Reply #23: WAPO: FEC to Pols: Blow Whistle on Yourself (this one is for LS)

[rumpel]

By JIM KUHNHENN
The Associated Press
Friday, December 1, 2006; 12:33 AM


WASHINGTON -- The Federal Election Commission on Thursday took steps to encourage politicians and contributors to report their own possible violations of campaign finance laws by offering them significantly reduced fines.

Commission officials said the number of self-reported violations has increased recently, prompting the need for a specific policy that spells out how the FEC will dispose of such cases.

"This is not meant to be a get out of jail free card," said Commissioner Ellen Weintraub. "If you're racing to the FEC three steps in front of the guy who's got the complaint in his hand against you, this policy is probably not for you."

Before fully adopting the policy, the commission has asked for public comment on the proposal by Jan. 29.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/30/AR2006113000840.html

:popcorn: