Petition to the FEC on Super PAC Regulation
**Update** March 28, 2013 — FEC Chairwoman Ellen Weintraub agreed to our request, saying "sooner would be better." Please add your signature to our second, bipartisan petition targeting the remaining members of the commission.
FEC Chairwoman Ellen L. Wientraub recently acknowledged the potential corruption of candidate-specific super PACs, but her remarks said nothing of a plan to address this. Please join Rootstrikers in demanding that the FEC hold a public hearing — the first it will have held in almost a year — regarding super PAC regulation.
Click here to read the full letter Lawrence Lessig sent to Chairwoman Weintraub. >>
In 2012 the commission provided much needed clarity on issues such as internet fundraising and texting contributions. Important work still needs to be done to determine:
- Whether a super PAC can use candidate footage, or a candidate can fundraise for a super PAC, and that super PAC still remain independent;
- If the "magic words" cited in Buckley v. Valeo are the only ones subject to regulation as express advocacy;
- Are there any statutory standards to prosecute independent groups who produce ads that are not "coordinated" under FEC regulations;
- Can a super PAC be run by a candidate's past campaign staff or family members?
The FEC's first and only act in 2013 has been to raise contribution limits to $2,600 for individuals and $123,200 in aggregate. Are we to understand that the FEC's priority is to increase spending, not regulate it?
1,839 signaturesWill the FEC acknowledge the deeply rooted corruption that grows along both sides of the aisle, and call for a hearing to discuss the regulation of candidate-specific super PACs?
The No Lobbying Pledge
Dear Representative,
Too many see Congress as a stepping stone to a much more lucrative future — one as a lobbyist. With an average salary increase of 1,452%, we understand why. But whether we're Republicans, Democrats, or Independents, we want representatives who will labor for us. Just for us, and not for your future employer: the lobbyist. Will you make the following pledge:
I pledge that I will not become a lobbyist when I leave Congress.
If you are a member of Congress and will sign the No Lobbying Pledge please leave your name below and we'll be in touch to follow up.
No Lobbying Pledge Signers
Rep. Jim Cooper, TN (5)
**UPDATE: Representative Jim Cooper and from Tennessee's 5th Congressional district has pledged that if elected, he will not become lobbyists when he leaves office. Who will be next?
457 signatures
