From a Federal Elections Commission press release released earlier today:
In MUR 5542, the Commission found that Texans for Truth (TFT) violated the Act by failing to register with the Commission as a political committee, by failing to disclose its contributions and expenditures and by knowingly accepting contributions from individuals in amounts exceeding $5,000. TFT registered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a tax-exempt political organization in August of 2004. From September 13 through October 20, 2004, TFT spent $303,000 for television ads alleging that President Bush evaded National Guard service while in Alabama. The FEC reached its conclusion because the group told potential donors that their funds would be targeted to the defeat of a specific federal candidate. All proceeds from these solicitations are, therefore, contributions under the Act. If a group receives contributions in excess of $1,000 and its major purpose is influencing federal elections, it is required to register with the FEC and abide by the restrictions of the Act. The Commission also found that the group’s statements and activities demonstrated that its major purpose was to defeat George W. Bush. In a conciliation agreement, TFT agreed to pay a $5,000 civil penalty and register as a political committee and file reports with the FEC covering its 2004 activities.
The first media mention of Texans for Truth I found was a USA Today article from September 7, 2004. The next day, the infamous 60 Minutes Wednesday segment with the forged "Rathergate" memos aired on CBS.
The Kerry/Edwards campaign knew of these "documents" beforehand.
I wonder what drove Texans for Truth to run their commercials?
Meanwhile, the producer of that 60 Minutes Wednesday segment, Mary Mapes, just can't let it pass. I'm sure Huffington Post is glad to have her though.
Technorati tags: Democratspolitics Bush John Kerry republican Rathergate CBS FEC Mary Mapes
To the owner of this blog, how far youve come?
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