Hillary Clinton ally hits Bernie Sanders with FEC complaints

[Her Sister]

4. advertisement did not contain any visible political disclaimer disclosing who paid for or authorized

The American Democracy Legal Fund has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission against Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Bernie 2016 and Susan Jackson its Treasurer, in her official capacity, for violating the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971.

Sen. Bernie Sanders and his campaign have violated the Act and Commission regulations by failing to include the required disclaimer on a public communication soliciting political contributions. Following the New Hampshire Democratic primary, the Sanders campaign purchased a “sponsored” advertisement on Facebook promoting Senator Sanders’s win and encouraging Facebook users to donate to his campaign. However, this advertisement did not contain any visible political disclaimer disclosing who paid for or authorized the communication.

The complaint is available below and in full with exhibits here. The American Democracy Legal Fund holds candidates for office accountable for possible ethics and/or legal violations. It was established by David Brock and is run by Brad Woodhouse.

COMPLAINT

This complaint is filed under 52 U.S.C. § 30109(a)(1) against Senator Bernard Sanders, Bernie 2016, and Susan Jackson, its Treasurer, in her official capacity (collectively, “Respondents”) for violating the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (“the Act”) and Federal Election Commission (the “Commission”) regulations, as described below.

A. FACTS

Senator Sanders is a declared candidate for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. His principal campaign committee is Bernie 2016. Following the New Hampshire Democratic primary, Bernie 2016 purchased a “sponsored” advertisement on Facebook promoting Senator Sanders’s win and encouraging Facebook users to donate to his campaign. However, this advertisement did not contain any visible political disclaimer disclosing who paid for or authorized the communication. In addition, the ActBlue landing page that a user is directed to if they click the “Donate Now” button on the advertisement also does not contain a political disclaimer noting the source of the advertisement. The ActBlue landing page does, however, include ActBlue’s disclaimer at the bottom of the webpage.

B. LEGAL ARGUMENT...

http://americandemocracy.org/adlf-files-complaint-against-bernie-sanders-and-his-treasurer/