Whitehouse.gov violating federal campaign finance laws?

[dsewell]

Every once in a blue moon I go to www.whitehouse.gov because I actually need to find some information related to the executive branch of government.

Visiting today, I'm apalled at its current resemblance to a an official campaign site. "Strengthening Education and Job Training Opportunities"; "President Bush Provides Leadership on Tax Reform"; "Making Health Care More Affordable"; "Strengthening Social Security", etc., each headline accompanied by a little blurb lauding President Bush's contribution.

In what way does this differ from a candidate's campaign brochure? If, as I assume, www.whitehouse.gov is funded via the federal budget, are there legal restrictions on the extent to which it can veer into electioneering?

[gmoney]

1. Yeah, sounds like it to me.

Along with virtually unlimited use of AF1 for "official business" that always seems to include a campaign stop or two, plus unlimited press access.

It's a stacked deck. That's why incumbents usually only lose if they ROYALLY screw up.

[lunarboy13]

2. That's a good point...

I honestly don't know the answer...I'm sure there are many here who would know. But, if you think about it, it seems highly unethical for the Federal government to support -- in any way -- a particular candidate for President. When Bush is on the Campaign trail, his campaign must pay for the travel costs unless he's giving a policy speech. Therefore, I would think that the White House website cannot serve as a re-election platform. Kudos for discovering this!

[noamnety]

3. Do a search for Kerry on whitehouse.org

You will be appalled. 243 results with crap like this:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/09/20040903-3.html

I'm sure it's not legal. I mentioned it once on the JK site, but nothing came of it. They've stepped up how blatant they are since then, though, I see. It didn't originally have rally transcripts, complete with "audience: Booooo!" after each mention of Kerry.

[noamnety]

4. screencaps

I just did a screencap of all the search results (index of titles and dates) for the work Kerry on the whitehouse site, and of all individual articles from 24 Aug 2004 til now, but now I'm heading off to bed. If anyone else wants to pick up from there and start going backwards, if you think it would be helpful, go for it.

Otherwise, I'll pick up in the morning where I left off. Just in case.