Common Cause seeks probe of de Blasio ‘dark money’ groups

A good-government group Monday formally called for an investigation into two nonprofits tied to Mayor Bill de Blasio, saying the entities collect unlimited amounts of “dark money” without reporting precisely how the funds are spent.

The organizations that support the agenda of the Democratic mayor — Campaign for One New York and United for Affordable NYC — have “created a perpetual campaign, confusing the role of government and politics,” Common Cause of New York said in a statement.

De Blasio defended the groups’ activities as legal and said the complaint “doesn’t make sense to me.”

“It’s not ‘dark money’ if it’s disclosed,” he said.

The nonprofits are not subjected to contribution limits or disclosure rules like those associated with traditional political campaign fundraising.

Common Cause sent a letter the city Conflicts of Interest Board and Campaign Finance Board to urge a probe into de Blasio’s fundraising.

“The mayor’s unprecedented use of 501(c)4 fundraising has spawned a shadow government that raises serious questions about who has influence and access to the policymaking process,” Common Cause said.

The government watchdog also challenged the mayor’s and the nonprofits’ use of consultants who “simultaneously” advise groups doing business with the city.

Campaign for One New York, which has promoted de Blasio’s universal pre-K rollout, has accepted thousands of dollars in donations from supporters of a ban on Central Park’s horse-drawn carriage industry. Spokesman Dan Levitan said the group “goes above and beyond all legal requirements by voluntarily disclosing all of its donors and spending in all of its activities.”

United for Affordable NYC was formed earlier this year to support the mayor’s housing plan, which has met grassroots resistance. Spokesman Neal Kwatra did not respond to requests for comment.

De Blasio contrasted as “night-and-day realities” his situation and the right-leaning nonprofits permitted to raise and spend unlimited funds under a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision.

“What we saw after Citizens United was very powerful interests using their wealth to try and subvert the democratic process, and not disclosing what they were doing,” he said. “The issues at hand here are campaigns fighting for more affordable housing, campaigns that fight for pre-K for all.”

He also said he has put “obvious limits on the relationships” with outside advisors who may have lobbying practices.

Campaign Finance Board chair Rose Gill Hearn said her group will “review the letter thoroughly.” A Conflicts of Interest Board spokesman said the agency cannot by law comment on any complaints it may have received.