Frightened conservatives, sure they'll face discrimination, promise not to engage in political activities

Friends of Abe, a loose fellowship of Hollywood conservatives, will be recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt organization, a lawyer for the group confirmed on Sunday. “Friends of Abe was recognized as a 501(c)(3) public charity effective as of the date of its formation,” the lawyer, Ofer Lion, said in response to an email query.

A request for such status had been under consideration for about three years, as government officials scrutinized Friends of Abe for signs of political activity not permitted to such organizations. (Queried earlier, an I.R.S. spokesman said the agency was not permitted to discuss the business of specific individuals or groups.)

Gary Sinise, Jon Voight and Kelsey Grammer have been publicly associated with Friends of Abe. But the group generally does not disclose the names of members, to protect them from what it sees as possible job discrimination in the more generally left-leaning entertainment industry. While it eschews direct campaign activity, Friends of Abe has often played host to conservative political figures, including Herman Cain, Paul D. Ryan and Ted Cruz.

Reached by telephone on Sunday, Jeremy Boreing, the group’s executive director, said: “I’m relieved that we can continue doing the good work that we’ve been doing.” ...NYT

... Voigt, Sinise and Grammer have a bridge to sell you.