AO 2016-17: Libertarian Party of Michigan qualifies as state party committee
The Libertarian Party of Michigan Executive Committee, Inc. (the LPM) qualifies as a state party committee under the Federal Election Campaign Act (the Act).
Background
Under the Act and Commission regulations, a state party committee is an organization that by virtue of the bylaws of a political party is part of the official party structure and is responsible for the day-to-day operation of a political party at the state level, as determined by the Commission. 52 U.S.C. § 30101(15); 11 CFR 100.14(a). In order for a committee to qualify as a state party committee, there must also be at least one candidate for federal office whose name appears on the ballot as a party candidate.
Analysis
The Commission determined that the Libertarian Party of Michigan Executive Committee meets the three criteria essential to qualify as a state committee: (1) the national Libertarian National Party (LNP) qualifies as a political party; (2) the LPM is part of the official LNP structure; and (3) the LPM is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the LNP at the state level. See also Advisory Opinion (AOs) 2016-14 (11 Libertarian State Committees), 2015-01 (Green-Rainbow Party), 2012-39 (Green Party of Virginia) and 1975-129 (National Committee of the Libertarian Party).
Date Issued: November 17, 2016; 5 pages
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