http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=513&ncid=703&e=9&u=/ap/20040205/ap_on_go_ot/shadow_partiesDemocrats on FEC Block Action on Spending
By SHARON THEIMER, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - The Federal Election Commission has put off a decision that could place new limits on partisan interest groups and jeopardize a fund-raising strategy Democrats are using to counter Republican money in this year's elections.
Under the proposal, the FEC would ban partisan political groups from using corporate and union donations known as soft money on get-out-the-vote drives, ads and other spending targeting presidential or congressional candidates.
Three Democratic FEC members blocked action on the proposal Thursday, saying they needed more time to review comments the commission has received from interest groups and campaign finance watchdogs in recent days. The commission also includes three Republicans.
The FEC now plans to consider the proposal Feb. 18.<snip>
In a proposed response to the ABC request the commission was to consider Thursday, FEC attorneys suggested limiting the use of soft money by partisan groups like Americans for a Better Country that are political committees. Under the proposal, the groups:
_Would have to use limited hard money for ads that support or oppose presidential or congressional candidates if such federal candidates are the only ones mentioned.
_Would have to use hard money for get-out-the-vote ads, mailings or phone banks that promote or oppose a federal candidate's election.
_ Could use a mix of soft and hard money for get-out-the-vote messages that support or oppose a federal candidate and also mention state or local candidates, or that do not mention a particular federal candidate. <snip>
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
