More on 527s

The judge in Shays v. FEC has ordered both parties to brief whether or not the latest E & J (that's "explanation and justification" for those of you playing the home edition) from the FEC was enough to avoid having to draft new 527/political committee rules. Shays and the gang want new rules, while the FEC thinks the E & J should be enough. Briefing is to be completed by May 31, so expect a decision sometime in... let's see... two, carry the one... sometime in 2012. (Just kidding, Judge Sullivan.) The judge is actually quite committed to resolve this sooner rather than later so the campaign finance community will have a clearer idea on how 527s will be treated for '08. If you're a lucky BNA Money & Politics subscriber, check out the details here.