Hans A. von Spakovsky, a temporary appointee to the Federal Election Commission, is up for Senate confirmation for a permanent post.
Spakovsky, a former Department of Justice official, went to the FEC in early 2006.
He immediately criticized tribes for exploiting a "loophole" in campaign finance law and advocated for restrictions that were eventually defeated by the Senate.
That wasn't his only involvement in Indian issues. According to the Los Angeles Times, he helped squash a Native voter rights investigation in Minnesota when he was at DOJ. A colleague denied the accusation at a hearing this week.
The Senate Rules Committee will take up von Spakovsky's confirmation next Wednesday.
Get the Story:Hearing on FEC Pick Could Add Fuel to Debate Over Justice Dept. (The Washington Post 6/8)
pwpwd Hans von Spakovsky Statement:
Tribal Political Contributions (February 8, 2006) FEC Advisory:
Indian Tribes (February 2, 2006) Federal Elections Commission Opinions:
Advisory Opinion 1999-32 (January 28, 2000) | Advisory Opinion 2000-05 (May 15, 2000) | Advisory Opinion 2005-01 (March 14, 2005) More Advisory Opinion 2005-01 Documents:
Advisory Opinion Draft A and Draft B | Tribe's Request for Advisory Opinion Relevant Links:
Federal Election Commission - http://www.fec.gov
PoliticalMoneyLine - http://www.politicalmoneyline.com
Center for Responsive Politics - http://www.opensecrets.org
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