[EL] reporter seeking expert opinion on campaign finance question

[Beckel, Michael]

Hello:

My name is Michael Beckel, and I am a reporter at the Center for Public Integrity in Washington, DC.

I’d like to pose a hypothetical question to this esteemed group of campaign finance experts:

Let’s say that two of my friends — call them Jordan and Alex — are looking to motivate themselves to work out more. They are also scared of the prospect of Donald Trump becoming president.

So, Jordan and Alex each agree to go to the gym three days a week. For each day they miss, they’ll have to donate $100 to Donald Trump’s campaign. They are hoping that this bet motivates them both enough to not skip working out.

However, a month goes by, and while Jordan has met his goals, Alex has not met his. So, Alex gives Jordan $300 cash, and Jordan makes a campaign contribution to Trump online with his credit card. They are sad, but ever more determined to meet their workout goals next month. (Jordan’s name and personal information was entered in the donor form, and, I presume, will show up on an FEC filing.)

Question: Is this a conduit contribution? That is, did Alex or Jordan violate the law by making a contribution in the name of another?

I’d be interested in on-the-record responses to this question.

Thanks, all, for your time and consideration. Happy (almost) Labor Day weekend!

Sincerely,
Michael Beckel
Reporter
Center for Public Integrity
202-481-1249
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