Watchdog group alleges 4 2016 presidential prospects are dodging campaign finance law
A watchdog group is accusing four potential 2016 presidential candidates of failing to follow federal campaign finance rules while traveling and raising money as if they were off and running.
In complaints filed with the Federal Election Commission on Tuesday, the Campaign Legal Center says Florida Republican Jeb Bush, Maryland Democrat Martin O'Malley, Pennsylvania Republican Rick Santorum and Wisconsin Republican Scott Walker are raising money and campaigning for president without incorporating presidential campaigns. Such organizations push for would-be candidates to comply with fundraising limits and disclosure rules.
Of the roughly 20 Democrats and Republicans weighing campaigns, only Republican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz has announced his candidacy.
Bush and O'Malley aides said they were complying with the rules. Santorum and Walker aides did not reply immediately to requests for comment.