Campaign Finance Reform, Day 1, Morning

Witnesses testified about the restrictions on “electioneering communications” contained in the McCain-Feingold Act. The Commission was seeking comment on draft rules that implement the statutory requirements regarding communications during elections. These included broadcast, cable and satellite communications that refer to a clearly identified federal candidate within 60 days of a general election or within 30 days of a primary election for federal office, and for candidates for the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives, targeted to reach 50,000 or more people within the jurisdiction of a campaign.

In this portion witnesses testified about issue advocacy and campaign advertisements, political remarks in entertainment programming, and other free speech issues. close