Liz Cheney’s Concession Speech May Have Violated Campaign Finance Rules

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Soon-to-be former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) may have violated Federal Election Commission (FEC) rules at her concession speech due to an in-kind donation she apparently received from a former TV executive who advises the January 6 Committee.

CNN’s Jeff Zeleny reported earlier Tuesday evening that Cheney’s anticipated losing speech would be set against a dramatic backdrop and filmed by James Goldston, the former ABC News president who is also advising the January 6 Committee.

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Anyone who films a candidate may generally do so, under the protections of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. However, if the film crew is producing a video especially for a candidate, that counts as a service provided to the campaign.

Goldston’s services, including his crew, are probably worth tens of thousands of dollars. Moreover, Zeleny reported that Goldston is filming Cheney as a favor — as a “friend.” Hence his contribution would be an in-kind contribution to Cheney.

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Moreover, the current limit on contributions is $2,900 per cycle.

Hence not only would Goldston’s services have to be reported to the FEC on Cheney’s campaign filings, but they also likely exceed the campaign finance limits. She could face an investigation and fines from the FEC if she is found to be in violation.

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