21.   The advertisement is technically an independent expenditure by the national committee, and it does not mention the name of the Republican Senate candidate, Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

22.   The court has consistently held that limitations on independent expenditures unconstitutionally restrict First Amendment rights.

23.   The difference is that campaigns for candidates are not to have any direct involvement with independent expenditure committees.

24.   The FEC is considering whether such computer-driven organizing is an independent expenditure subject to FEC disclosure requirements, a finding that Internet users would vigorously oppose.

25.   The Government does not point to record evidence or legislative findings suggesting any special corruption problem in respect to independent party expenditures.

26.   The same is true of independent party expenditures.

27.   These so-called independent expenditure advertisements are the latest wrinkle in campaign finance and the court declined, on procedural grounds, to address them.

28.   They argue it will only further empower special interests by encouraging hundreds of independent expenditure cam paigns.

29.   Thomas said that in addition to the rise of issues-advocacy advertisements, he expected a marked increase in independent expenditure campaigns this year.

30.   Those restrictions were conspicuously breached this year by what are known as soft-money contributions and independent expenditures.