“The proposed rules treat as political a host of activities that are now and should continue to be defined as non-political, rather than discarding years of IRS rulings, guidance and precedent . . . .”

The variety of organizations that signed on to these brief comments attests to the widespread dissatisfaction with the proposed rules.  The comments were developed by the right-left duo of attorneys Cleta Mitchell and John Pomeranz as an exercise demonstrating the consensus of concern about the existing vague political rules and the need for improved clarity in everyone’s best interests.  The signers include the ACLU, as well as the American Conservative Union, Citizens United, Hispanic Leadership Fund, Public Citizen, and Traditional Values Coalition, among others. The comments conclude with a suggestion that the Treasury consider the recommendations of both the Bright Lines Project, and the Commission on Accountability and Policy for Religious Organizations.