FEC v. Defend Louisiana PAC, et al.
Summary
On July 22, 2022, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana granted the Federal Election Commission (FEC) a default judgment against Defend Louisiana PAC and Taylor Townsend, in his official capacity as treasurer, (collectively defendants). The defendants failed to file an answer to the complaint or any other responsive pleading in this matter.
Background
On June 14, 2021, the FEC filed suit seeking a declaration that defendants violated the Federal Election Campaign Act by failing to provide adequate purpose statements for eight independent expenditures and by failing to disclose three independent expenditures. The FEC also sought a civil penalty of $41,056.00 and a permanent injunction against future similar violations. The court noted that despite “being personally served on June 29, 2021, Defendants have not appeared in this case.”
Analysis
The court found that default judgment against the defendants was appropriate under Fifth Circuit precedent, and the FEC’s complaint established a viable claim for relief.
Accordingly, the court ordered the defendants to pay a $41,056.00 civil penalty for violating 52 U.S.C. §§ 30104(b)(6)(B)(iii) and 30104(a)(1) and permanently enjoined them from further violations of those provisions. Defendants were also ordered to correct Defend Louisiana PAC’s reports.
Documents
District Court (M. Dist. LA)
Court decisions:
- Amended Final Judgment (08/31/2022)
- Ruling and Order (07/22/2022)
- Clerk's Entry of Default (08/13/2021)