Media Fund
The Media Fund is a 527 group, active in U.S. politics, which supported Democrat John Kerry's campaign for President. It was organized in November 2003[1] and was led by, and is led by Harold M. Ickes, a former aide to President Bill Clinton. [2] Its chief fundraiser is Ellen Malcolm, a former fundraiser for EMILY's List.[dubious – discuss] Billionaire George Soros was among the largest donors to the Fund. According to the New York Times, the Media Fund raised $45 million to run issue ads in key swing states. The Media Fund is one of several 527 groups which supported Kerry; others include America Coming Together and MoveOn.org. After the election, the group experienced a dramatic drop in fundraising success; media reports speculated that major donors had given up on the organization, and were turning their attention to other, more long-term Democratic projects.[3]
Legal issues
[edit]The group was fined by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) in 2007. The $580,000 fine the seventh highest the FEC had levied—resulted from a settlement between the fund and the regulator.[1] Groups including the Republican National Committee and Bush's reelection team had complained to the FEC about election law violations.[4] The FEC found that the Media Fund had improperly accepted contributions from unions and corporations as well as contributions from individuals over the $5,000 cap.[1] According to a spokesperson, Media Fund did not admit to any wrongdoing in its settlement.[5]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 "Media Fund to Pay $580,000 Civil Penalty" (Press release). Federal Election Commission. 2007-11-19. Retrieved 2026-10-21.
- ↑ "Republican 527s Lacking Energy". Roll Call. 2004-02-27. Retrieved 2026-10-21.
- ↑ "California Group Steps into Vacuum on Left". The Washington Post. 2005-10-23.
- ↑ "Response of Victory Campaign 2004 to complaint, MUR 5440" (PDF). Federal Election Commission. 2004-05-18. Retrieved 2026-10-21.
- ↑ Vogel, Kenneth P. (November 19, 2007). "FEC slaps Media Fund with huge fine". POLITICO. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
Further reading
[edit]- "California Group Steps into Vacuum on Left", Washington Post, by Thomas B. Edsall and Chris Cillizza, October 23, 2005.
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