Wisconsin Candidate Uses Soft Money Straw Donor Scheme to Advance Candidacy
When candidates run for federal office, they must abide by federal campaign finance laws that prohibit them from accepting money from unlawful sources like corporations or federal contractors, limit how much they can raise from each donor, and require them to disclose who’s funding their campaign. These basic requirements ensure that elections are transparent and help keep politicians accountable.
Sometimes, however, when a federal candidate has previously run for or served in state office, they try to use money raised through a state campaign or committee to advance their federal candidacy.
Doing so violates federal laws that prohibit candidates for federal offices from directing or transferring funds that don’t comply with federal contribution limits and reporting requirements — often referred to as “soft money” — to a federal committee.
When congressional candidates try to maneuver around this important legal prohibition, it’s the job of the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to investigate and enforce the law.
https://campaignlegal.org/update/wisconsin-candidate-uses-soft-money-straw-donor-scheme-advance-candidacy