527 organizations, which are formed solely for political involvement.
Congress also imposed significant disclosure burdens enforced by stiff penalties on section
527 organizations, thus mandating a cost to being described as a political organization.
This system is not only unwieldy to access, but also fails to account for political contributions made to 501(c)(4) and
527 organizations and to third parties such as trade associations, for which no contribution limits exist and no company disclosure is legally required.
They may not set up Section
527 organizations, which include political action committees (PACs).
527 organizations as well as some insight into allowable political activities for other tax-exempt organizations.
Contents Introduction Campaign Finance Activity in the 110th Congress: A Brief Review Emerging Campaign Finance Policy Issues Bundling Electronic Filing of Senate Campaign Finance Reports Federal Election Commission Issues Hybrid Joint Fundraising Committees Public Financing of Presidential Campaigns
527 Organizations Overarching Policy Concerns and Concluding Comments Amounts and Sources of Money Transparency Scope of Regulation Contact Author Contact Information Introduction
But the tide began to shift again in 2003, when the Supreme Court in its McConnell decision recognized that the "magic words" test is not required by the Constitution and that, indeed, the test is "functionally meaningless." (10) Soon after the Court's decision in McConnell, the FEC resurrected its Furgatch-like definition of "express advocacy" in the context of numerous enforcement actions against 501(c)(4) organizations and so-called
527 organizations that had been active in the 2004 presidential election but that refused to comply with federal "political committee" requirements and restrictions.
by
527 organizations and can uncover both donations and expenditures.
Many people have heard of Moveon.org and Swiftboat Veterans for Truth, but they may not know about the
527 organizations in their communities and states that are dedicated to electing members of a political party or pushing an initiative or proposition.
Section
527 organizations have long existed under federal law, but recently became a popular place for individuals, corporations, unions and other groups to donate large sums for a wide range of electioneering activity.
Many commentators think that public financing of elections, across-the-board elimination of cash spigots like the
527 organizations, and other reforms would help, but the results are hardly guaranteed.
In fact, those volunteer efforts were substantial enough to cause the Kerry-Edwards campaign and Democratic-oriented
527 organizations such as Moveon.org to spend precious resources here in Oregon instead of Ohio or Florida.
