CLC Update March 11, 2011

  1. Legal Center Releases White Paper on How Presumed Presidential Candidates Skirt Contribution Limits
  2. Executive Director Addresses Black Law Student Association Convention
  3. Associate Legal Counsel Speaks at California Legal Symposium
  4. Executive Director Discusses Disclosure Challenges at Midwest Democracy Network Conference

 

Legal Center Releases White Paper on How Presumed Presidential Candidates Skirt Contribution Limits

On March 4, the Campaign Legal Center released a white paper taking an in-depth look at the legal issues surrounding likely 2012 presidential candidates, who so far are calling themselves anything but that.  The white paper,  They Claim They’re Not Ducks: Federal Campaign Finance Law and Presidential Pre-Candidacy Activity, by Legal Center FEC Program director Paul S. Ryan, looks at what the laws are, which ones are actually enforced, when the $2,500 limit contribution limits kick in and how state committees and federal leadership PACs are used to skirt that limit. Finally the paper makes recommendations about what can be done to close this long-existing loophole in federal campaign finance law. 

The paper was released at a breakfast briefing for reporters, editors, and other interested parties held at the Legal Center.  Mr. Ryan presented the paper and he and Legal Center President Trevor Potter answered questions. 

To read the white paper executive summary, click here.

To read the full white paper, click here.

 

Executive Director Addresses Black Law Students Association Convention

On March 10, Campaign Legal Center Executive Director Gerry Hebert spoke to the National Black Law Students Association Convention in Houston, Texas.  His address covered the 2010 U.S. Census, reapportionment, redistricting and their implications for black communities nationwide.

 

Associate Legal Counsel Speaks at California Legal Symposium

On March 25, Legal Center Associate Counsel Tara Malloy spoke at a symposium entitled “Democracy, Inc? Citizens United, Corporate Expenditures & the Future of Campaign Finance Law” hosted by the University of San Francisco School of Law (USF).    Ms. Malloy participated in a panel on “Moving Forward: The 2010 Midterm Election Numbers & Current Legislative Developments” and addressed the failure of federal campaign finance law to ensure meaningful disclosure in the 2010 election cycle after the Citizens United decision.

 

Executive Director Discusses Disclosure Challenges at Midwest Democracy Network Conference

Executive Director J. Gerald Hebert attended a Midwest Democracy Network conference in Chicago, Illinois on February 28, participating in a discussion focused on the numerous challenges to disclosure laws across the country in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s controversial ruling in Citizens United v. FEC.  On the trip, Mr. Hebert also attended a memorial service for Larry Hansen, former Vice President of the Joyce Foundation, a friend, and a devout supporter of campaign finance reform and the work of the Legal Center.