Lawsuits

Lawsuits

CREW v. Federal Election Commission

On August 11, 2010, CREW and CREW Executive Director Melanie Sloan filed suit against the Federal Election Commission (FEC) seeking to end the FEC’s practice of summarily dismissing complaints without explanation, leaving complainants insufficient information to sue the agency for failing to enforce campaign finance laws.  For the past several years, the FEC has demonstrated a pattern and practice of dismissing complaints because the Republican and Democratic commissioners are deadlocked 3 to 3, particularly in controversial cases.  In such cases, the law gives complainants 60 days to file suit in federal court asking for judicial review of the dismissals. But because the FEC frequently fails to provide a rationale for its decision before the 60 days expire, complainants cannot file a lawsuit in which they would have to explain how or why the FEC erred.

Court Documents

Complaint 8-11-10

FEC's Motion to Dismiss 10-12-10

FEC's Memorandum in Support of its Motion to Dismiss 10-12-10

FEC's Motion to Dismiss - Exhibit 1 10-12-10

Proposed Order 10-12-10

Plaintiff's Opposition to Defendant's Motion to Dismiss 10-28-10

Proposed Order 10-28-10

Amended Complaint 11-1-10

FEC's Motion to Dismiss Amended Complaint 11-15-10

FEC's Memorandum in Support of its Motion to Dismiss Amended Complaint 11-15-10

FEC's Memorandum in Support of its Motion to Dismiss Amended Complaint - Exhibit 1 11-15-10

Plaintiff's Opposition to Defendant's Motion to Dismiss Amended Complaint 12-21-10

Plaintiff's Opposition to Defendant's Motion to Dismiss - Exhibits 1 12-21-10

Proposed Order 12-21-11

FEC's Reply in Support of its Motion to Dismiss Amended Complaint 1-18-11

Memorandum Opnion 8-1-11

Order 8-1-11

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