They don’t want another competitor.
Accusations have surfaced against independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his primary super PAC, alleging unlawful collaboration aimed at securing his spot on the ballot. Third Way, a centrist Democratic think tank, has voiced concerns over potential coordination between Kennedy’s campaign and the American Values 2024 super PAC. They fear such coordination could jeopardize President Joe Biden’s re-election prospects in November.
In a letter addressed to the secretaries of state in Arizona, Georgia, and Michigan, Third Way urged caution in accepting signatures gathered by the super PAC to aid Kennedy’s candidacy. American Values 2024 has pledged substantial financial support, earmarking at least $15 million for this purpose and enlisting multiple canvassing firms to collect signatures across several states.
However, legal representatives from Third Way, represented by the Elias Law Group, argue that adhering to both federal campaign finance regulations prohibiting coordination and state laws mandating candidates to personally submit signatures for ballot access poses a dilemma. While federal law mandates independent efforts by American Values 2024, state laws in Arizona, Georgia, and Michigan appear to require direct submission by the candidate or their legal representative.
This discrepancy between federal and state regulations is central to Third Way’s complaint. Similar concerns have been communicated to election officials in other states, echoing the Democratic National Committee’s complaint filed with the Federal Election Commission.
In response, Kennedy’s campaign contends that they are operating within legal boundaries and express disdain for what they perceive as anti-democratic attempts to impede their candidacy. Campaign manager Amaryllis Fox Kennedy asserts their intention to secure ballot access independently through a nationwide volunteer network and grassroots fundraising efforts.
President of the super PAC, Tony Lyons, accuses Democrats of resorting to legal maneuvers due to their inability to engage in substantive debates. He argues that collecting signatures on behalf of a candidate is a constitutional right, referencing legal precedent and First Amendment protections.
Legal experts, however, note the murky terrain surrounding super PAC regulations, citing outdated enforcement mechanisms by the FEC since the landmark Citizens United ruling in 2010.
Despite the legal wrangling, the significant challenge for independent presidential candidates like Kennedy remains the arduous task of securing ballot access in all 50 states, requiring immense resources and organizational efforts.
Critics within the Democratic Party, such as Matt Bennett of Third Way, question the legality of relying on a super PAC for ballot access, citing past instances like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign, which raised similar concerns.
As the debate over campaign coordination and ballot access continues, Kennedy’s campaign remains focused on navigating the complex legal landscape while striving to advance their candidacy on the national stage.
