Campaign Ethics in Question Both Near and Far: From the 7th Up to Obama

More and more, we are seeing politicians push the limits of the Federal Election Commission's laws. This week there are two examples that could raise an eyebrow and should be investigated as crossing a line. The first happened in Missouri's Seventh District, where a Congressional staffer worked a dual existence as the point man for a fundraiser for Congressman Billy Long.

Busplunge reports:

If you are out and about on Friday morning and want to share a meal with Billy Long, he'll be at the University Plaza for a breakfast fundraiser benefiting Greene County Republican Women.

Appearing with Billy will be Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers. She's from Washington state, District 7, and she enjoys playing the piano, swimming, and reading American history. Cathy says she lives by former President Ronald Reagan's motto (quoting Harry Truman's remark about his Marshall Plan): "There's no limit to what a person can do or where one can go if one doesn't mind who gets the credit."

Tickets are $20. If you have any questions or to RSVP call Nick Maddux at (417)883-3387 or Nick.Maddux@BillyLongforCongress.com

Nick is one of Congressman Long's paid congressional staff. Legistorm lists Maddux as one of Long's Field Representatives for the first quarter 2011. Knowing that the Hatch Act has guidelines for federal employees and their involvement in political activities, we will have to trust that Maddux is keeping time logs as to when he is on the government payroll acting as Long's Field Representative and when he is engaged in political activities such as this event.


Of course Congressman Long has gotten a lot of face time and photo ops lately with Barack Obama, who also has had no problems in the past pushing the boundaries of campaign finance law.

Obama has come under fire for the illegal use of the White House to raise campaign dollars.

A video of President Barack Obama filmed in the White House and included in a fundraising e-mail sent to supporters is not legal, two election law experts told CNSNews.com.

The video was included in an e-mail sent to supporters of President Obama promoting a fundraising drive that offered participants a chance to win an invitation to dinner with Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.

The video was filmed in the White House and, because it is intended to raise funds, constitutes a violation of federal law, according to two election law experts contacted by CNSNews.com.