Only days after Democratic groups sicced lawyers on Sinclair Broadcasting for considering the airing of anti-Kerry footage, it’s the Republicans’ turn to assault unwanted speech, with the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law serving once again as a bludgeon:
In a complaint to the Federal Elections Commission, the National Republican Campaign Committee accused radio station KFI-AM (640) co-hosts John Kobylt and Ken Chiampou of “criminal behavior” for attacking Rep. David Dreier, R-Glendora, and endorsing his Democratic opponent, Cynthia Matthews.
By criticizing Dreier’s positions on immigration, promoting a “Fire Dreier” campaign and making on-air appeals for voters to elect Matthews, the NRCC said, the hosts gave Matthews an unlawful corporate, in-kind contribution of more than $25,000.
“This behavior is illegal and must be appropriately punished,” the NRCC charged, noting violation of the law carries a penalty of fines and jail time.
(Lisa Friedman, “Action filed vs. radio hosts over talk attacks”, L.A. Daily News, Oct. 29; see Calblog, Oct. 28, and Southern California Law Blog, Oct. 30)
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