Citing Falwell's Endorsement of Bush, Group Challenges His Tax-Exempt Stat

[xocolatl]

NY Times Article:

Citing Falwell's Endorsement of Bush, Group Challenges His Tax-Exempt Status

By DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK

Published: July 16, 2004

Hoping to send a warning to churches helping the Bush campaign turn out conservative voters, a liberal group has filed a complaint with the Internal Revenue Service charging that an organization run by the Rev. Jerry Falwell has violated the requirements of its tax-exempt status by endorsing Mr. Bush's re-election.

more...

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1. Falwell's fine didn't have much of a dampening effect

In 1993, the tax-exempt religious organization that produces Mr. Falwell's Old Time Gospel Hour television program agreed to pay $50,000 in tax penalties for political activity in 1986 and 1987.

Because of Mr. Falwell's high-profile, just raising the issue against him again this year may have a dampening effect on other ministers' activities during the fall election.

Now that it's OK for the GOP to solicit church members, what does Falwell have to fear? He got off easy with his penalty last time, and there are probably plenty who would willing add an extra tithe to cover this years cost of doing business.