The commissioners made their comments after FEC auditors told them that the millions of dollars spent on issue ads run by the Democratic and Republican parties should count as contributions to the two presidential campaigns. The commissioners are scheduled to discuss the audits further next Wednesday and Thursday and are expected to make a preliminary decision then.
Commissioners often alter repayment figures.
Another commissioner, Republican appointee David Mason, said the FEC did not have the authority to order campaigns to repay the Treasury for exceeding the primary spending limits. These advertisements effectively advocate the defeat of a clearly identified candidate in connection with that election and thus have the purpose of influencing the outcome of the general election for president,'' the commission said at the time. Copyright 1999 Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.