(This is the 17th in a series of AI-generated analyses of the right-wing manifesto “Project 2025: Mandate for Leadership, the Conservative Promise.“ Some chapters are reviewed out of order. Comments in italics are mine.)
Chapter 29 of Project 2025 proposes a partisan transformation of the Federal Election Commission (FEC), potentially shifting the balance of American elections by prioritizing less regulation and weakening enforcement of campaign finance laws. These changes could amplify the influence of wealthy donors, undermine grassroots campaigns, and reshape the future of American elections.
A central theme in Project 2025 is the emphasis on appointing FEC commissioners who share a specific ideological viewpoint, favoring less regulation and a narrower interpretation of campaign finance laws. This approach could lead to a significant shift in the FEC’s enforcement priorities, potentially creating a more permissive environment for campaign spending and fundraising activities.
Such a partisan FEC could have a profound impact on elections. Relaxing enforcement and interpretation of campaign finance laws could empower wealthy donors and special interest groups, giving them greater influence over the electoral process. This could disadvantage grassroots candidates and those who rely on small donations, potentially tilting the playing field in favor of well-funded campaigns.
A Shield for Campaign Finance Violations?
Project 2025 also proposes restricting the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) role in prosecuting campaign finance violations, further weakening enforcement efforts and making it more difficult to hold campaigns accountable for illegal activities. The proposal to prioritize FEC interpretations over those of the DOJ could create loopholes and inconsistencies, potentially allowing some violations to go unpunished.
The consequences for elections could be severe. A less aggressive DOJ could embolden campaigns to push the boundaries of legality, knowing that the risk of prosecution is reduced. This practice could undermine public trust in the integrity of elections and create an environment where campaign finance laws are viewed as toothless.
A Tool for Political Advantage?
The proposals in Project 2025 paint a picture of an FEC that is less independent, more partisan, and less effective in regulating campaign finance. This could transform the FEC from a watchdog into a tool for political advantage, with potentially far-reaching consequences for American democracy.
If implemented, these proposals could lead to a significant increase in the influence of money in politics, further entrenching the power of wealthy donors and special interests. This could erode the principle of “one person, one vote,” making elections less about the will of the people and more about the financial resources of the candidates.
Conclusion
Project 2025’s vision for the FEC raises serious concerns about the future of campaign finance regulation and its impact on elections. While proponents argue that these changes would promote free speech and reduce unnecessary regulation, critics fear they would open the door to corruption and undue influence.
The stakes are high. The FEC plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and fairness of elections. Any changes to its structure, powers, or priorities should be approached with caution and a deep understanding of the potential consequences for American democracy.
Scary Quotes
“Contribution limits should generally be much higher, as they hamstring candidates and parties while serving no practical anti-corruption purpose.” (After all, the rich can’t spend ALL their money buying Supreme Court justices. Let’s spread it around.”
About the Author
During Hans von Spakovsky’s four-year tenure in the Justice Department, he argued against re-authorizing the Voting Rights Act in 2006. More than half of the career staff left the voting section in protest over his attempts to make voting more difficult for minorities, people with low incomes and Democrats.
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