I doubt the examples Reid cites ever happened because, if they had, his media buddies would have screamed bloody murder over it. Since they didn’t, I’d have to assume it is just another of Harry’s fantasies.
No, it DID happen but it is apples and oranges. The ones under (legitimate) scrutiny were 501(c)3’s already. They were not allowed to use their money for political causes and could lose tax exempt status. The conservative groups are not established as ANYTHING, but are trying for 501(c)4 status. To target them is targeting private citizens and the IRS has no authority over them UNLESS they have been granted 501(c)4 status.