Tech activists target Lamar Smith for sponsoring SOPA

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In the Lone Star State, the Stop Online Piracy Act is a pesky fly that Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) can’t swat dead. Rep Smith faces a new alliance of political action committee opposition from tech-sector activists who want to get back at him for sponsoring the anti-piracy bill by derailing his reelection.

In the next 20 days, the group intends to pool resources, as much as $500,000, and campaign against Rep Smith in his congressional district, which includes parts of San Antonio and Austin. The Texas Republican Party primary is May 29. The Alliance for Internet Freedom includes eight technology-related PACs, an organizer for the group said. And there are other PACs joining the group that are attacking Rep Smith for his positions on other issues. Some have not endorsed a Smith opponent. “This is a coordinated effort,” said Michael Hendrix, chairman of Americans for Internet Freedom, one of the PACs involved. “Once you see the resources we have and take it as a whole, we have a really good shot.”


Tech activists target Lamar Smith for sponsoring SOPA