On Free Speech, Is John McCains Motto “Do As ISay, Not As I Do”?
WASHINGTON (February 6) As the new Congress gets underway, powerful members of Congress have introduced new “campaign finance reform” bills that contain multiple provisions to restrict the ability of advocacy groups such as NRLC to communicate with the public about the actions of public officials on legislation. The restrictions include pre-election restrictions on broadcast “issue ads,” and other restrictions that apply year-round to both print and broadcast communications. The bills also restrict the ability of groups such as NRLC to directly lobby elected officials regarding pending legislation. On January 22, Senators John McCain (R-Az.) and Russell Feingold (D-Wi.) introduced the latest version of their omnibus “reform” bill. Like earlier versions, it contains multiple restrictions on free speech about politicians. NRLC is preparing a legal analysis of the bill, which when completed will be posted on the NRLC web site at www.nrlc.org under “Federal Legislation: Free Speech and Cam
