FEC Rejects Limits on 'Soft Money' Groups

[Freddie Stubbs]

By SHARON THEIMER, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - Federal officials Thursday rejected new limits for political groups pouring millions into ads and voter drives in the presidential election, and Republicans predicted the decision would prompt a surge in big donations for their side.


Several Democratic groups have already begun spending large donations on efforts critical of President Bush (news - web sites) or supportive of Democratic candidate John Kerry (news - web sites). Republicans had asked the Federal Election Commission (news - web sites) to stop the activities under the campaign law that broadly banned from federal elections the big checks known as "soft money."


But four of the six FEC members on Thursday refused to step in, tabling the issue for at least three months. Even if the commission acts then, it is unlikely any new rules would affect the November presidential and congressional elections.


David Keating, executive director of the conservative, anti-tax group Club for Growth, said the FEC's decision in essence tells major GOP contributors "come on in, the water's fine."

more: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=514&e=12&u=/ap/20040513/ap_on_go_ot/fec_shadow_parties

[UpInArms]

1. okay, they say

and "bring 'em on" will ring throughout the land.

It's going to be a bloody election season.