Though Ward Connerly has retired from being a UC Regent, he continues to fight against state-sponsored discrimination. His Prop. 209-style Michigan Civil Rights Initiative has a good chance of passing, which terrifies the status quo. As a result, the regressive opposition is trying whatever it takes to torpedo Connerly:

Two Democratic congressmen have asked the IRS to investigate whether affirmative-action foe Ward Connerly’s pay violates federal tax laws on excessive compensation… Connerly receives more than $1 million a year from two Sacramento-based non-profit groups he heads — the American Civil Rights Institute and the American Civil Rights Coalition.

“This compensation package… raises more than a red flag,” said Rep. John Conyers Jr. of Michigan. “IRS rules could not be clearer that a non-profit’s purpose is not to pad the pockets of its executives.”

Connerly said the request by Conyers and Rep. Charles Rangel of New York was a response to his support for a November ballot measure in Michigan that would ban some affirmative-action programs.

“This is so transparently political as to be laughable,” Connerly said.

Connerly said his pay package was reviewed by his accountants and was “fully reported to the Internal Revenue Service in accordance with all applicable regulations.”

I don’t have any comments about the details of the allegations, but I don’t really see any wrongdoing. But it’s so blatantly obvious why these Democrats have decided to take this tactic. They can’t win the argument with reason, so they are resorting to personal attacks. I hope the people of Michigan can see through this game and judge a good idea on its merits instead of damning it by association.

Politics is an ugly thing.