Republicans ask TV stations to pull ads by liberal group

[Newsjock]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/news/archive/2004/03/05/politics1758EST0704.DTL

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Republican National Committee on Friday asked about 250 television stations to pull a liberal group's ads critical of President Bush.

The RNC sent the stations a letter Friday suggesting the outlets may be complicit in breaking campaign finance laws if they air the MoveOn.org Voter Fund ads. It asked them to decline to broadcast the ads.

The RNC argues that the group, financed by so-called "soft money," is spending it on ads to influence a federal election. The campaign finance law broadly bars the use of such corporate, union and unlimited donations to influence federal elections.

... In the letter, RNC chief counsel Jill Holtzman Vogel wrote, "As a broadcaster licensed by the Federal Communications Commission, you have a responsibility to the viewing public and to your licensing agency to refrain from complicity in any illegal activity, specifically in this case, violations of our nation's federal election laws."

more

This intimidation is disgusting and un-American.

[BootinUp]

1. THIS IS OVER THE LINE!!! Silence us will you!

:grr: :nuke:

[blm]

2. Did the GOP complain about the Club for Growth ads?

.

[BiggJawn]

42. Or the "Concerned Women of America" ads?

Those ads try to "influence Federal elections" too.

The ReTHUGs cry about their "Freedom of Speech" when we try to limit campaign finance, yet try to deny that right to other groups.

How typical of them-"All men are created Equal, but some are MORE Equal than others."

[Cooley Hurd]

3. Oh man...

After reading this, I have such a sick feeling. They're going to harass affiliates to force moveon.org's ads off the air?

Fuckers!

[NNN0LHI]

4. I guess the ads had the intended effect? They are scared of the truth n/t

[Hokie]

30. Damn right

They are scared to death that the liberals will play tough with money. This election will probably decide the future of the country. If we lose this one democracy is history.

[MASSAFRA]

5. No more

NRA funded ads then. I still remember that one from last election of the flag being stripped.

[NickB79]

37. They already can't

Because of the campaign finance reform laws passed. They were VERY critical of Bush because of his signing it into law. Pretty ironic.

[DeepModem Mom]

6. "Intimidation" and "un-American" --

This kind of intimidation, contrary to everything our country is supposed to be about, is truly frightening. The Republican Party, once a moderating force in a strong two-party system, has been completely hijacked by extremists, as evidenced by the fact that this un-American attempt to silence opposition comes directly from the Republican National Committee.

[Bandit]

7. We should do the same thing about Hannity and Rush etc.

They are non-stop campaign ads for the GOP. What is good for the goose etc. We should demand all stations refuse to air them until after the election.

[Lorien]

18. Good idea

someone here spoke to a reporter recently who told them that the reason the Right always gets their way is because they demand it, while the left sits on their hands and complains while accomplishing nothing. He said that if a station recieves 10 HANDWRITTEN LETTERS (not e-mail) about a topic, they consider it a "hot issue". Can DU manage 10 letters to a station? Is that too big a dream?

[pinto]

disagree. think we should argue the merits and let fur fly,as they say..

(aside) what ever happened about that radio show blurb you heard the other day? sure caused a stir here....pinto

[Bandit]

45. I was mistaken

Sorry I heard them say that the ads had been recalled when in fact what they said was groups asked that the ads be recalled. I should have been paying closer attention. I apologize.

[wryter2000]

8. WTF?

Does anyone know the law? How in (*^(* could it say something like that?

:wtf:

[tedoll78]

39. I know one thing.

The campaign finance law puts limits on contributions from individuals to candidates' campaigns - NOT special interest groups. I fully expect this ruling by the FEC to be challenged in court, and pronto.

[peacetalksforall]

9. We need to know more....

if this is the law then we need Dem lawyers to figure out a way to make it legal - and - where were the Dem lawyers who could have counselled MoveOn about the law?

We don't know the other side of the story yet.

However, from what we know about the 'durdy politicos' in the Repub Party, they have probably planted another lie that all the sheep will believe as the truth and hiccup every time they call in to each other and the Washington Journal no matter what the other side of the story is. True believers, true lovers of Resident Deficit are capable of believing only what their lie distributors tell them.

[Lefty48197]

10. What? The Republicans are trying to silence us?

Next thing you know, they'll start buying up all the radio stations, tv stations, and newspapers, and start using them to spread right wing propoganda. After that, they'll probably start paying all the right wingers large sums of money to write a bunch of senseless right wing books, that accomplish nothing, save for the fact that the fill up the book store shelves, and crowd out the voices of reason.

[DBoon]

28. And then...

They will bulk order these senseless right wing books, in an effort to bolster their standing in the best seller lists.

Worried? It could happen here!

[Dover]

11. Those who break every law in the book shouldn't throw stones!

They must be holding something over these stations....maybe the FCC ruling?

[Mountainman]

12. It's not enough that they have 200 million to spend

They have to silence their opposition. At some point in time the nation has to stand up to this fascist administration!

[BadGimp]

13. This is why they win - They treat it like a War...

That and they have the voting machine manufactureres in their corner.

[Junkdrawer]

16. They treat it like a business...

They're the pros and we're the motivated amateurs...

[KenLayedOff]

14. This intimidation is disgusting and un-American

Yes it is and so is the whole CFR anti-1st amendment attack.

[alcuno]

15. MoveOn will argue that they are not trying to influence a federal election

but rather to get out the truth about the * administration. Their most recent ad does not tell people who they should or should not vote for.

[KenLayedOff]

17. A fine line

I would hope they ARE trying to influence this federal election. I mean come on! Does anyone really think the anti-bush ads are not meant to help defeat bush? Sure, it can't be proven by the feds but we can at least be honest among ourselves.

Influence away I say!

[NashVegas]

20. Think of it as a public service

like Harry & Louise

[alcuno]

21. As a matter of fact, I don't even think the ads mention the election.

Stations may cave, but I don't see how the RNC has a case. It's free speech not political speech.

[Jane Eyre]

19. GOP 30-minute infomercial for tort reform is anti-John Edwards

What is the difference between MoveOn.org ads and the Doctors for Medical Liability Reform ads? Read on.

A week or two ago, there was a 30-minute infomercial that showed here in NC after Meet the Press. The infomercial was produced by a group called "Doctors for Medical Liability Reform." There was a female neurosurgeon narrating ("As a doctor and a mother...") and there was scene after scene of suffering patients being wheeled into emergency rooms or going into surgery. Lots of vignettes from doctors telling their stories of having to leave North Carolina because of high medical liablity insurance, sandwiched between appeals to contact Senator John Edwards who was at the mercy of trial lawyers who wanted to pocket huge rewards at the expense of suffering patients. There were direct references to Democrats' ties to the trial lawyers, thus causing doctors to leave the state and patients to have to drive 90 miles to get service.

The ad was clearly framed to target Democrats, and John Edwards in particular. I am sure there it was no coincidence that Senator Edwards was gaining popularity in the presidential race. The states of Washington and North Carolina are being targeted specifically by this group.

This website was prominently displayed throughout the ad:

http://www.protectpatientsnow.org/

Here's a likn to more information about the push for tort reform. Medical groups are pledging millions of dollars for this stuff.

http://www.icep.org/news/article.asp?ID=63

[leesa]

22. I rarely ever watch commercials, but saw a great one by Salon today

It was a man with a TV head talking about how a few own all the TV news shows and how they all say the same thing which was good for the corporations but not for you. It was very good.

[keopeli]

23. Not surprising...they did the same thing stopping the Super Bowl ad.

They will do this throughout the next 8 mo. If Kerry stays above this fray, he may have a chance.

The real issue is that Bush* has to say "I approve of this ad" while moveon and Kerry do not. I think this will be the distinguishing factor in these ads to the voting public.

Bush* 9-11 ads have his seal of approval. MoveOn ads do not need an approval (a verbal one, anyway).

Keo

[Dying Eagle]

24. Danm Nazi's

This is getting to far.

[boobooday]

25. The media is deeply corrupt

And needs to be run through a strainer.

http://www.wgoeshome.com

[depakid]

26. We need to keep a list of these stations

and target their licenses when we finally get a responsible FCC back.

[Melinda]

27. So when is Kerry gonna call em on it?

Dr. Dean would have been on it like yesterday.

[never cry wolf]

29. Any reason why

Dr. Dean isn't on it? Is he on our side or HIS side?

Not trying to flame and I appreciate all that Howard has done to elevate the awareness of many issues in this campaign, but as far as I know he has not gone mute and has professed to wanting to start his own grassroots organization. So if he would have been on it yesterday as a candidate why is he not on it now as a democratic grassroots spokesman?

shrubbie didn't call out these stations, he had his minions do it, or i should say, rove or whomever did (don't want to give whistleass that much credit.) Why does Kerry have to put himself on the line personally on every issue?

[Melinda]

31. Kerry's been annointed, and I expect HIM to lead NOW.

So, when does Kerry take this issue on?

[alcuno]

33. I don't think Kerry should have anything to do with this.

There is already the suggestion that MoveOn is coordinating with the Kerry campaign. For Kerry to come out with a statement in support of MoveOn would not be helpful to MoveOn.

Their argument is not that they are trying to influence an election but to get out the truth about *. Their ads don't even mention the election. This is all about the use of soft money and working within the guidelines.

[sandnsea]

46. Which is why we didn't elect Dean

The Democratic Party needs to stay OUT of this, for the most part, because that's the argument the Republicans are making. That Moveon and Democrats are working together. That is illegal. Moveon is going to have to handle this on its own, along with other similar groups.

[name not needed]

32. If you want to silence us

You'll have to kill each and every last one of us.

[Democat]

34. Democrats better have a strong and swift response

This is bullshit.

Rush Limbaugh, Fox, and all other right wing media should be targetted as equal to a Move On ad.

There is no way Rush and Fox can campaign for Bush 24/7, but MoveOn can't run an ad.

Democrats better come out fighting or we will lose again.

[T Bone]

35. Ok people this is what we HAVE to do NOW !!

Everyone here has a printer.
We can make all kind of posters !!
We can post them all over this free fucking country
\

GET busy.
make POSTERS

GET OUR POSTERS UP EVERY FUCKING PLACE WE CAN IN THIS COUNTRY

FREEDOM NOW AND FOREVER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THEY CAN TAKE THEM DOWN, WE CAN PUT THEM BACK UP
WE CAN FIND EVEN MORE PLACES TO PUT OUR POSTERS.
WE CAN PUT UP SO MANY POSTERS IN SO MANY PLACES THAT THEY CAN NEVER TAKE THEM ALL DOWN

WE CAN PRINT POSTERS AND PUT THEM ON EVERY FUCKING CAR IN EVERY FUCKING PARKING LOT IN AMERICA !!!

WE CAN DO IT AND WE WILL DO IT !!!!

VOTE BUSH OUT - HE IS A FUCKING LYING FASCIST !!!

[Samantha]

36. I think she was exaggerating

There's an article in today's Washington Post entitled "Reining In Anti-Bush Groups" (But Key FEC member May Oppose Immediate Changes in Rules). I tried to access it but cannot remember my password. When my new one is assigned, I will post the link. If you want, you can find the article now at www.washingtonpost.com. In the meantime, here's the gist:

"The Federal Election Commission yesterday set in motion regulatory proceedings that could severely restrict new pro-Democratic groups seeking to defeat President (sic) Bush. (note that word may)

The proposed regulations, drafted by the agency's general counsel, would severely crimp the fundraising and spending activities of "527" groups ....

The most significant development yesterday was FEC Vice Chairman Ellen L. Weintraub's broad-based critque of the substance and timing of the proposed agency regulations. Nothing that the proposed new rules could take effect in June, Weintraub said that "at this stage in the election cycle, it is unprecedented for the FEC to contemplate changes to the very definition of terms as fundamental as "expenditure" and "political committee ... sowing uncertainly during an election year."

* * *

Sorry, I am unable to post the link but I will as soon as I get my new password. However, re-reading the text of this article, it appears that Vogel's implied "complicity in any illegal activity, specifically in this case, violations of our nation's federal election laws" remains unresolved at the FEC.

Will the broadcasters be intimidated?

[LiviaOlivia]

38. WP-Reining In Anti-Bush Groups

washingtonpost.com
Reining In Anti-Bush Groups
But Key FEC Member May Oppose Immediate Changes in Rules

By Thomas B. Edsall
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, March 5, 2004

<snip>

The FEC, normally a backwater among Washington agencies, has become a battlefield pitting a flush Republican Party and a Bush campaign with a $100 million-plus war chest against a Democratic Party suffering from a 2 to 1 financial disadvantage. The Republican National Committee, joined by a number of campaign watchdog groups, is pressing the six-member commission to rule that a network of pro-Democratic organizations with a plan to spend as much as $300 million this year, most of it "soft money," is breaking the law.

<snip>

Seeking to capitalize on its McCain-Feingold advantages, the RNC is calling on the FEC to take strong steps to rein in such allied Democratic organizations as America Coming Together (ACT), the Media Fund and America Votes. These organizations are determined to defeat Bush on Nov. 2.

<snip>

For the six-member FEC to take any action, four votes are needed, and Weintraub, a Democratic appointee, is generally considered crucial to the achievement of a four-vote majority. The agency is evenly divided between three Republicans and three Democrats.

<snip>

The key provisions of the proposed regulations have the potential to force the 527 groups to spend only "hard money," consisting of contributions of $5,000 or less from individuals, or to spend a mix of hard and soft money, with 50 percent or more of it hard money.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A31690-2004Mar4.html

[symbolman]

40. Take Back the Media.com

will get SO MEDIEVAL with a Boycott on their asses..

We WILL respond to this in a big way -- we're damn sure that between us and a few other groups that we cost Limbaugh's sponsors literally MILLIONS of dollars.. this would be a lot bigger..

maybe a nationwide boycott?

if we all stuck together we could make them sweat..

anyone want to answer this with a Boycott threat? We need a list of stations and sponsors to get serious on them.

It's about time we show them WHO REALLY HAS THE MONEY.

[DeepModem Mom]

41. kicking for a.m. --

[mbee]

44. It is now time for all of us who have cable to write the cable companies

and their advertisers and tell them they'll lose our business if they mess with freedom of speech.

[libview]

43. This is why I was so against campaign finance reform in the

first place. There were so much pressure on our side to pass it, and we were just shooting ourselves in the foot.
Your right, it is disgusting and un-american!!!

[Generic Other]

47. They are anticipating the FEC's new plan to silence all dissent!

Here's how they plan to shut us all up. I guess we have until May. Oh my god! Thjis is unbelieveable.

FEC ACTION MAY HAVE IMPACT ON NONPROFIT ADVOCACY
Nonprofit Leadership Organizations Join in Common Message

WASHINGTON - Four national nonprofit organizations - Charity Lobbying in the Public Interest (CLPI), the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP), the National Council of Nonprofit Associations (NCNA), and OMB Watch—have joined to express their common concern about a draft advisory opinion (AO number 2003-37) of the Federal Election Commission (FEC) issued on January 29, 2004 at the request of a political committee calling itself Americans for a Better Country that is organized to support Republican candidates for office. <snip>

If the draft is approved, the ruling will apply immediately to political committees, but many FEC observers are concerned that it is so expansive that it may eventually impose similar restrictions on 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations. If that were to happen, it could undermine the existing rights of charities to speak on public policy matters, lobby within limits, and undertake nonpartisan voter engagement activities (such as voter registration efforts). <snip>

The AO explains its definition of "electioneering" in a manner that covers virtually any type of policy discussion that refers to a federal candidate. For example, criticism of President Bush's recent budget or support for his actions on the war against terrorism would be construed as promoting, supporting, attacking, or opposing presidential candidate George W. Bush, even with no mention of candidacy, voting, or elections. <snip>


• Policy advocacy - If an email were sent describing the actions of a member of Congress to limit nonprofit advocacy, it could be construed as an "expenditure" if that member of Congress were a candidate for re-election. So could an anti-war rally or a march for women's rights if the policies of the President are praised or criticized.

• Educational materials - Information in printed materials, on websites, or elsewhere that tends to cast federal elected officials in a favorable or unfavorable light could be "expenditures." Thus, a website that lists the political contributions candidates have received from particular industries or a study examining the increase in unemployment during a particular administration could be "expenditures".

http://www.ncrp.org/Releases/PR-02-13-2004.htm

Federal election officials proposed new rules Thursday that could sharply curb the activities of private political groups intent on influencing this year's presidential election.
<snip>

The draft rule "could effectively shut down the progressive movement and shut down criticism of the Bush administration and its policies," said Ralph Neas, president of the civil rights group People for the American Way.
That is because it could expand the number of political groups that fall under the FEC's regulations. Any group that has as its "major purpose" the influencing of federal elections could be made subject to a contribution limit of $5,000 from an individual, rather than the unlimited contributions they now receive.

<snip>

The FEC is made up of three Democrats and three Republicans. It takes four votes for the commission to take any action. A decision on whether to regulate the outside groups is expected in May. If the ruling goes against the groups, a court challenge is likely.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/2004-03-04-outside-grou...

[LONG-LINER]

48. Intimidation ... !

Some stations may crumble at the first volley but if this story gets major media play it may backfire on them :)