Earmarking rules

Definition

Federal regulations that treat contributions designated or directed to a specific candidate through an intermediary as contributions directly to that candidate, subject to individual contribution limits. Violating these rules is a federal crime. They are intended to prevent donors from circumventing contribution limits by funneling money through third parties.

Examples

• •A donor telling a party committee 'use this money specifically for Senator X's campaign' would trigger earmarking rules, counting the donation against the donor's limit to Senator X

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