In 2012, Arent Fox’s work made it possible for political committees to receive contributions from text messages. Our victory overturned a decision by the FEC that previously prohibited the practice. The approved technology was immediately used by the Obama for America presidential campaign, which received millions of dollars in texted contributions.
The ability to make a political contribution via text messaging resulted from Craig Engle and Brett Kappel winning a complicated, and at times contentious, Advisory Opinion Request at the FEC. Craig and Brett were able to marshal the support of the Obama and Romney campaigns, plus a dozen liberal and conservative groups, all of whom wanted the American public to take advantage of this new ability to donate through text messaging.
Just as with contributions over the Internet, soon every credible campaign must have the ability to accept texted contributions. No other firm is as well-qualified to guide you through this process as Arent Fox.