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Press Release
CCP statement on Sullivan nomination hearing
June 10, 2009
Center for Competitive Politics Chairman Bradley A. Smith, a former FEC Chairman, released the following statement following a Senate Rules Committee hearing on the FEC nomination of John J. Sullivan, associate general counsel of the Service Employees International Union:
"John Sullivan's comments at his nomination hearing indicate that he understands the constitutional protection for and democratic necessity of independent political speech by groups like SEIU, which he has represented in campaign finance matters," said CCP Chairman and former FEC Chairman Bradley A. Smith. "Sullivan further emphasized he would respect Supreme Court precedent when enforcing federal election law. That contrasts with calls from so-called ‘reform' groups to blindly regulate all political involvement."
"Sullivan's experience as a long-time practicing election law attorney should also provide him with the background necessary to appreciate the impact of FEC regulations and enforcement," Smith said. "We hope that he will use his knowledge to simplify the FEC's onerous regulations and that he will bring a deep respect to First Amendment issues before the commission."
