Thompson complaint "shows the ridiculousness of the whole regime"

Published on August 21, 2007
by Michael Schrimpf

File Under: Enforcement, Jurisprudence & Litigation

Yesterday blogger Lane Hudson filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission against the Fred Thompson for President Exploratory Committee.  Mr. Hudson alleges that the Fred Thompson for President Exploratory Committee no longer complies with the restrictions placed on exploratory committees. 

In the New York Sun's article about the complaint, CCP chairman Brad Smith says the Thompson case "shows the ridiculousness of the whole regime."

In a written statement to the media Smith further explained the warped world of regulation:

"This complaint amply demonstrates the absurdity of modern campaign finance regulation.  The amount Thompson has raised is a drop in the bucket compared to the $50 million or more required to successfully run for a party's nomination. He is subject to the same limits on the size and sources of contributions as anybody else, and all of his donors will be disclosed well before the first votes are cast in the first caucuses and primaries if he chooses to run for President." 

Smith also noted that this complaint is likely just the first of many to come in the election cycle.  "Unfortunately, in today's environment where political speech is highly regulated, complaints and litigation are now major campaign tactics," said Smith.