Can I give them money?

September 11, 2008 9:07 AM

Can I donate proceeds of the sale of something to a presidential candidate?

If I sell a good and/or service can I legally donate a portion of what I make to a presidential candidate and also ADVERTISE that I am doing this to potentially increase sales?

I wouldn't see why not - but didn't know if the MeFi's knew if I could do this?

posted by jimmy0x52 to Law & Government (10 answers total)

Of course you can donate your proceeds. What you do with the profits from your sales has nothing to do with your customers or the candidates.
However, by advertising this fact you may possibly dissuade potential customers that do not support your candidate.
posted by nineRED at 9:18 AM on September 11, 2008

This is probably obvious, but it doesn't remove the per-person limit on donations to campaigns.
posted by crickets at 9:36 AM on September 11, 2008

Also you should know that if you sell your good or service via Ebay there may be additional restrictions on your sale if you are fundraising. See their help pages for more.
posted by jessamyn at 9:50 AM on September 11, 2008

I think there are pretty strict rules about fundraisers for political candidates. I think what you're describing may qualify. Rules about: per-individual contributions (not just you but your purchasers), whether you can accept corporate money, whether you can accept cash, etc., etc. (I am not an expert in campaign contribution rules.)
posted by ClaudiaCenter at 10:26 AM on September 11, 2008

Obama still accepts campaign contributions, but McCain is not permitted to because he accepted public financing. The McCain door closed on the last day of the Republican convention.
posted by Class Goat at 10:33 AM on September 11, 2008

That's actually not true, McCain is still allowed to accept contributions for legal and accounting compliance costs so that he can preserve his federal grant for other campaign expenses, media, etc.
posted by thumpasor at 10:47 AM on September 11, 2008

That's actually not true, McCain is still allowed to accept contributions for legal and accounting compliance costs so that he can preserve his federal grant for other campaign expenses, media, etc.

I love the line you get on that page: "The best way to help is to give to the McCain-Palin Compliance Fund." Compliance Fund! Inspiring!
posted by lunasol at 12:19 PM on September 11, 2008

As written, this is dicey. I am not a lawyer, but I do deal with campaign finance issues every day, state and Federal. If you were to approach me with this idea I would politely decline.

In my opinion, you are approaching what amounts to a donation from a business entity because you want to advertise the fact that you are selling this service to benefit a candidate. I would leave that element out of it. Sell the service, make a profit, donate part of that profit to the candidate of your choice.
posted by halcyon_daze at 7:57 PM on September 11, 2008 [1 favorite]

I just bought a shirt from Runners For Obama that advertised a donation of the profits... so I hope it's legal!
posted by web-goddess at 9:06 PM on September 11, 2008

It won't be a problem for you if it isn't.
posted by halcyon_daze at 9:31 PM on September 11, 2008