AO 2008-15: nonprofit corporation may use general treasury funds to broadcast radio advertisement

The National Right to Life Committee, Inc. (the NRLC), may use its general treasury funds to finance the broadcast of a radio ad entitled "Waiting for Obama's Apology #1." With regard to a second proposed radio ad, "Waiting for Obama's Apology #2," the Commission could not approve a response by the required four affirmative votes.

Background

The NRLC is a non-stock, not-for-profit corporation that is exempt from federal taxes, but is not a "qualified non-profit corporation." The NRLC has produced two radio ads that it intends to broadcast and maintains that the broadcast of such ads will be independent of any candidate or candidate's agents, or any political party committee or its agents. The full text of both proposed ads is printed in AO 2008-15.

Analysis

The Commission concluded that the NRLC may finance the broadcast of Waiting for Obama's Apology #1 with general treasury funds. The Commission could not approve a response by the required four affirmative votes regarding Waiting for Obama's Apology #2.

AO 2008-15: Date Issued: November 24, 2008; length: 4 pages.