On Aug. 3, 2007 OMB Watch sponsored a panel discussion on The Need for Clear Rules for 501(c)(3) Groups at Election Time. The speakers were Gregory Colvin, Attorney, Silk Adler & Colvin, expert and author on nonprofit lobbying and political activities. Co-Chair of the Subcommittee on Political and Lobbying Organizations and Activities of the Exempt Organizations Committee of the Tax Section of the American Bar Association, Beth Kingsley Attorney at Harmon Curran Spielberg & Eisenberg specializing in tax exemption, lobbying, policy advocacy and federal election law. Co-chair of the ABA Exempt Organizations Committee's subcommittee on Forms, Rulings, and Administrative Developments, Marcus Owens, Former IRS Director of Exempt Organizations Division and attorney at Caplin & Drysdale. Represents a broad range of tax-exempt organizations. Projects include organizations interested in public policy but concerned with legislative and political activities. Co-chair of the ABA Tax Section EO Committee's Subcommittee on Audits and Appeals and Karl Sandstrom, Attorney at Perkins Coie, specializing in political and federal campaign finance law. Wrote the friend of the court briefs on behalf of charities in FEC v. Wisconsin Right to Life, with co-author Ezra Reese. Teaches at Washington College of Law, American University. Served as a Commissioner on the Federal Election Commission from 1998-2002. Kay Guinane of OMB Watch moderated the panel. Here is a transcript of the discussion: