The Federal Election Commission is considering new rules for section 527 organizations -- people like MoveOn.org and the Media Fund -- just as the general election is heating up. Frankly, John Kerry's
$38 million March notwithstanding, 527s are an incredibly important part of the election game, and they're really the only way that grassroots liberal voices can be heard in the current climate.
So why is the FEC considering changing the rules in a way that would likely kill some of the most effective 527s? It's all the result of a
series of
deviously brilliant Republican strategies to destroy liberal politics.
Today I opened my email and found missives from several conservative organizations that I subscribe to (
keep your friends close, and your enemies closer), asking their members to email the FEC and demand that it take action against 527s immediately.
I've got a better idea. Maybe some dkos users will find it helpful to use the same contact info these groups have provided to ask the FEC not to change the rules for 527s right in the middle of the game.
There's a sample email below. According to the guidance I've seen, the FEC wants your contact info. I don't know if they really need it or not. Also, please click the poll below (assuming I wrote it right), and let's keep track of how many people actually email the FEC as a result of this.
Email to:
politicalcommitteestatus@fec.gov
Dear FEC Commissioners,
I strongly urge you to stand up to attempts to change the rules for section 527 organizations in the middle of the current election cycle. Certain partisan groups are trying to use the FEC's power in a devious, unfair way. You should not let them do so.
These efforts to silence 527s are really efforts to discourage participation in the political process and silence dissent. These attempts are a far greater threat to democracy than anything the 527s are doing.
Please stand strong against efforts by one side of the ideological spectrum to change the rules in the middle of the election cycle.
Name
Street Address
City, State
email