Bob Bauer reports:

Senator Harry Reid yesterday introduced legislation that would exempt Internet communications from the definition of “public communications” under McCain-Feingold. This exemption would reverse the ruling of the district court in Shays v. FEC, restoring protection of Internet communications from the restrictions of the “coordination rules.” Senator Reid also sent a letter yesterday to FEC Chairman Thomas, expressing concern about the pending Internet rulemaking and asking that the Commission “avoid silencing this new and important form of political speech.” Senator Reid asked that particular attention be paid to the protection of bloggers.

Bob has posted the bill and Reid letter to FEC Chair Thomas. This is sure to please the new Online Coalition of left, right and center bloggers opposed to FEC regulation.