Election Law Complaint Filed Against 'Fahrenheit 9-11'

David N. Bossie, president of Citizens United, has filed a formal complaint to the Federal Election Commission and other federal government agencies against Michael Moore’s "Fahrenheit 9/11." The movie has been publicly touted by its director to play a role in defeating President George W. Bush this November.

The complaint alleges that Michael Moore and the companies and individuals involved in the marketing and distribution of the film are about to violate the Federal Election Campaign Act. Paid broadcast advertisements for the film, which include visual images and sound clips of President Bush and other candidates for federal office, are subject to the restrictions and regulatory requirements of federal campaign law.

According to federal law, any ads featuring images of or references to President Bush that can be viewed in the United States by 50,000 or more persons qualify as “electioneering communications” and are subject to the ban on corporate and foreign money. Such advertisements must include the federally mandated disclosure statement and expenditures over $10,000 must be reported to the FEC within 24 hours.

“Citizens United stands second-to-none in fighting for free speech,” said Bossie. “We are insisting the law be applied equally to all who are involved in campaigns and elections.”

“If Michael Moore wants to contact me, I am available to help him comply with Federal election law,” added Bossie.

Citizens United is a conservative grassroots advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C. As strong believers in the First Amendment, Citizens United joined the court challenge to the so-called Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act, which went to the Supreme Court this year.