Panelists discussed the rise of “527” groups in conjunction with the upcoming presidential election. These advocacy groups, created in response to campaign finance law reforms, have created controversies such as one over the military service of presidential candidates Senator John Kerry and President George W. Bush. A panel consisting of leaders of two “527” groups, one anti-Kerry, one anti-Bush discussed the phenomenal growth of 527s and their impact on the election. The panel was held at PJ’s Sports Bar as part of the monthly meeting of the Houston Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

Mr. O’Neill is the co-author of Unfit for Command: Swift Boat Veterans Speak Out Against John Kerry from Regnery Publishing, which is a critique of Senator John Kerry’s military service. Mr. Smith is the author of Unfit Commander: Texans for Truth Take on George W. Bush, published by Regan Books, which argues that the Bush administration is cynical and anti-democratic.