[mrsmith]

(Musing about what is obviously not the intent of the law.)

Free Republic conducts "electioneering communications", by definition; and it is broadcast over "cable" and "satellite", by definition, to many people.

In future perhaps Jim may have to be careful to time fund raisers with regard to national and local elections.

This law could not be used in this fashion at this time. But as the internet contiues to rise as a general news medium it may.

[Steve_Seattle]

"This law could not be used in this fashion at this time. But as the internet contiues to rise as a general news medium it may."

Placing restrictions in a site like this would be consistent with the spirit behind CFR, and no one should think that some members of congress wouldn't like to do that. Ted Kennedy, for example, wrote a preface for a book (damn, can't remember the title) advocating government regulation of sites like this, imposing a kind of "fairness" doctrine, etc., on websites. Their hostile attitude to Fox, the Internet, and talk-radio should be taken seriously; they will do what they can to regulate political speech they don't like, and with CFR the camel's nose is in the tent.

[finnman69]

Acutally Free Republic woulld NOT fall under any of this. It's very clear...

Exemptions
The regulations at 11 CFR100.29(c)(1) through (6) exempt certain communications from the definition of “electioneering communication:”

• A communication that is disseminated through a means other than a television station, radio station, cable television system or satellite system. For example, printed media—including newspapers, magazines, bumper stickers, yard signs and billboards—are not included, nor are communications over the Internet, e-mail or the telephone;