Grass-roots groups qualify as lobbyists under ethics reform

Washington Times

The ethics bill before the Senate not only cracks down on lawmakers, but also subjects politically active ministers and neighborhood groups to the same rules as K Street lobbyists.
Under the legislation, grass-roots organizations that attempt to "influence the general public" to contact members of Congress would have to register as lobbyists and file financial reports -- or face a $200,000 fine. The requirements could apply to a preacher who goes on TV or radio and tells listeners to call their congressman in support of a particular issue, such as a constitutional amendment against homosexual "marriage."

People better start paying attention ethics reform is crushing the little guy not the welthy lobbiests. This is really sicking.



[edit on 18-1-2007 by Realtruth]

A BUMPER-STICKER MENACE?
Kirk Shelmerdine - one of the greatest pit-crew chiefs ever, most famously for the late Dale Earnhardt, Sr. - is today engaged in a less-successful second career as a driver. But to the Federal Election Commission, he's just a reckless campaign-finance law violator.

The day after Christmas, the FEC announced that it was sending Shelmerdine a "letter of admonishment" for his actions during the 2004 presidential campaign - namely, putting a "Bush/Cheney '04" decal on a panel of his car for a total of four races.

nypost.com


Mod Edit: Link format edited. Please review this post.

[edit on 21-1-2007 by DontTreadOnMe]

Number one, that's spin and it's not true. Ministers would not be subject unless paid at least 25k quarterly to promote grassroots activism on behalf of a 3rd party.

Number two, the section 220 of that bill (the part you're talking about) had already been stricken as of the time stamp on your post.

Number three, we've already got a thread on it. www.abovepolitics.com...

Originally posted by fiveangelsfrank
A BUMPER-STICKER MENACE?
Kirk Shelmerdine ...he's just a reckless campaign-finance law violator.

Sounds like he earned more than a letter of admonishment. Even bush league wants $25K a race for decals. So he gave at least 6 figures in free advertising. Off the books.

That is criminal. Or dumb.