Any of you know campaign finance laws or how to handle raising money to get on a ballot? Do the same regulations apply to gathering funds to register a candidate as apply to gathering funds for campaigning? I can't find anything at the county registrar's office on who can legally contribute to the $3,500 so I'm assuming that's open to anyone.
Also, several people have suggested that if I can raise money, but not enough to get on the ballot, that the money could be donated to the Mozilla Foundation or some other Mozilla-cause. I like that idea a lot. Any legal experts know if there'd be a problem with that?
It's on metafilter already! Thanks to Pete for the heads up.
update: It's been brought to my attention that Pete has also posted on the potential run, "What platform will he be running on? Many platforms! And most importantly the Mozilla platform!" and so has xsamplex "Pornstars, publishers, pundits and termintators, move aside..."
more: There's a mozillaZine discussion as well!
Posted by asa at August 7, 2003 01:53 PMFound this on a Google search Asa:
http://www.sacbee.com/content/politics/story/7091403p-8039108c.html
"Q: Who can run in a replacement election?
A: A candidate must be a U.S. citizen and a registered California voter. Candidates must obtain at least 65 nomination signatures from members of their own party and must pay a $3,500 filing fee or submit 10,000 signatures in lieu of the fee. Democrats, Republicans and non-affiliated candidates need 10,000 signatures if they want to avoid paying the filing fee. As is always the case, third-party candidates only need 150 signatures from party members to offset the fee. The filing deadline is Aug. 9."
Also:
Q: Do candidates have to report their contributions?
A: Yes. Since there are fewer than 90 days before the recall election, candidates must report contributions of $1,000 or more to the secretary of state’s office within 24 hours. A full report of fund raising is not required until after the election."
Might answer at least some of your questions.
Posted by: Chris Gonyea on August 7, 2003 03:27 PMAlso:
http://www.kxtv.com/news-special/Recall/frequently-asked-questions.htm
"
Do campaign contribution laws apply to recall elections?
The Fair Political Practices Commission is responsible for providing advice about campaign finance issues. They have issued a fact sheet indicating that contribution limits do apply to the replacement candidates. The limits do not apply to the target of the recall or to the committees sponsoring or opposing the recall drive itself.
Are campaign contribution and expenditure reports for the recall committees and candidates available on the Secretary of State’s web site?
Yes. Recall committees are required to file contribution and spending reports. Also, the replacement candidates and the target of the recall are required to file these disclosure reports."