What did the 2012 and 2016 elections highlight about the disclosure of lobbying activity?

The 2012 and 2016 elections underscored the significant role of lobbying in shaping political outcomes, revealing a growing concern over the transparency of lobbying activities. These elections highlighted the influence of Super PACs and dark money, which obscured the sources of funding for many political campaigns and lobbying efforts. As a result, there was increased public scrutiny and calls for reform regarding the disclosure of lobbying activities to ensure greater accountability in the political process. Ultimately, these elections illustrated the complexities of campaign financing and the challenges in regulating lobbying practices.