Jesse Jackson Fined for Campaign Violations

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Jesse Jackson Fined for Campaign Violations

James Joyner | Thursday, May 26, 2005

UFEC fines Jackson, DNC $200,000 for violations (AP)

The Democratic Party, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and two groups associated with the civil rights activist have agreed to pay a total of $200,000 in civil fines for campaign finance violations in the 2000 elections. At issue in the Federal Election Commission case was about $450,000 in election spending by Jackson, the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition and the Citizenship Education Fund using funds from the groups. The two non-profit groups were incorporated, making their money corporate and subject to restrictions under federal campaign finance laws. According to the FEC, the money was used for a partisan get-out-the-vote effort and voter registration speaking tour that was coordinated with the Democratic National Committee and included appearances by Jackson and Democratic House and Senate candidates.

Three questions come immediately to mind:

1. What’s taken so long? The 2000 election was, if my math is right, over four years ago.
2. Why is this against the law? I understand why non-profits shouldn’t be engaged in partisan politics on the taxpayer dime, but that’s not what’s being adjudicated here.
3. Why does anyone still take “Rev.” Jesse Jackson seriously?

Ankle Biting Pundits have other questions.

via Michelle Malkin

About the Author: James Joyner is the publisher of Outside the Beltway and the managing editor of the Atlantic Council. He's a former Army officer, Desert Storm vet, and college professor with a PhD in political science from The University of Alabama. He lives just outside the Beltway in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife and infant daughter.

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