Website helps track Idaho campaign funds

Following the money in politics just became a little easier in Idaho.

Ken De Vries, of St. Maries, launched a new website Wednesday offering a comprehensive, searchable database of campaign contributions made to Idaho candidates and political action committees.

The site, PACTrack.org, is a compilation of data retrieved from Idaho campaign finance reports which are available to the public.

De Vries, a deputy with the Benewah County Sheriff’s Office, announced the launch of the new site on his Facebook page Wednesday.

“If you have ever tried to navigate the Secretary of State’s website to find out who gives money to whom, you know how time-consuming that is,” De Vries wrote. “We’re the light switch in the back room that the politicians don’t want you to know about.”

To determine who is funding a candidate’s political campaign, users simply plug the name into a search box to view a list of contributions and expenditures. Donors can be searched as well.

De Vries told his Facebook followers the site will help them determine whether lawmakers in their districts are serving them or special interest groups.

“Did you get some campaign information in the mail and are wondering who REALLY sent it out? PACTrack ’em and find out,” DeVries wrote.

According to PACTrack.org, the site was started by “concerned volunteers who are interested in exposing the corruption, graft, fraud and abuse that permeates our highest political offices.”

The page states PACTrack is a nonpartisan effort comprising people with differing political beliefs.

“We are not focused on political debate. Our attention is on exposing the degree that special interests own politicians. Corruption is not confined to just one party,” states an FAQ on PACTrack.org.

The site’s search service is free although donations are accepted online.