Van Hollen files challenge to FEC rules on election spending

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Washington Post

Van Hollen files challenge to FEC rules on election spending
By T.W. Farnam, Thursday, April 21, 11:02 AM

Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) filed a challenge to campaign spending rules in federal court Thursday, charging that the regulations do not adequately implement the 2002 McCain-Feingold law aimed at slowing the growth of spending on election campaigns.

The lawsuit challenges regulations at the Federal Election Commission that allow groups organized as nonprofits to spend money on candidate ads ahead of an election without revealing all of their financial backers.

“Improper FEC disclosure regulations are the principal reason that more than $135 million in contributions spent to influence the 2010 congressional races were kept secret from the American people,” said Fred Wertheimer, president of Democracy 21, an advocacy group supporting stronger regulation of money in politics, which is helping represent Van Hollen in the lawsuit.

The White House confirmed Wednesday that it is drafting an executive order that would require companies seeking federal contracts to disclose their contributions to politicians and advocacy groups involved in elections.





Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/van_hollen_files_challenge_to_fec_rules_on_election_spending/2011/04/21/AFG2mkIE_story.html?wprss=rss_blogsandcolumns

[GillesDeleuze]

1. Hey CommonCause/Robert Reich

nows your chance to put your money where your mouth is

[JDPriestly]

2. Obama's idea is good. Congress should pass a bill also.