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Administrative Law Keyed to Breyer
Federal Election Commission v. Akins
Citation:
524 U.S. 11 (1998)Facts
The Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) imposes extensive disclosure requirements on “political committees,” defined as organizations that receive or spend more than $1,000 annually for the purpose of influencing federal elections. AIPAC, a pro-Israel lobbying organization, made expenditures related to federal elections, including meetings with candidates and distribution of candidate position papers. Respondents, voters whose views often opposed those of AIPAC, filed a complaint with the FEC arguing that AIPAC qualified as a “political committee” and should be required to disclose information about its membership, contributions, and expenditures. The FEC’s General Counsel found that AIPAC’s expenditures were campaign-related and likely exceeded $1,000. However, the FEC dismissed the complaint, concluding that AIPAC’s “major purpose” was not the nomination or election of candidates but rather issue-oriented lobbying. Respondents sought judicial review, claiming they were injured by being denied access to information that would help them evaluate candidates, especially those receiving assistance from AIPAC.
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