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Advocacy Blog
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Explanation of Policy on 527s
The Federal Elections Commission (FEC) was reportedly still working last week on a document that explains its position on the way it handles complaints against 527 groups. Lawyers for the FEC are scheduled to go in front of a judge tomorrow to do just that, describe how the agency plans to handle 527 groups in the 2008 campaign. Representatives Shays and Meehan filed a lawsuit against the FEC that sought stronger regulation of these groups. The BNA Money and Politics ($$) article outlines the recent cases which ended in large settlement fees for 527 groups active in the 2004 campaign, such as MoveOn.org, Swift Boat Veterans, and the League of Conservation Voters. After these settlements, many groups are left unsure what this means for the next election season. For that reason, there is clear need for a rulemaking regarding the regulation of 527s. The article also brought up the point that many are asking, why the FEC acted against some groups but not others.
Questions still remain, however, about how far beyond the magic words the FEC is willing to go in seeking to enforce campaign finance limits. The settlements provide examples, but not a comprehensive list, of activities the FEC views as subject to regulation.
Posted by Amanda Adams
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