A top Democrat on the Federal Election Commission, frustrated that her efforts to regulate online political campaigns have been blocked by Republicans, is pushing for it on Twitter.
Ann Ravel, who frequently tweets about policy and her travels, on Tuesday retweeted a sharp criticism of fellow Commissioner Lee Goodman, the Republican who has helped to lead the fight against internet regulations.
“But Com. Goodman has lead a concerted fearmongering campaign against @AnnMRavel’s efforts to address online ads,” read the tweet she sent out from former FEC analyst Tyler Culberson.
His tweet was in response to a story about Republicans such as the Koch brothers using an internet “loophole” Ravel wants to close that allows unregulated online videos and promotions of campaigns and policies.
Digital ad loophole: Groups must report to FEC paid electioneering communication ads run on TV, but not on Twitter. https://t.co/KOOyMCfURH.
— Adam Rappaport (@RappaportAdam) October 11, 2016
“Digital ad loophole: Groups must report to FEC paid electioneering communication ads run on TV, but not on Twitter,” tweeted Adam Rappaport, chief counsel for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, or CREW.
Goodman on Monday ripped efforts by Democrats to regulate political speech on the media, comparing it to McCarthyism. He also hit Ravel. “There has been an active effort within the commission, principally by one commissioner, Commissioner Ann Ravel, to begin regulating speech and YouTube posts on the Internet,” said Goodman. “And I’ve just drawn a line and I’ve fought very hard to protect that freedom.”
Ravel and Goodman initially clashed on the issue two years ago when her effort was halted in a 3-3 vote.
At the time, Secrets wrote:
Under a 2006 FEC rule, free political videos and advocacy sites have been free of regulation in a bid to boost voter participation in politics. Only Internet videos that are placed for a fee on websites, such as the Washington Examiner, are regulated just like normal TV ads.
Ravel’s statement suggests that she would regulate right-leaning groups like America Rising that posts anti-Democrat YouTube videos on its website.
FEC Chairman Lee E. Goodman, a Republican, said if regulation extends that far, then anybody who writes a political blog, runs a politically active news site or even chat room could be regulated. He added that funny internet campaigns like “Obama Girl,” and “Jib Jab” would also face regulations.
“I told you this was coming,” he told Secrets. Earlier this year he warned that Democrats on the panel were gunning for conservative Internet sites like the Drudge Report.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected]
