Friday, October 10th, 2008...6:28 am
Haw Haw Haw
This from the Harry Mitchell campaign, italics mine:
TEMPE — Republican congressional candidate David Schweikert’s latest false and negative attack ad violates Federal Communications Commission disclaimer requirements and, as a result, his struggling campaign will be forced to pay a higher rate for broadcast advertising than other federal candidates.
“As county treasurer, David Schweikert mismanaged his office and violated state law. Now he’s mismanaging his own campaign and violating federal law,” said Mitchell campaign manager Seth Scott. “Thankfully, the public won’t pay the price for his mismanagement and incompetence this time, but his campaign’s bank account sure will.”
Political campaigns typically purchase broadcast advertising at “lowest unit charge,” which is a lower rate than most advertisers. Candidates who violate FCC rules forfeit their right to purchase at lowest unit charge for the duration of the campaign.
Dude, how hard is it to put the disclosure at the end of the ad? How did you think that you could do this but no one would notice? I mean, the thing is on the teevee, right?
Anyone remember when Mitchell was a sure one termer?
4 Comments
October 10th, 2008 at 8:30 am
No comment.
October 10th, 2008 at 9:33 am
Does the same rule apply to internet ads? Arpaio has an ad on the KFYI webpage that not only has no “paid for” disclosure but looks for all the world like the radio station has endorsed him.
October 10th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Donna, I saw the same thing and sure it looks like an illegal corporate contribution to me. The Saban campaign or the local Dems need to get on this.
October 11th, 2008 at 2:14 am
As far as I know, the FEC rules only apply to federal elections and to radio/TV broadcast advertising. As the Arpaio ad in question is for a county race and being distributed on the internet, the FEC rules don’t apply. Arpaio would have to report any in-kind donation in his regular reports with Secretary of State’s office, but I wouldn’t hold my breath about an investigation or penalties if he does file false or incomplete reports…