We received numerous complaints yesterday from AT readers who were concerned about a Google Ad that bashed the tea party movement. It turns out, that the website the ad was linked to was created with funds contributed at least partly by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

It should be noted that the ad itself was placed by Google and in no way reflected our views. But, as our Editor in Chief Thomas Lifson pointed out, the editorial and advertising functions of the website are completely separate entities - for obvious reasons. Our opinions are not for sale and keeping a wall between these functions is necessary to ensure that. The ad has since been taken down.

But the question of who sponsored it in the first place wasn't answered until Lee Doren did a little digging:

I just came across a new website titled: http://www.TheTeaPartyIsOver.org

It is paid for by the American Public Policy Committee. Well, according to opensecrets.org, the two donors for American Public Policy Committee this year are Patriot Majority and Patriot Majority West.

However, according to opensecrets.org, the 2nd largest contributor in 2008 to Patriot Majority was SEIU and other top Unions around America.  I imagine the diversion of Union money gets much deeper than this.  Please spread the word before they start getting their message out now.  Thanks. (H/T: Jim Hoft )