As has pointed out numerous times on this thread, everyone - whether they are 501(c)(3) or not - can talk politics.
I believe you mean can they electioneer? Of course they can. They are not 501(c)(3) orgs.
The more one considers a taxation/political sppech connection, the more ludicrous it becomes. Well, for some folks, anyway
The IRS regs are narrowly tailored for 501(c)(3) orgs. It's not broad enough to encompass *every* situation where someone or something is tax exempt.
OK.
What's the basis for non-taxation in return for political silence, particularly about candidates, and the threat of taxation should an organization endorse a candidate?
And, how can that square with tax-exemption for purely political organizations (527's)?
A link on 501(c)(3) lobbying: http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=120703,00.html