[Political Activity Law] – Page 2249 – Eric Brown's discussion of political activity law issues and practice.

Frozen 5 days out

Post author By Eric Brown
Post date February 6, 2008
Categories In Florida

You’re trying to support a Florida candidate (or your own run for Florida office) a few days before the election. Is it too late to give?

I am opposed in the general election, but I have no opposition in the primary election, therefore, my name will not be on the primary election ballot. Must I abide by the prohibition on accepting contributions less than five days prior to the primary election?No. Only candidates opposed in the primary election are required to comply. However, since you are opposed and your name will appear on the general election ballot, you are required to abide by the prohibition on accepting contributions less than 5 days prior to the general election. (Section 106.08(3), F.S.)

…

Any contribution received by a candidate with opposition in an election or by the campaign treasurer of such a candidate on the day of that election or less than 5 days prior to the day of that election must be returned by him or her to the person or committee contributing it and may not be used or expended by or on behalf of the candidate.

Fla. Stat. § 106.08(3)(a).

Party convention party rules: no garden party

Post author By Eric Brown
Post date February 6, 2008
Categories In HLOGA

Those planning events during the national party conventions got more guidance recently from the Senate. House guidance came earlier. There are distinctions, of course.

Croatian campaign finance law

Post author By Eric Brown
Post date February 5, 2008
Categories In Foreign Laws

I was recently honored to host a State Department briefing for a delegation of young party leaders from Croatia. The nation’s laws and constitution contain a number of provisions regarding democratic principles and a free society. Our open discussion centered on U.S. campaign finance rules and lobbying. The rules in Croatia have changed, as I understand, since the date this IFES report was published. There have been efforts to address corruption and increase transparency. The delegation is visiting with others in Washington, DC, North Carolina, Seattle, and New York.