Sale of campaign assets
Purchaser makes contribution
Generally, when a campaign sells its property, the purchase is considered a contribution to the campaign by the purchaser. The payment, therefore, must not come from prohibited sources and must not exceed the contribution limits.
Under limited circumstances, however, the sale of a campaign asset does not result in a contribution.
Sale of campaign materials
The sale of fundraising items or materials developed uniquely for the committee (such as artwork, publications and opinion polls) results in contributions from the purchasers.
Commercial ventures
The Commission has determined that when a committee asset is sold or used for an ongoing commercial venture to produce revenue for a committee, the proceeds are considered contributions to the committee.
Purchaser does not make contribution
Under limited circumstances, however, the sale of a campaign asset does not result in a contribution.
Mailing lists
Mailing lists developed by a campaign for its own use may be sold or exchanged at the “usual and normal” charge without the purchaser making a contribution.
Liquidation of equipment and supplies
The Commission has said that the sale of campaign equipment and supplies does not result in a contribution under certain conditions.