It appears increasingly likely that California Governor Gavin Newsom will face a recall election, leading to questions about how to support or oppose his removal. The “recall” will actually consist of two ballots, voted at the same election—a vote on whether to recall Newsom and a vote for his replacement if the recall passes. Potential contributors may be surprised to learn that the state’s contribution limits apply differently to groups supporting or opposing the recall vote than to candidates seeking to replace Newsom.
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contribution limits
California Increases Campaign Contribution Limits, Applies Limits to Local Elections
The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has published contribution limits for 2021-2022. The new “per election” limits are effective for the 2021-2022 election cycle, and the calendar year limits are effective January 1, 2021. Note in particular that this year, for the first time, the state has imposed limits…
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FEC Increases Contribution Limits for 2021-2022
The Federal Election Commission has announced contribution limits for 2021-2022. The new “per election” limits are effective for the 2021-2022 election cycle (November 4, 2020 – November 8, 2022), and the calendar year limits are effective January 1, 2021.
The FEC increased the amount an individual can contribute to a…
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Contribution Limits in Georgia U.S. Senate Run-Off Elections
With control of the U.S. Senate at stake, hundreds of millions of dollars are expected to flow into Georgia over the next two months as voters decide the outcome of two U.S. Senate run-off elections. Donors seeking to make contributions to support their preferred candidates in these run-offs should be…
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Guidance Regarding Contributions to Recount and Election Dispute Funds
As both presidential and down-ticket candidates gear up for post-election recounts and related litigation in several states, they and their political parties will be raising new funds to finance these efforts. As with campaign contributions made before the election, there are a variety of rules that apply to contributions to…
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California Poised to Adopt Campaign Contribution Limits for City and County Elections
The California legislature passed a new law this week that, if signed by the Governor, would impose campaign contribution limits on city and county elections in the state. Under current law, cities and counties may adopt their own contribution limits, but most have not. According to the legislature, this has…
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FEC Increases Contribution Limits for 2019-2020
The Federal Election Commission has announced contribution limits for 2019-2020. The new “per election” limits are effective for the 2019-2020 election cycle (November 7, 2018 – November 3, 2020), and the calendar year limits are effective January 1, 2019.
The FEC increased the amount an individual can contribute to a…
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Investment Adviser Hit With $100K SEC Fine, a Reminder that Public Universities are Covered by Pay-to-Play Rule
In December, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) fined an investment adviser $100,000 for violating the SEC’s pay-to-play rule. The SEC’s rule effectively prohibits investment adviser executives and other “covered associates” of an investment adviser from making political contributions in excess of de minimis amounts ($350 per election if the…
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First Significant Pay-to-Play Legislation for the District of Columbia Approved by D.C. Council
On December 4, the D.C. Council unanimously approved the first significant pay-to-play law for Washington, D.C. The restriction would apply to contractors with—or seeking—one or more contracts with an aggregate value of $250,000 or more. The legislation will be considered by the Mayor and would be subject to a 30-day…
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Survey of the Pay-to-Play Laws of the United States
Companies doing business with state and local governments or operating in regulated industries are subject to a dizzying array of “pay-to-play” rules. These rules effectively prohibit company executives and employees (and in some cases, their family members) from making certain personal political contributions. Even inadvertent violations can be dangerous: a …
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