Rachel Maddow: group behind Rick Perry's "prayer meeting" according to rightwingwatch.com

[flamingdem]

http://www.rightwingwatch.org/

What Perry and the nonprofit AFA can’t say at next month’s prayer event
Religious group has a history of backing conservative candidates without explicit tax law violations
By Mary Tuma | 07.07.11 | 7:03 pm

Gov. Rick Perry’s affiliation with the American Family Association for his prayer event next month has already drawn protest plans from several faith-based and grassroots organizations on religious and sexual freedom grounds, but under federal tax law, AFA must also tread lightly around Perry’s possible presidential aspirations.

As a religious nonprofit with a record of backing events featuring prominent conservative candidates, AFA is prohibited from directly or indirectly supporting or opposing any candidate for public office, and is barred from any type of political fundraising.

At an AFA event like “The Response” on August 6, candidates can only speak in their non-candidate capacity, and cannot make any reference to a possible election or reelection effort. At least two previous IRS investigations concerning political intervention have targeted either AFA or an organization linked to its individual partners.

All eyes are on Perry’s next move in his possible GOP presidential bid, and the Wall Street Journal has speculated his announcement may take place around the same time as the prayer event, but the rally is legally prohibited from being a venue for election talk.

The IRS tax guide for churches and religious organizations lists a few other requirements to ensure Perry’s appearance at the AFA-sponsored event doesn’t run afoul of federal law: MORE AT LINK