FEC to Hold Open Meeting on June 22, 2006

On Thursday, June 22, the Federal Election Commission will meet in Open Session to consider the adoption of four Advisory Opinions.  Subjects include Public Service Announcements (PSA’s), books published by members of Congress, and solicitations by PAC’s and local electric cooperatives:

1.  EchoStar Satellite LLC has asked the FEC to determine whether it can air a series of PSA’s featuring federal officeholders to promote charitable causes and raise awareness of health issues.  This will be the Commission’s first opportunity to apply its newly adopted coordination regulations. 

EchoStar’s Advisory Opinion Request.  The draft opinion the Commission will consider.

2.  Congresswoman Kay Granger has asked the FEC if her campaign committee may publicize her new book on her campaign website and through e-mails to supporters. She is donating all proceeds from sales of her book to charity.  The Commission will decide if this arrangement is an impermissible “personal use” of campaign funds.

Congresswoman Granger’s Advisory Opinion Request.  The draft opinion the Commission will consider.

3.  The National Restaurant Association PAC requested the FEC’s guidance on whether it may solicit contributions to candidates for Federal office in communications directed to the general public.  The Commission will consider three different draft responses prepared by the Office of General Counsel.

The National Restaurant Association PAC’s Advisory Opinion Request.  The draft opinions the Commission will consider.

4.  Berkeley Electric Cooperative asks the FEC which of its members and employees it may solicit for contributions to its political action committee, and to the political action committee of a cooperative association to which it belongs.

Berkeley Electric Cooperative’s Advisory Opinion Request.  The draft opinion the Commission will consider.

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