Federal Election Commission (FEC) today (Wed.) and Thurs. will ho...

Federal Election Commission (FEC) today (Wed.) and Thurs. will hold hearings on its Aug. 2 proposed rulemaking to regulate election communications. Although FEC chose in this round of rulemakings not to specifically examine use of Internet, its study of broadcast, cable and satellite communications in rulemaking were seen as precedential if FEC chose to impose regulations on e-mail or web sites. Hearings will be at FEC, 999 E St. NW, in 9th floor hearing room, beginning both days at 9:30 a.m. Today’s witnesses include Michael Malbin of Campaign Finance Institute, Donald McGahn of National Republican Congressional Committee, Glen Shor of Campaign and Media Legal Center, Heidi Abegg of American Taxpayer Alliance, Robert Alt of Claremont Institute, Lloyd Mayer of Independent Sector and Tim Mooney of Alliance for Justice. Hearing is scheduled to adjourn today at 3:30 p.m., Thurs at noon. Witnesses Thurs. include Larry Noble of Center for Responsive Politics, Paul Sanford of FEC Watch, Don Simon of Common Cause and Democracy 21, Kristina Wilfore of Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, and Kay Guinane of OMB Watch. FEC’s rulemaking would regulate communication for candidate for federal office whose communication would be airing within 60 days of general election or within 30 days of primary election. Public comments are due by Aug. 29.