Brooks Wicker has done it again with basically being reckless.

Here’s his web ad:

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With zero paid for by disclosure language.

There’s text on a frame of the video that’s embedded in the ad but nothing on the advertisement itself:

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Not visible and his likeness not taking up 80% of the screen. That stands squarely against Federal Election Commission regulations.

Turns out there’s also no disclosure in this ad, either:

The advertisement, being a video/television spot, also does not contain a required voiceover.

Let’s take a look at some important language from the FEC’s candidate guidebook:

A disclaimer notice must be clearly and conspicuously displayed.A notice is not clearly and conspicuously displayed if the print is difficult to read or if the placement is easily overlooked.

-SNIP-

[R]adio and television communications that are authorized or paid for by a campaign require additional language. For such radio and television ads, the candidate must deliver an audio statement identifying himself or herself and stating that he or she has approved of the communication.4 For example:

“I am [candidate’s name], a candidate for [federal office sought], and I approved this advertisement.”

In a television ad, the disclaimer must be conveyed by:

• A full-screen view of the candidate making the statement; or
• A voiceover with an image of the candidate occupying no less than 80% of the vertical screen height.

-SNIP-

Any public communication made by a political committee — including communications that do not expressly advocate the election or defeat of a clearly identified federal candidate or solicit a contribution — must display a disclaimer.

-SNIP-

[A]ll independent expenditures and electioneering communications require a disclaimer, regardless of who has paid for them.

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All disclaimers must be “clear and conspicuous” regardless of the medium in which the communication is transmitted.A disclaimer is not clear and conspicuous if it is difficult to read or hear, or if its placement is easily overlooked.

Surely a congressional candidate who is all about responsibility and doing the right thing financially would take campaign finance law more seriously. Anyone who wouldn’t take something as simple as campaign finance law seriously certainly could not be trusted to take anything else related to the government seriously.

For those who don’t think campaign finance is a big deal? Google “jeff smith st. louis” for more information. A little campaign screwery can quickly lead to deeper interest in activity that leads to all kinds of trouble.