In 1981, Political Research Associates began exposing the broad spectrum of Rightwing violence through the in-depth analysis of founding director Jean Hardisty and Chip Berlet. Originally known as Midwest Research and based in Chicago, it quickly became known for its work on behalf of racial justice. In 1987, Citizens Alert recognized the think tank with its "Rev. Willie Baker Award” for “outstanding efforts” working for racial justice in Chicago by helping anti-racist activists understand how White supremacist and antisemitic groups mobilized support in neighborhoods. By 1987, the organization had moved to Boston, changed its name to Political Research Associates, and expanded the range of the US Right that it analyzed. In 1991, PRA launched a collaboration with South End Press with the publication of two books by Russ Bellant: The Coors Connection: How Coors Family Philanthropy Undermines Democratic Pluralism, and Old Nazis, the New Right, and the Republican Party. The next year, it began publication of its magazine The Public Eye to present the latest research on the US Right for use by advocates and journalists, while continuing to issue special reports. In its long history, PRA has provided, readable research on Posse Comitatus, the militia movement, neo-Nazis, the Christian Right, conservative think tanks, anti-immigrant movements, and government repression.