[Kellis91789]

So a “bundler” can’t actually have any expenses paid for out of the funds raised ?

In order to have expenses, including staff salaries, you would have to be registered as a PAC ?

What would be involved in doing that ? Would you need to have multiple officers to sign off on expenditures, so it couldn’t be a one-man show ? How odious are the reporting requirements ?

I had a vision of creating a website that was a gateway for people to contribute small amounts to a variety of liberal candidates and issues, like Boxer, Pelosi, McCain, the CardCheck bill, the Healthcare bill, etc. and using up most of the funds in “operating expenses” running the website and paying myself a lordly salary.

[2ndDivisionVet]

I think you’re referring to a 501(3)c, which I know almost nothing about. There’s a “Dummies” book that explains it, IIRC.

[Rockingham]

A bundler might have their expenses reimbursed by the campaign they are raising money for, but not from the specific checks collected. In some instances, professional fund raisers are paid a per cent of the funds they raise, but the payment comes from the campaign or PAC they are working for.

PAC filing requirements vary from state to state and are different from the federal government to the states. The details can be accessed via state elections websites and the Federal Elections Commission website.

Even for the inexperienced, PAC and campaign reporting requirements can be burdensome due to the strict time schedules. A CPA and an attorney are often engaged to set up a PAC and keep it in compliance. In such instances, the CPA often acts as the treasurer.

The plan that you outline would almost certainly get you into trouble. PAC reports are public record and it would not take long for someone to figure out what you are up to and file a complaint, leading to fines and potentially even criminal charges.