October 12, 2017 •
FEC Seeks Comments Concerning Internet Communications Disclaimers
On October 10, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) extended the comment period concerning internet communications disclaimers regulations to November 9. The FEC is specifically requesting comments addressing advertisements on internet-enabled applications and devices. Originally the FEC had published an Advance […]
On October 10, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) extended the comment period concerning internet communications disclaimers regulations to November 9. The FEC is specifically requesting comments addressing advertisements on internet-enabled applications and devices.
Originally the FEC had published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on October 13, 2011, and then again on October 18, 2016, “in light of legal and technological developments since [the 2011 notice] was published,” according to the FEC. This week, the Commission has decided to again reopen the comment period to receive additional comments once more because of technological changes since the last comment period ended.
The FEC is also seeking comments addressing “possible regulatory approaches that could minimize the need for serial revisions of regulations in order to adapt to new or emerging technologies,” according to the FEC notice of October 10.
Federal regulations require disclaimers identifying who paid for a political campaign communication and whether the communication was authorized by a candidate. The FEC is not proposing changes to any other rules adopted in the Internet Communications rulemaking of 2006.
September 14, 2017 •
President Nominates Trey Trainor for FEC Commissioner
On September 12, President Donald J. Trump nominated Trey Trainor to serve as a commissioner on the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Trainor is a lawyer licensed in Texas who specializes in election law, campaign finance, and ethics. Trainor previously served […]
On September 12, President Donald J. Trump nominated Trey Trainor to serve as a commissioner on the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Trainor is a lawyer licensed in Texas who specializes in election law, campaign finance, and ethics. Trainor previously served in the president’s administration as a Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, James Mattis, in the Department of Defense, Office of General Counsel.
Last week it was announced Commissioner Matthew Spencer Petersen would be stepping down after being nominated by the president to serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
With the appointment of Trainor, and with Petersen’s absence, there will be three registered members of the Republican Party, one registered member of the Democratic Party, and one Independent, Chairman Steven T. Walther. One seat still remains vacant. The FEC requires at least four commissioners to agree for any official action.
To become a commissioner, Trainor must now be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
September 7, 2017 •
Trump Nominates FEC Commissioner for Federal Judgeship
On September 7, President Donald J. Trump nominated Matthew Spencer Petersen, a commissioner with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), to serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Petersen, a Republican, is one […]
On September 7, President Donald J. Trump nominated Matthew Spencer Petersen, a commissioner with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), to serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Petersen, a Republican, is one of the five remaining FEC commissioners.
Without Peterson, the FEC will have only four of the six required commissioners serving, all with expired terms. With Petersen’s absence from the FEC there will remain two registered members of the Republican Party, one registered member of the Democratic Party, and one Independent, Chairman Steven T. Walther.
The FEC requires at least four commissioners to agree for any official action. A replacement for Petersen will be selected by the president and then confirmed by the U.S. Senate. No more than three members of the FEC may be registered with the same political party.
September 6, 2017 •
LNC File Suit Against FEC: Contribution Limits on Bequests
On September 5, the Libertarian National Committee (LNC) filed a lawsuit arguing federal contribution limits of bequests are unconstitutional. In Libertarian National Committee v. Federal Election Commission, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the LNC […]
On September 5, the Libertarian National Committee (LNC) filed a lawsuit arguing federal contribution limits of bequests are unconstitutional.
In Libertarian National Committee v. Federal Election Commission, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the LNC argues federal political contribution limits applied to bequests, in the absence of any evidence of corruption, violate the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The LNC also claims Congress cannot regulate “the content of a political party’s expression under the guise of combating corruption.”
In 2014, the LNC was bequeathed $235,575 by a party contributor when he died. The Federal Election Commission’s position is the money must be dispersed in the amount of $33,900 a year. The LNC is asking its proposed facts and questions be certified to the en banc D.C. Circuit.
February 6, 2017 •
FEC Adjusts Lobbyist Bundling Disclosure Threshold Amount
On Friday, February 3, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) published its price index adjustments for expenditure limitations and the federal lobbyist bundling disclosure threshold. The lobbyist bundling disclosure threshold has increased for 2017 from $17,600 to $17,900. This threshold amount […]
On Friday, February 3, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) published its price index adjustments for expenditure limitations and the federal lobbyist bundling disclosure threshold.
The lobbyist bundling disclosure threshold has increased for 2017 from $17,600 to $17,900. This threshold amount is adjusted annually. Federal law requires authorized committees of federal candidates, leadership political action committees (PACs), and political party committees to disclose contributions bundled by lobbyists and lobbyists’ PACs.
Additionally, the FEC published its adjusted Coordinated Party Expenditure Limits for political parties for 2017.
February 2, 2017 •
Let the Fundraising Begin: FEC Publishes Contribution Limits for 2017-2018 Election Cycle
Today, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) published the 2017-2018 election cycle contribution limits, which have been indexed for inflation. As required by the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, the FEC must adjust certain contribution limits every two years. The […]
Today, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) published the 2017-2018 election cycle contribution limits, which have been indexed for inflation. As required by the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, the FEC must adjust certain contribution limits every two years.
The individual and nonmulticandidate PAC contribution limit to federal candidates will remain at $2,700 for both primary and general elections, allowing for a total of $5,400 for a federal candidate. The limits on contributions by individuals to national party committees has increased from $33,400 to $33,900 per calendar year.
Individuals may now contribute $101,700 per calendar year to committees of a national political party for presidential nominating conventions, to committees of a national political party for preparation for and the conduct of election recounts and contests and other legal proceedings, and to committees of a national political party for the construction, purchase, renovation, operation, and furnishing of one or more buildings for party headquarters.
The new limits are effective retroactively to January 1, 2017.
September 23, 2016 •
FEC Names New Acting General Counsel
On September 22, Lisa J. Stevenson was named acting general counsel for the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Stevenson is replacing Daniel A. Petalas, who is leaving the FEC join the Washington, D.C., law firm Garvey Schubert Barer. Because the FEC […]
On September 22, Lisa J. Stevenson was named acting general counsel for the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
Stevenson is replacing Daniel A. Petalas, who is leaving the FEC join the Washington, D.C., law firm Garvey Schubert Barer.
Because the FEC has not been able to agree on a general counsel since 2013, the appointments have been designated as acting general counsel.
September 16, 2016 •
FEC Unable to Agree on Policy Regarding Permissible Corporate Political Activity by U.S. Domestic Subsidiaries of Foreign Nationals
On September 15, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) was unable to agree on a policy to clarify when and if a U.S. domestic subsidiary corporation of a foreign national is illegally involved in political activity. Federal law prohibits foreign nationals […]
On September 15, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) was unable to agree on a policy to clarify when and if a U.S. domestic subsidiary corporation of a foreign national is illegally involved in political activity.
Federal law prohibits foreign nationals from directly or indirectly making contributions, donations, expenditures, independent expenditures, and disbursements in connection with federal, state, or local elections. FEC regulations also prohibit foreign nationals from directing, controlling, or participating in the decision-making process of any person, such as a corporation, with regards to decisions concerning the making of contributions, donations, expenditures, or disbursements in connection with elections in the U.S.
Additionally, the FEC was unable to reach an agreement on the creation of a safe harbor for political committees to accept corporate contributions deemed not to have come from foreign national sources.
Two delegates to the 2016 Republican National Convention are permitted to receive free legal services from corporate nonprofit organizations thanks to a legal settlement between the delegates and the Federal Election Commission (FEC). On July 22, in Two Unnamed Plaintiffs […]
Two delegates to the 2016 Republican National Convention are permitted to receive free legal services from corporate nonprofit organizations thanks to a legal settlement between the delegates and the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
On July 22, in Two Unnamed Plaintiffs v. FEC, the U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming issued an order consenting to the settlement between the parties. The case arose from concerns that presidential candidate Donald Trump would bring litigation against those supporting delegate autonomy at the Republican National Convention, according to a press release from Pillar of Law Institute.
Benjamin Barr, lead counsel in the case, believes this settlement provides precedent for future convention delegates, including delegates at this week’s Democratic National Convention. “With this win, conscientious delegates now and for conventions to come are not alone. Non-profit corporations are free to help fund their efforts and donate legal services, breathing new life into the convention process,” said Barr in the press release.
July 14, 2016 •
Thursday News Roundup
Campaign Finance “Super PAC Spending Becoming More Bipartisan” by Llewellyn Hinkes-Jones for Bloomberg BNA “Koch-Backed ‘Dark Money’ Groups Fined for Failing to Disclose Donors” by John Dunbar for Center for Public Integrity California: “Oakland: Company laundered campaign donations to mayoral, […]
Campaign Finance
“Super PAC Spending Becoming More Bipartisan” by Llewellyn Hinkes-Jones for Bloomberg BNA
“Koch-Backed ‘Dark Money’ Groups Fined for Failing to Disclose Donors” by John Dunbar for Center for Public Integrity
California: “Oakland: Company laundered campaign donations to mayoral, council candidates” by Matthias Gafni for East Bay Times
New Jersey: “Jail for Birdsall Exec in Pay-to-Play Scheme” by Andrew Ford for Asbury Park Press
Ethics
South Carolina: “SC Supreme Court Rules for Pascoe, Against Wilson” by Tim Smith for Greenville News
Tennessee: “Jeremy Durham Had Sexual ‘Interactions’ with 22 Women, Report Says” by Dave Boucher and Joel Ebert for The Tennessean
Elections
“Sidewire: The chatter site for political junkies who haven’t already maxed out” by Ben Terris for Washington Post
“Americans Really Dislike Trump, Clinton. So Why Aren’t Third Parties Doing Better?” by Danielle Kurtzleben for National Public Radio
“Justice Ginsburg Doesn’t Let Up on Trump, Who Fires Back” by Robert Barnes for Washington Post
Florida: “Florida Mosque Is Removed as a Polling Site after Complaints and Threats” by Mary Hui for Washington Post
June 17, 2016 •
New York Lawmakers Call for Overturn of Citizens United
A bipartisan majority of lawmakers is calling for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution overturning the Supreme Court’s 2010 decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. In the Citizens United decision, the Court ruled corporations and unions should be […]
A bipartisan majority of lawmakers is calling for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution overturning the Supreme Court’s 2010 decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.
In the Citizens United decision, the Court ruled corporations and unions should be considered individuals for purposes of political contributions; therefore, restricting their donations to candidates is a violation of their First Amendment right to free speech.
New York is now one of 16 states—and the first with a Republican-controlled chamber—supporting an amendment in response to the decision.
Earlier this month, the Federal Election Commission dismissed complaints against two North Dakota Republican leaders regarding foreign campaign contributions received from a Canadian businessman. The Federal Election Campaign Act bars foreign nationals from making financial donations in connection with federal, […]
Earlier this month, the Federal Election Commission dismissed complaints against two North Dakota Republican leaders regarding foreign campaign contributions received from a Canadian businessman.
The Federal Election Campaign Act bars foreign nationals from making financial donations in connection with federal, state or local elections.
The politicians claim they accepted the contributions based on incorrect advice received from the North Dakota Secretary of State’s Office. The FEC ultimately dismissed the complaints because the contributions were refunded within the 30-day time period allowed by commission regulations.
June 8, 2016 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Campaign Finance “FEC Republicans Explain Dropping Gingrich, Murray Cases” by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg BNA California: “Ex-California Lawmaker Tom Calderon Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering” by David Siders and Alexei Koseff for Sacramento Bee Florida: “Florida AG Asked Trump for […]
Campaign Finance
“FEC Republicans Explain Dropping Gingrich, Murray Cases” by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg BNA
California: “Ex-California Lawmaker Tom Calderon Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering” by David Siders and Alexei Koseff for Sacramento Bee
Florida: “Florida AG Asked Trump for Donation before Nixing Fraud Case” by Jeff Horwitz, Gary Fineout, and Michael Biesecker for The Associated Press
Missouri: “On the Trail: St. Louis aldermen will take another look at campaign contribution limits” by Jason Rosenbaum for St. Louis Public Radio
Ethics
Pennsylvania: “Kathleen Kane’s Administration Hit with Discrimination Complaint from Her Twin Sister” by Steve Esack for Allentown Morning Call
Elections
“Exclusive: Trump’s 3,500 lawsuits unprecedented for a presidential nominee” by Nick Penzenstadler and Susan Page for USA Today
“Clinton Celebrates Victory, Declaring: ‘We’ve reached a milestone’” by Anne Gearan, Robert Costa, and John Wagner for Washington Post
Virginia: “Supreme Court Will Weigh in On Whether Va. Districts Are Racially Gerrymandered” by Robert Barnes and Laura Vozzella for Washington Post
Legislative Issues
Rhode Island: “RI Assembly Reworks ‘Community-Service’ Grants Program” by Katherine Gregg for Providence Journal
May 2, 2016 •
Monday News Roundup
Campaign Finance “Sanders Is Biggest Spender of 2016 So Far – Generating Millions for Consultants” by Matea Gold and Anu Narayanswamy for Washington Post Colorado: “House Votes for Disclosure of Independent Spending on Ads Touting Political Parties” by Jeff Roberts […]
Campaign Finance
“Sanders Is Biggest Spender of 2016 So Far – Generating Millions for Consultants” by Matea Gold and Anu Narayanswamy for Washington Post
Colorado: “House Votes for Disclosure of Independent Spending on Ads Touting Political Parties” by Jeff Roberts (Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition) for Colorado Independent
Colorado: “Groups May Take Aim at Denver Campaign Finance, Ethics Rules” by Jon Murray for Denver Post
New York: “De Blasio’s Office Gets Subpoenas as Inquiries into Fund-Raising Continue” by J. David Goodman for New York Times
North Carolina: “FEC Resets Campaign Donation Limits for NC Congressional Races” by Colin Campbell for Raleigh News & Observer
Ethics
Alabama: “Henry to File New Impeachment Articles against Bentley” by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser
Connecticut: “Questions Raised About Sale of Famous Political Collection” by Edmund Mahony for Hartford Courant
South Carolina: “Senate Passes Bills Aimed at Reforming State Ethics Laws” by Maya Prabhu for Charleston Post & Courier
Utah: “Donor Speed-Dating with Guv Doesn’t Sit Well with Some” by Robert Gehrke for Salt Lake Tribune
Elections
“Voters in Eastern Seaboard Primaries Embrace Trump” by Philip Rucker and Jose DelReal for Washington Post
“Clinton Decisively Wins Democratic Primaries in 4 States” by Abby Phillip, John Wagner, and Anne Gearan for Washington Post
“How the Other Fifth Lives” by Thomas Edsall for New York Times
Texas: “Justices Leave Texas Voter ID Law Intact, with a Warning” by Adam Liptak for New York Times
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