[EL] What's next for Colbert?

[Steve Kolbert]

Rick writes, "What's next for President Elect (to Be) Colbert? It may not
be clear even to Colbert."

There is some hint that Colbert knows exactly what he's planning.

Recall that when Colbert formed his Super PAC back at the end of June, its
official name was "Americans for A Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow." Why didn't
he name it "Colbert Super PAC?"

Because an unauthorized political committee generally may not use a federal
candidate's name as part of the the committee's own name. 2 U.S.C. sec.
432(e)(4). Colbert wasn't a candidate back in June, but if he later became
a candidate, Colbert Super PAC would have to excise "Colbert" from its
name: meaning, file an amended Form 1, change the disclaimers on its
letterhead, on the website, etc.

So, given that Colbert made sure the PAC didn't contain his name in the
first place, my guess is that a 2012 Colbert candidacy was on Stephen's
mind even back in June. Which suggests he may indeed have a master plan.

On Jan 13, 2012 11:15 AM, "Rick Hasen" <rhasen at law.uci.edu> wrote:
> Posted in chicanery, election administration | Comments Off
> What’s Next for President Elect (to Be) Colbert?
> Posted on January 13, 2012 8:04 am by Rick Hasen
>
> It may not be clear even to Colbert.  But if Colbert keeps this going for
a while, here are some things he could do without running afoul of the
FEC’s porous coordination rules:
>
> 1. He could fundraise for the Super PAC, so long as he does not ask for
more than $5,000.
>
> 2. He could take footage from the Super PAC’s ads, and use them in his
own ads.
>
> 3. If we are far enough from the election, he might even be able to
appear in a Super PACs ads.
>
> In other words, Colbert can explain how he can coordinate without
illegally coordinating.  Theater of the absurd indeed.
>
> Posted in campaign finance, campaigns, chicanery, election law "humor" |
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