Elton John Donates Limbaugh's $1M to Obama Campaign

[12AngryBorneoWildmen]

Wouldn't that be sweet if he took the money he received for performing at Rush's 4th wedding and contributed that, plus the interest, to an Obama SuperPac.

[rox63]

1. As a British citizen

I don't believe he can legally contribute to U.S. political campaigns.

[DCKit]

2. I think the Supremes blew that out of the water with Citizens United. nt

[edcantor]

4. UM, no! Foreign citizens are still prohibited

The Supreme's decision was to give freedom of speech through unlimited contributions for American citizens and American corporations to American political activities and PACs.

Of course, PAC's do NOT have to disclose where the money comes from (nice loophole!), but it's not supposed to come from foreign sources. The US Chamber of Commerce was already investigated over this, and found to be without fault.

Foreigners do NOT have those same financial freedoms in our election process.

WASHINGTON -- Money pouring into the presidential election from super political action committees and nonprofit campaign groups appears so far to be strictly American in origin, donated by U.S. companies, unions and millionaires. But it's easier than ever to conceal the source of money and the identities of contributors, making conditions ripe for illegal donations from foreigners, overseas companies or governments attempting to help a favored candidate for the White House

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/10/super-pac-donations_n_1267750.html

In short, it's illegal, but some will probably get away with doing it. Someone like Elton John would not put his reputation or his legal status (he could be arrested and charged when in the USA) at risk by so doing.

[Exultant Democracy]

8. They can just use an amercan non profit to "launder" the money

the Karl Rove two steps. As long as you have both a non-profit and a super pac you can funnel as much money as you want from whatever sources you want.

[edcantor]

10. As I said in my post. yes n/t

[Zorra]

14. Couldn't he simply give the money to a friend of his who is a US citizen, with the

understanding that the money is to be donated to the Obama campaign?

Maybe just give the cash to the GaGa?

Lady Gaga Reveals Elton John Duet For Next Album

[edcantor]

15. Of course he probably could or he could

give it to a pro-Obama PAC through any number of diversionary tactics.

Not knowing what the laws are in the UK for gift disclosure, nor how any such giving would be tracked, I agree, as you say, it is POSSIBLE, but not likely that Elton wants to wind up in a U.S. or UK jail as a result of doing something illegal in one or both countries.

[MiniMe]

5. There is a difference between the compaign and a superpac

I think he can contribute to a super pac.

[SlimJimmy]

6. No, the money must be from an American entity - such as a citizen or company.

Foreign political donations have been outlawed since 1966, and a brief U.S. Supreme Court order last month upheld the ban for foreigners living in the U.S. as well as corporations and individuals abroad.

At the same time, a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2010 – known as the Citizens United case – enabled corporations and other well-financed donors to give money to political committees that avoid direct coordination with campaigns. The decision led to super PACs, and later court and government rulings gave the groups more latitude by allowing donors to make unlimited donations with minimal disclosure requirements.

Election law experts said the result is an environment that could breed foreign money abuses by political committees willing to knowingly violate the law or by foreign donors who covertly funnel money to favored U.S. candidates and causes.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/10/super-pac-donations_n_1267750.html

[Vincardog]

7. So he can form a US company and let it donate the money

[SlimJimmy]

12. According to current law, he could.

[edcantor]

16. I think you have found the only legal way.

AN Elton John Corporation, in the USA dedicated to promotion of Elton John in the USA, selling T-shirts or whatever, COULD legally give $ to the PAC for Obama.

[leftyohiolib]

3. well the headline should be changed cause i thought i was going to read a story about

sweet irony rather than someone's daydream

[Politicalboi]

9. Maybe he donated it through

Limpballs name. LOL!

[Vanje]

11. Oh Lord! I hope thats true! nt

[Bluenorthwest]

13. Last time I checked, all procedes from any of Elton John's private concerts

go entirely to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

[edcantor]

17. Not too shabby a place for such $ to go!

I hope all of Rush's costs for EJ went to AIDS.