Wednesday, a federal district court judge ruled against the Federal Election Commission (FEC) for not requiring 527 groups to register as political committees, thereby allowing the soft-money groups to avoid spending limitations, because, “the FEC has failed to present a reasoned explanation for its decision that 527 organizations will be more effectively regulated through case-by-case adjudication rather than general rule.” Judge Emmet Sullivan said. The case was remanded back to the FEC for “further proceedings consistent” with his opinion. This means that unless the FEC appeals the decision, they will now have to reopen rulemaking on 527s. The House is planning to act on legislation next week that would restrict their activities. The Court's opinion. Check out a Washington Post article.