Nation needs campaign finance watchdog on the job
If you happened to be running for federal office and had a notion to fudge the numbers on the campaign contributions you’re expected to report and the ads you buy, now might be a good time to do so.
A recent resignation from the Federal Election Commission, which reduced its independent oversight panel to three members instead of the mandated six members — eliminating its quorum and its authority for many of its responsibilities — means the campaign finance watchdog for federal elections is not on the job.
And it won’t be until President Trump nominates candidates to fill at least one of three empty positions and the Senate confirms those nominations, which puts the question of when in the hands of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky. McConnell, who has one Trump nomination pending before the Senate, has shown little interest in fair elections. Thus far he has refused to take up legislation adopted in the House that would improve election security, following meddling during the 2016 election by Russian-backed hackers, as was confirmed by the Mueller report.
With little urgency shown by Trump or McConnell, this could be a long wait: weeks, months or even well into — if not past — the 2020 election season, which most readers will recall, will determine the next president and control of the Senate and House.
https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/editorial-nation-needs-campaign-finance-watchdog-on-the-job/
That's probably the plan. Moscow Mitch doesn't want oversight next election.
= new reply since forum marked as read
