I am thinking of having a fundraising event for Dean but.....

[DianeK]

I hesitate to do so since I am not that familiar with all the campaign finance laws. There doesn't seem to be a lot of guidance on the website and I am not ready to jump into something if it will only turn out to be a bookkeeping nightmare...any advice?

[Cha]

1. I'm sure there will be a few DUers who can give you advice on

that! From personal experience! Good Luck and I hope you get to
do it!

ANd Thanks, Diane! :kick:

[madfloridian]

2. All the directions are at his website.

Not sure which heading, probably "get involved."

[ShaneGR]

3. Here's what you need to know

Each individual has a contribution limit of $2000 in a federal election. The same limit exists for all levels including candidates for President, Senate, or Congress. It is acceptable for a contributor to donate on behalf of his/her spouse.

So a married person can write a check for $4000 if their spouse is listed on the same check.

The check should be made out to "Committee to elect Dean."

In the "For" section of the check should be the individuals social security number.

If you incur any expenses (Food, drink, advertising) for your house party this is called an "in-kind" donation and should be typed on the report for the event you mail to the Dean campaign with the checks.

That's it!!!

ALSO: THe $2000 limit is a TOTAL limit. So if you have a contributor give, hypothetically, $100.... he/she now has an additional $1900 they can still give during this primary cycle. Once the primaries are over the individual can give an addition $2000. In other words, there are TWO cycles involved. $2000 limit for the primary and $2000 for the general for a total of $4000 total. BUT, if an individual only gives $100 during the primaries he/she is not entitled to give an additional $3900 during the general. Only 2000 for the primary.... and then you start over with the same limit.

[E_Zapata]

4. You don't need to report the social security number!!!!

Where did you get that? No one should EVER write their social on a check or anything else. EVER.

I have never provided my social on campaign forms:

The info they need:

Legal name
Occupation
address

That's it!

Diane: go to www.fec.gov - look up some of the campaign contributions in the database by individuals. Click on the FEC form that was submitted. You can see that the info required does *not* require a social security number. That would be illegal............

[ShaneGR]

5. Well, we like to have them but it isn't required by law

The reason we like to get them is for the campaign finance reports. It's more of an accountability issue (full disclosure).

But, you're right.

[AP]

8. You don't need this information at all.

Whose campaigns asked you to get this information?

[madfloridian]

6. Please follow directions at his website......Link.

http://action.deanforamerica.com/meet/newmeeting.html

I think everything you need is here or under "Get Involved"

[sfecap]

7. Contact the Dean campaign...

..they have a package with everything you need to know. House parties are fun! They will send you all of the form necessary for donor tracking, etc.

The FEC rules are pretty simple, maximum donation $2000.00 per person, from personal funds (no business donations), there are some citizenship rules, a donor form must be filled out, (name/address/occupation). Donations up to $250.00 are eligible for Federal matching funds. Donations are not tax deductible.

[DianeK]

9. thanks to all

for all the good advice..appreciate it very much