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Campaign Finance Reform
Posted by Web Team on November 8, 2010 at 3:43 pm
Attorney General Gansler Convenes Committee on Campaign Finance
Attorney General Gansler today announced the creation of an Advisory Committee on Campaign Finance. The Committee, an informal bipartisan group, consisting of key legislators, counsel for the two major political parties in Maryland, representatives of the State Board of Elections, and deputy attorneys general will take a thorough look at a variety of issues concerning Maryland's campaign finance regulations and laws to examine whether change is needed. The members of the Committee will seek public input as the group studies a variety of issues concerning Maryland's campaign finance regulations and laws, and submit a report of its findings and recommendations to Attorney General Gansler by the end of the year.
The Advisory Committee has identified the following issues for study and possible modification:
• Clarification of the definition and operation of slates;
• Disclosure requirements, including identification of entities subject to disclosure requirements, frequency of disclosure and triggering events, in light of the Citizens United decision;
• Revision of aggregate contribution limits;
• Permissibility and regulation of contributions made through electronic means;
• Regulation of use of new media in campaigns;
• Exploratory committees and the timing of candidacies;
• Treatment of party administrative expenses;
• Role of limited liability companies in campaign finance;
• Distinguishing permissible uses of campaign funds from prohibited uses;
• Administrative issues faced by campaign treasurers related to holding, investing, disbursing, and accounting for campaign funds, and;
• Loans to campaigns by candidates and third parties.
The Advisory Committee welcomes public comment and suggestions concerning these issues. Please send any comments to the Office of the Attorney General, 200 St. Paul Place, Baltimore MD 21202 or by e-mail to rbelt@oag.state.md.us.
blog comments powered by DisqusMeet Doug Gansler
Since taking office, Doug Gansler has distinguished himself by prosecuting polluters of the Chesapeake Bay, protecting consumers from corporate and insurance fraud, safeguarding the public from gangs, and attacking the underbelly of the Internet. More
