From Roll Call: Now that the Federal Election Commission last week opted not to take its rules on 527 political groups back to the drawing table, most of these groups are expressing satisfaction with the decision. And, some say, they can move ahead with activities without fear of having the FEC rules change on them as the 2006 election approaches.

On May 31, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia denied the Christian Civic League of Maine’s (CCLM) motion to stay proceedings in CCLM v. FEC. A motion to stay proceedings freezes/suspends the proceedings in a case, usually allowing for one of the parties to correct an action that the court has required them to perform.On May 9, court denied the CCLM's request for a preliminary injunction. The court reasoned that CCLM could have paid for the ad out of their PAC funds, or taken Sen. Snowe's name, who is up for reelection, out of the ad.

Insightful commentary on the recent IRS comments on 501(c)(3) election activities by a new nonprofit blog, "The Nonprofit Blog", by the Vivero Group/501cstrategies.

An article in BNA this morning indicates that Grassley is interested in looking at the 501c4 - 527 connection. Grassley's letter said that, as the Justice Department continues its investigation into congressional corruption, the Finance Committee has reviewed numerous documents relating to charities and social advocacy organizations directly or indirectly related to former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, as well as similar groups with "patterns akin to those associated" with Abramoff.