Casting a Wide Net

Doug Ireland notes that, due to a legal decision, the Federal Election Commission is beginning to extend the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 to the Internet. Republican commissioner Bradley Smith says one issue they've "argued over, debated, wrestled with, is how to value assistance to a campaign." Major questions include, "If someone sets up a homepage and links to their favorite politician, is that a contribution?" and "Do we give bloggers the press exemption?" Smith warns, "I think grassroots Internet activity is in danger. The impact would affect email lists. ... It's going to be bizarre."