FEC lets 501c(4) off with slap on wrist for endorsing Chimp

[sybylla]

http://www.campaignlegalcenter.org/press-1540.html

Feb 18, 2005 -- FEC Admonishes Right to Life Group for Publicly Endorsing Candidate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 18, 2005
Press Contact: Mark Glaze, 202-271-0982

Washington , D.C. -- Acting on a complaint filed by the Campaign Legal Center , the Federal Election Commission found Wisconsin Right to Life, Inc., a 501(c)(4) group, violated federal election law by publicly endorsing President George W. Bush for reelection on its corporate website in violation of federal election law and issued an admonishment to them.

"Non-profit groups play a key role in the national debate on public issues, but federal law sharply - and properly - limits their role in elections," said Gerry Hebert, director of litigation for the Legal Center. "Broadcasting endorsements of federal candidates is clearly not permitted by corporate entities such as was done by Wisconsin Right to Life in this case. Corporations, both for profit and non-profit, must be mindful that their election-related activities must strictly adhere to federal campaign finance limitations or they will face the consequences."

Longstanding federal law prevents corporations and labor unions, including most non-profits, from attempting to influence federal candidate elections. While these organizations may participate in federal elections through political action committees, they are forbidden from using their general treasury funds for election activity. The key rationale for these restrictions - ratified by several U.S. Supreme Court decisions - is that corporate and union electoral activity does not necessarily reflect the views or desires of individual shareholders or members, and therefore can corrupt the election and policy process.

Among the restrictions in federal law is a limitation on corporate endorsement of political candidates. While corporations may endorse candidates to their own membership, they may not endorse candidates to the general public on their corporate websites. Corporations may endorse candidates only through their PACs or PAC websites. Wisconsin Right to Life failed to follow these well established restrictions.
<snip>

Ooooo. Those 501c(4) corporations won't do that any more. I bet they're scared out of their wits and will be way more careful for the next election.

Three guesses what penalty a 501c(4) who broke the law to endorse Kerry would have gotten.

edited title to more clearly reflect problem.