skip navigation
Here's how you know US flag signifying that this is a United States Federal Government website

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

SSL

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Federal Election Commission | United States of America

FEC v. Richards for President (88-2832)

Summary

On March 22, 1989, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a final consent order and judgment in FEC v. Bob Richards for President Committee, Washington, D.C. (Civil Action No. 88-2832). The Richards (Washington) committee is a nonauthorized committee affiliated with the Waco, Texas, Bob Richards for President Committee, Mr. Richards' principal campaign committee for his 1984 Presidential campaign.

By the terms of the consent order, the court declared that the Richards (Washington) committee violated the election law and FEC regulations by:

  • Failing to file an amended Statement of Organization (FEC Form(1) reflecting its affiliation with the Richards (Texas) committee (2 U.S.C. §433(c));
  • Using Mr. Richards' name in its committee name (a nonauthorized committee may not use a candidate's name in its committee name) (2 U.S.C. §432(e)(4));
  • Knowingly accepting an excessive contribution in the form of a $60,000 loan from the Populist Party (2 U.S.C. §441a(f));
  • Transferring $5,000 to the Richards (Texas) committee from funds derived from excessive (i.e., prohibited) contributions (11 CFR 102.6(a)(1)(iv)); and
  • Failing to include an authorization notice in a solicitation letter that expressly advocated Mr. Richards' election (2 U.S.C. §441d(a)).

The consent order required the defendants to:

  • File the amended Statement of Organization, reflecting the Richards (Washington) committee's affiliation with the Richards (Texas) committee, with the Commission within 20 days; and
  • Pay a civil penalty of $15,000 within 20 days.

The court also permanently enjoined the defendants from future similar violations of the election law.

Source:   FEC Record — May 1989

This information is not intended to replace the law or to change its meaning, nor does this information create or confer any rights for or on any person or bind the Federal Election Commission or the public.

The reader is encouraged also to consult the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (52 U.S.C. 30101 et seq.), Commission regulations (Title 11 of the Code of Federal Regulations), Commission advisory opinions and applicable court decisions.