MyDD :: Question: what are the legalities of campaign sites?

Question: what are the legalities of campaign sites?

by jcjcjc, Tue Apr 25, 2006 at 02:47:05 PM EST

OK, gang. I'm getting ready to handle several websites for folks coming out of primaries. Nothing fancy (no Senators, sorry).

I've never done a political campaign website before, and it is imperative that none of the legalities trip us up. I run a for-profit business, and I'd rather not end up ruining my meager life's work trying to do the right thing for someone else if I can avoid it.

So, the question goes: in most cases these sites are going to be contributions in kind; what are the legalities of such contributions? Where possible, I'd like to get a token payment so the candidates can say "Paid for by xxxxxx", but some may not be able to manage much.

What is the threshold for donations? Is there a limit on for whom and how I can do the sites? Is there a structure for valuating the website work to declare it properly?

I'm out here in Democratic wilderness (the Alabama section of Pennsylvania) and there isn't much experienced or useful infrastructure to turn to for advice and support.

In many cases, these candidates are WTF candidates, basically running to be pains in asses of local Republican establishment.

So, what am I up against? What do I need to file? What do they need to file?

Any help is welcome, especially from those with experience.

Thanks.

Tags: web, campaign, software (all tags)

Permalink :: 4 Comments :: Post a Comment

(completely selfish response) (none / 0)

The final rules governing the Internet and campaign finance law were published here in the Federal Register. These govern federal campaigns, not state ones.

Beyond that, if you can, hire counsel to answer these questions, preferably a well-intentioned liberal in the Commonwealth who knows what he's doing. The owners of this website know how to reach me, and if you ask nicely, they'll give you my contact info.

by Adam B on Tue Apr 25, 2006 at 02:52:33 PM EST

Well-intentioned liberal? (none / 0)

I'm in the part of PA where I would settle for a pissed-off libertarian.

Many thanks for the link.

by jcjcjc on Tue Apr 25, 2006 at 10:08:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Well-intentioned liberal? (none / 0)

Furthest out in the middle of nowhere, PA, in which I've practiced law was St Marys, Elk County. Visited the eternal tap at Straub Brewery, of course.

by Adam B on Tue Apr 25, 2006 at 11:39:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

My goodness (none / 0)

St. Mary's, huh?

Glad you didn't get eaten by any large predatory cats.

Every time I think I live out in the boonies, I remind myself that I don't live near Allegheny National Forest.

by jcjcjc on Wed Apr 26, 2006 at 11:22:40 AM EST
[ Parent ]

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