Top Democrat Requests FEC Chairman’s Response to Misrepresentation of Clear Campaign Finance Laws, Appearance of Partisanship

WASHINGTON — Today, Rep. Joe Morelle (NY-25), top Democrat of the Committee on House Administration, sent a letter to Federal Election Commission Chairman Sean J. Cooksey requesting him to clarify his post made on the social media platform X (formally known as Twitter) and to refrain from making unexplained statements that undermine established campaign finance law and practice in the future.
 
“As Ranking Member of the Committee charged with oversight of the Federal Election Commission, I write to clarify a possible misrepresentation that appeared on your recent social media activity that may sow misguided doubt and confusion about the state of the presidential election and the Commission’s impartiality,” wrote Rep. Morelle. 
 
In light of President Joe Biden’s patriotic decision to prioritize the wellbeing of the nation over his own political ambition, Chairman Cooksey posted a contextless quote from 11 C.F.R. § 110.1(b)(3) on July 21, 2024. The social media post implied that Vice President Harris may not be entitled to the finances from a campaign she has been a named candidate for almost four years. Additional comments on National Public Radio seemed to invite administrative challenges and litigation concerning this issue, which would be unnecessary given the clarity of the law.
 
“Failing to provide important information about our campaign finance laws will fuel uncertainty and mistrust in our campaign finance system specifically and our democracy generally,” added Rep. Morelle. “Efforts to sow doubt and confusion in order to advance a partisan agenda is a disservice to the American people and to the Commission as an institution.”
 
The letter instructs Chairman Cooksey to respond by July 30, 2024. Click here to read the full letter sent today.

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