GOP seeks to thwart backers of Kerry

Decision 2004
GOP seeks to thwart backers of Kerry
Republicans allege senator's campaign and allied groups are violating finance laws.
Associated Press - April 1, 2004

WASHINGTON -- Republicans on Wednesday filed a federal complaint to stop pro-Democratic groups from spending millions to defeat President Bush but then asked that it be dismissed so the case can be taken to court.

The complaint, filed with the Federal Election Commission, accuses John Kerry's campaign of illegally coordinating its political ads and get-out-the-vote activities with anti-Bush groups.

The filing reflected the concern in the Bush-Cheney team about the influence of the outside groups, which, combined with Kerry's campaign, nearly have matched the GOP's ad buying.

"They're making a mockery of what the rules are," Bush campaign Chairman Marc Racicot said in unveiling the complaint. The GOP cited fund-raising solicitations, overlapping strategists and the timing of ad broadcasts as proof that Kerry and the outside Democratic groups were coordinating their efforts.

Kerry's campaign dismissed the complaint as political gamesmanship.

"John Kerry and his campaign have nothing to do with these ads or the groups that run them," Michael Meehan, a senior adviser to Kerry, said in a statement.

The complaint accuses Kerry, pro-Kerry groups and donors of violating the campaign law that broadly prohibits using corporate, union and unlimited donations known as "soft money" to influence federal elections.

In a highly unusual move, the Bush campaign and the Republican Party asked the FEC to immediately dismiss the complaint and clear the way for them to file a lawsuit in court.

Usually complainants pursue FEC action before going to court, even though it could take months or even years for the commission to resolve complaints. But the Bush campaign said it was seeking a speedy ruling to cut off the flow of millions in soft money to the Democratic groups.

"No penalty, civil or criminal, after the fact could possibly remedy the irreparable harm caused by allowing this illegal activity to continue unabated," the GOP complaint says.

The complaint alleges $1 million-plus donors to the groups, such as billionaire George Soros, broke the law by knowingly giving soft money to finance presidential election activities. The groups and Soros contend they are operating legally.