Sanders says Tarrant ads violate fed disclosure law
2006-09-15
Source: Barre Montpelier Times Argus
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rss feedA new television advertisement by Republican U.S. Senate candidate Richard Tarrant violates federal law by not correctly disclosing who paid for it, his opponent, Independent U.S. Rep. Bernard Sanders, alleged Thursday.
A recent TV ad by Tarrant's campaign, attacking Sanders' record in Congress, included a required disclaimer that the spot was produced with the candidate's approval. However, the "I'm Rich Tarrant and I approved this message" notice appears at the beginning of the spot, rather than at the end.
That alleged violation of Federal Communications Commission rules means Tarrant should not qualify for the reduced advertising rate, or "lowest unit charge," enjoyed by candidates for public office, according to lawyers for Sanders' campaign.
"Tarrant has forfeited his entitlement to the lowest unit charge for the duration of the campaign," a letter Sanders' lawyers wrote to TV stations said. "Now and until election day, your station must charge Tarrant and his campaign committee the same rate for broadcast time that it charges nonpolitical advertisers for comparable use."
Tarrant's lawyers quickly responded, saying the ads include all the information the government requires.
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