No Joke: Colbert's Campaign May Run Afoul of Law

[Lone_Star_Dem]

With its snack-food sponsorship, Democratic and Republican affiliations, and Sen. Larry Craig as a possible running mate, Stephen Colbert's run for the presidency is hardly serious business.

But the joke could be on Colbert if federal election officials decide his candidacy is for real.

If his campaign plays out the way he's indicated that it will, Comedy Central and Colbert's sponsor, Doritos, could be violating federal laws that bar corporations from backing political campaigns, election law experts say.

"How serious can you get about running as a joke?" said Massie Ritsch, communications director for the Center for Responsive Politics, a non-partisan group that tracks campaign finances. "The Federal Election Commission doesn't have a great sense of humor."

Feds May Take Colbert Seriously

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But no precedent exists for a television network promoting and fostering a candidacy of one of its own talk-show hosts, said Lawrence M. Noble, a former general counsel for the Federal Election Commission. And comedian Pat Paulsen's 1968 candidacy predated current campaign finance regulations.

"The real problem comes in the fact that he actually has his own show, talking about his campaign, paid for by a network," Noble said. "These are the kind of things on slow days you'd debate until the late afternoon at the FEC, but there are serious questions that come up. In theory, he could end up having some campaign finance problems."

http://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=3766656&page=1

[sam sarrha]

1. if he hasnt filed he isnt running

[Bonhomme Richard]

2. Pat Paulsen used to run every election.

Is this all that much different?
(I know I'm dating myself)

[Midlodemocrat]

3. GMTA. I was just thinking the same thing. Also dating myself.

[AzDar]

5. Just curious.. when you 'date' yourself, do you go 'all the way'?

Tramps!

[Midlodemocrat]

6. No. Saving myself.

:rofl:

[Dr. Strange]

8. Tease! tiaihtsdcotywwytdycybidyd

[AspenRose]

4. Payback for Washington Correspondent's Dinner?

Hmm...an opportunity to give Colbert a hard time....nah, this administration wouldn't do anything that petty.

:freak:

[PuraVidaDreamin]

7. I think they're scared too many will write him in.

Not many are truly happy with the current crop
be it repugs or dems

[MagickMuffin]

9. Oh Pleeeease, How many candidates only want to be on the ballot in ONE STATE

Colbert has stated he is only running in South Carolina. People get a grip on reality. He is joking. He is NOT serious, PERIOD....