Posted on 08/20/2007 12:34:22 PM PDT by Sub-Driver
Thompson faces election complaint
By JIM KUHNHENN, Associated Press Writer 14 minutes ago
A liberal blogger has filed a federal complaint against former Sen. Fred Thompson, the actor and unannounced Republican candidate for president, accusing him of violating election laws as he ponders his entry into the race.
The blogger, Lane Hudson, submitted his complaint to the Federal Election Commission on Monday saying Thompson has raised far more money than he needs to explore whether to run for president.
Federal law allows potential candidates to raise money to travel, conduct polls and pay for other expenses related to "testing the waters" for a political campaign. During that exploratory period, a potential candidate does not have to file financial reports with the FEC.
The law prohibits anyone who is "testing the waters" from hoarding the money for use during his actual campaign. Potential candidates also cannot refer to themselves as candidates, can't run ads that publicize their intention to campaign or take steps to qualify for the ballot in a primary or caucus state.
According to a financial report filed late last month, Thompson had raised nearly $3.5 million and had had spent $625,000. Thompson must raise money within federal contribution limits and must report it to the FEC once he becomes an official candidate.
"We're following the law," Thompson spokesman Jim Mills said in response to the complaint.
Under federal guidelines, the FEC will now give Thompson 15 days to respond to the complaint. Following Thompson's response, election commissioners will decide whether to dismiss the case or investigate further.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
In KC Mo. I’m looking forward to the speach. Hopefully there will be a video of it.
Freepers are missing the threat here. The goal is to tie up Thompson’s cash on hand for months while they wrangle in court on whether or not he was skirting the law by hoarding money for his Presidential campaign under the auspices of an exploratory committee. They will say he should not be able to transfer his “excess” funds over to his presidential campaign and it will freeze up his assets.
This could be a disaster for the Thompson campaign- Rootie must love it.
You are funny but I wish I had thought of this first!
“Thompson must raise money within federal contribution limits and must report it to the FEC once he becomes an official candidate.”
It is so infuriating that the guy who was one of the major players behind McCain-Feingold is now playing fast and loose with campaign finance rules.
No, Lane Hudson is not my real name. I stupidly used my real name when I signed up with FreeRepublic back in 1998. What was I thinking?
I hardly think it’s a disaster and I would hope that Giuliani is not stupid enough to be involved since there have been reports that his campaign security detail was being paid by Giuliani and Partners in violation of FEC “in kind” financing regulations.
I said it COULD BE a disaster. If FT has four million dollars in his exploratory committee and the courts say he can’t spend any of it until they sort out the issue then he is hamstrung coming out of the gate. That is what this Hudson guy is after. You seriously don’t think that would be a disaster for Fred to have the same operating capital as Duncan Hunter his first month in the race?
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
Excellent point!: )
If Thompson isn't doing anything illegal, why must he respond to
accusations that the Feds know isn't illegal?
Another Libby hunt tactic?
Liberals are starting to realize what many Democrats already have.
FRED is the only one out there that can derail The Hillary Juggernaut, and it’s beginning to scare them shiiteless.
BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHA!
Glad you enjoyed it! That bit has made me laugh for years ................... FRegards
Uh, the post is liberal B/S.
Run, FRed, Run!!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1880479/posts
Exploring Fred Thompson’s Finances
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1866784/posts
Race For The White House - 2nd Quarter Primary Fundraising
The Onion??? You have got to be kidding!
Holy moly!
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