Newly released documents show that the Retail Industry Leaders Association and Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America were among the top donors to a now-defunct conservative "dark money" group that paid for ads opposing Democratic candidates.

Americans for Job Security released its donors list last week following years of complaints and lawsuits from ethics watchdogs, the Center for Responsive Politics reported Oct. 28. The group raised at least $65 million from previously undisclosed sources between 2010 and 2012 to support Republican candidates for office and oppose their Democratic rivals.

The documents show much of Americans for Job Security's money came from corporations and GOP-aligned billionaires, but RILA contributed more than $1.36 million. PhRMA gave $250,000.

Other association contributors include the California American Council of Engineering Companies ($400,000), the Montana Contractors Association ($50,000) and the Montana Hospital Association ($30,000).

"This is a major victory for transparency and the rule of law," Noah Bookbinder, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, said in a statement about the release of the disclosure documents. "This is the first major release of dark money sources in the post-Citizens United era, a rare and long overdue victory in the fight against the illegal use of dark money in politics." http://bit.ly/2oua9ez

MORE CEO DATELINE

• Associations urge lawmakers to extend renewable energy tax credit
• New association to aid Hispanic car buyers
• Private equity, generic drug groups launch ad campaigns to boost industries
• Association pledges to expand healthier options in vending machines