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      Naming a nonconnected PAC

Naming a nonconnected PAC No names of candidates The name of a nonconnected committee (including a leadership PAC) may not include the name of any candidate for federal office. (Only a candidate’s authorized committees may register with his or her name.) Further, a nonconnected committee may not use a candidate’s name in any name under which the committee makes solicitations or other communications to the general public, unless the name clearly shows opposition to the candidate. The one exception to this rule is the naming of a “draft committee.” A draft committee is a political committee that is established solely to draft an individual or to encourage him or her to become a candidate for federal office. A draft committee may use the name of an individual in its official name, but only if the committee name clearly indicates that it is a draft committee.
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          Registering as a nonconnected PACUnderstanding nonconnected PACsTypes of nonconnected PACsUse of candidate names in projectsCourt declares regulation unconstitutional in Pursuing America’s Greatness v. FEC Need help? Get help from the FEC by phone or email
 Legal citations Regulations 11 CFR 102.14(a), (b)(2) and (b)(3)Names of political committees


This information is not intended to replace the law or to change its meaning, nor does this information create or confer any rights for or on any person or bind the Federal Election Commission or the public. The reader is encouraged also to consult the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (52 U.S.C. 30101 et seq.), Commission regulations (Title 11 of the Code of Federal Regulations), Commission advisory opinions and applicable court decisions.


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