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      Use of candidate’s name in projects

Use of candidate’s name in projects A nonconnected committee may not use the name of a candidate in its own name. FEC rules also prohibit a nonconnected committee from using a candidate’s name in the name of a special project, such as a fundraising or advertising project, unless the name clearly shows opposition to the identified candidate. For example, if the Fund for a Better Government supported Candidate Jones, it could not, when soliciting contributions, identify the particular fundraising effort as “Citizens for Jones,” even if the committee also included a disclaimer identifying itself by its real name. However, if the committee opposed Jones, it could name a fundraising project “Defeat Jones” or something similar.
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          Making in-kind contributionsCoordinated communicationsIndependent expendituresSupporting multiple candidatesCourt 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 102.14Names of political committees
 Advisory opinions AO 2015-04Use of candidate's name in a website operated by a nonconnected political committee


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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