Republican special interest groups decry actual opposition
Quote of note:
The election commission's 6-0 decision to postpone action for three months ostensibly means Democratic-leaning groups such as the Media Fund, America Coming Together and MoveOn.org Voter Fund can continue spending tens of millions of dollars on advertising and political activities opposing President Bush.
FEC commissioners made clear Thursday that even if they take action later this year to rein in the groups, new rules would have no bearing on the November election.
Panel Won't Restrict Unlimited Political Spending by Groups
By Lisa Getter
Times Staff Writer
May 14, 2004
WASHINGTON — The Federal Election Commission stepped aside Thursday from regulating the unlimited contributions that have been flowing into the 2004 presidential race from the Democratic side, setting the stage for an outpouring of money from Republican donors who have mostly remained on the sidelines.
In a closely watched decision, the FEC voted not to restrict the so-called 527 groups that have been spending unlimited money aimed at helping presumed Democratic nominee John F. Kerry. The commissioners said they needed more time to review their options.
FEC Commissioner Michael Toner, a Republican who had urged his colleagues to take action, said he was disappointed and predicted the competition for dollars would grow even more feverish in a year when fundraising records are already being routinely shattered.
"We're going to see a dramatic escalation of spending by 527 organizations on both sides of the aisle. It's inevitable," Toner said. "The 2004 election is going to be the Wild West."
