FEC to Weigh New Campaign Finance Law

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Interest groups raising big donations to spend in this year's elections could face tough new limits under a proposal federal officials will begin considering this week.

The Federal Election Commission is weighing how a new campaign finance law affects nonparty groups that raise corporate, union and unlimited ``soft money'' donations and are active at election time.

Several commissioners call it the most important decision they will make this year.

The FEC is considering a wide range of options, from placing broad limits on soft money groups to sticking to the status quo and waiting to see what the groups do as the fall elections near. On Thursday, it is expected to start circulating a proposal for public comment. A final decision is expected in May.

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http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/national/AP-Shadow-Parties.html