Questions on starting a non-profit / PAC????

[dobak]

Hello,

I have a few questions about non-profits designed to help political candidates (PACs??)

I am part of a group that is starting www.sportsmenforclark.com and I am not sure about the rules for requesting donations?

Do I need to fill out some paperwork/permits before I can collect donations, or do I have to fill out the paperwork at a later date?

thanks

[ewagner]

1. Yes

Should check out the Federal Elections Commission (FEC)to find the forms for registration as well as applicable laws regulating PACs....

[mikehiggins]

2. ask a lawyer

look around for a lawyer that deals with elections. Do not try and figure this stuff out at home. I suggest you contact the Clark people directly and ask their advice, and perhaps a name or two to contact for this information. Again, do NOT try this on your own.

I've been involved in several campaigns that used the "Friends of..." setup and other such committees and you're much better off doing it right from the outset. If you screw it up you'll spend all your time later trying to fix the mess, and there are some nasty fines involved as well.

Plus, you'll find yourself being covered in the Standard as another Democratic force for evil.

And we don't want that, do we?

Call the Clark people, get a lawyer.