Rulemaking petition seeks EC exemption
On February 16, 2006, the Commission received a Petition for Rulemaking seeking to exempt certain “grassroots lobbying” communications from the regulatory definition of “electioneering communications” (EC). The petition was submitted by the AFL-CIO, the Alliance for Justice, the Chamber of Commerce of the United States, the National Education Association and OMB Watch.
With certain exceptions, an EC is any “publicly distributed” television, radio or satellite communication that refers to a clearly identified federal candidate within 30 days before a primary election or 60 days before a general election. In the case of congressional candidates, the communication must also be targeted to the relevant electorate. See 11 CFR 100.29.
The Commission published a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register on March 16, 2006, seeking comments on whether to initiate a rulemaking in response to this petition. The deadline for comments is April 17, 2006. The full text of the notice is available on the FEC website at http://www.fec.gov or from the FEC Faxline, 202/501-3413. Public comments must be in either written or electronic form to Brad C. Deutsch, Assistant General Counsel. Commenters are strongly encouraged to submit comments by email or fax to ensure timely receipt and consideration.
- All comments must include the full name postal service address.
- Emailed comments must be sent to either GRLECNOA@fec.gov or submitted through the Federal eRegulations Portal at www.regulations.gov. Attachments must be in Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Word format.
- Faxed comments must be sent to 202/219-3923 with a paper copy follow-up.
- Paper comments or fax followup comments must be sent to the Federal Election Commission, 999 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20463.