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Our investigation into GreenTech Automotive and into McAuliffe’s role with the company, which he used to launch his candidacy for governor, started when one of our reporters found that, while the company didn’t seem to be producing many cars, it was soliciting investments through a controversial federal program called EB-5. The EB-5 program offers any foreign national who invests $500,000 in a U.S. company a green card. The program has been rife with problems – and appeared to be one of GreenTech’s main funding sources.

The lawsuit filed against us – one of the largest libel suits in American history – was nothing less than an attempt to shut us down for telling the truth. But we decided to fight back, to defend ourselves, and most importantly, to keep digging.  Altogether we produced more than 90 stories examining McAuliffe’s connections to GreenTech from every possible angle. 

This is all too often how the progressive establishment operates. Rather than engaging their opponents in a battle of ideas, seeking to win on merit, they use the legal system and other bullying tactics to shut their opponents down. This time, however, we were able to to fight back on behalf of all of those whom the system has tried to silence. 

We’re sure there will be many more battles like this to come. Even as I write, one of our reporters is fighting Gov. McAuliffe’s office for answers on the immigration crisis – going so far as to camp out on the floor, just outside his office, waiting to confront him and demand the information that taxpaying citizens are clamoring for and deserve. And GreenTech may even appeal the court’s order dismissing its baseless lawsuit. Will you considering supporting us in the hard, ongoing work of investigative journalism?

Thank you so much for your loyal support and readership. Because of you, the cause of free speech won a major victory against the powerful, moneyed progressive establishment. Please know that you have the gratitude of the entire Franklin Center staff. 

Best regards, Jason Stverak President  Franklin Center for Government & Public Integrity