The departure of Ravel, whose term was set to expire this spring, puts the three Republican commissioners in the majority until her replacement is selected and confirmed by the Senate. But since federal law requires at least four votes on the six-member commission to take official action, there is little the FEC can accomplish until Trump names her successor. “They can’t do anything significant with a 3-2 vote,” said campaign finance lawyer Daniel Petalas, who served as the FEC’s acting general counsel and head of enforcement. The opening at the FEC provides Trump with an opportunity to demonstrate the tack he plans to take toward the growing reach of the wealthy in politics. One of the biggest advocates for deregulating campaign finance is former FEC commissioner Donald McGahn – now Trump’s White House counsel.

Source: Washington Post February 19, 2017 19:51 UTC