The following announcement arrived via e-mail:

THE FEDERALIST SOCIETY’S FREE SPEECH AND ELECTION LAW PRACTICE GROUP
Presents a Panel Discussion:
From Wisconsin to Vermont: Is There a First Amendment Limit to Campaign Finance Regulation?
The Supreme Court’s docket this Term provides an opportunity for the Court to address the limits of campaign fnance reform, especially contemporary efforts to restrict the political activity of independent “outside groups.” In one case, Wisconsin Right to Life v. FEC, it will face squarely the issue of how the special provisions that restrict corporate electioneering should apply to grassroots lobbying on issues. In a case out of Vermont, the Court will consider whether states may place caps on spending and restrict the independent expenditures of other groups and individuals. Our panel will discuss to what degree the First Amendment remains an impediment to campaign finance restrictions and a protector of political speech, and how much deference Congress and legislatures should receive in this area.
Confirmed participants include:
* Mr. Jan W. Baran, Wiley Rein & Fielding
* Prof. Jamin B. Raskin, American University, Washington College of Law
* Hon. Bradley A. Smith, Capital University Law School and Former Commissioner, Federal Election Commission
* Hon. Scott E. Thomas, Former Commissioner, Federal Election Commission
* Mr. Erik S. Jaffe, Law Offices of Erik S. Jaffe
Date: Thursday, February 23, 2006
Time: 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m.
Location: The National Press Club
529 14th St., N.W., 13th Floor
Washington, D.C.
Cost: $20. Lunch will be served.
Please visit www.fed-soc.org/events/wisconsin/promo.htm for updates and to register for this event. Please call 202-822-8138 with any questions