whose salary is paid by Mayors Against Illegal Guns works within the Mayor of Columbus's office, potentially using taxpayer-funded resources like office space and equipment for MAIG's advocacy. The use of personal email accounts for official communications further exacerbates these concerns.

What is the alleged strategy of Mayors Against Illegal Guns?

The alleged strategy of Mayors Against Illegal Guns is to work with mayors across the country to install regional coordinators who are effectively anti-Second Amendment lobbyists. These individuals are salaried by MAIG but operate out of city halls, leveraging public infrastructure and potentially obscuring the organization's direct involvement and funding sources.

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