Scoop: House Dems sue FEC over campaign finance loophole

Source: Axios

3 hours ago


The campaign arm of House Democrats is suing the Federal Election Commission (FEC) over a controversial campaign finance loophole, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: Republicans have resorted to legally-contested tactics to get around their cash crunch, with Democrats hammering the GOP in fundraising this year.

Democrats have accused Republicans of illegally financing their campaign ads, appealing to the FEC to rule if the tactic is allowed. The commission deadlocked along party lines last week, allowing the GOP to continue the practice.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), the campaign arm of House Dems, is asking a federal court to declare the practice illegal. A blockage from federal court would be a blow to GOP spending plans.

"I fully expect the FEC to prevail in this frivolous lawsuit. We will see the DCCC in court," FEC Chairman Sean Cooksey told Axios.

The big picture: Senate Democrats alleged earlier this month that Senate Republicans are violating contribution limits to federal candidates.

The GOP has been making ads that look mostly like attack ads, but which are paid for by joint fundraising committees as if they are fundraising ads.

It has been a key strategy for conservatives, who are trying to capture majorities in both chambers while being outspent and outraised.

Republicans argue it is allowed, and pointed out that Democrats like Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton have used similar strategies.

Driving the news: The DCCC is asking a federal court on Thursday to rule whether the practice is illegal in the next 10 days, putting a stop to the GOP spending before the election.

Read more: https://www.axios.com/2024/10/17/house-democrats-lawsut-fec-gop-ads