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Lee E. Goodman
Lee E. Goodman was a Federal Election Commission (FEC) commissioner and former FEC chairman. He was confirmed by the Senate on September 23, 2013, by a vote of unanimous consent. Goodman served as FEC chairman from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014.[1][2]
On February 7, 2018, Goodman announced that he would step down from his position on February 16, 2018, to join the law group of Wiley Rein in Washington. In his resignation letter, he wrote, “Serving the American people as a commissioner of the Federal Election Commission has been a profound honor. ...Since the agency’s inception, the Federal Election Commission’s unique mandate to respect the core constitutional rights of citizens acting, speaking and associating for democratic purposes has provoked criticism from those who disagree with the balance drawn. But protecting First Amendment rights is an inherent part of the Commission’s mission. Thus, I have endeavored throughout my service to preserve the Constitutional right of American citizens to speak, hear, and think freely about their democracy. It has been my duty and privilege to defend this fundamental human freedom."[3]
The FEC is led by six members. The six members are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate. They each serve six-year terms, with two seats up for appointment every two years. To prevent partisanship, no more than three members can be of the same political party, and there is a four-vote minimum for any proposal to be passed. Chairs of the commission serve one-year terms and are limited to one term as chair during their tenure.[4]
Goodman was previously an advisor to the governor of Virginia, the attorney general of Virginia, and four presidential campaigns. He was also the general counsel for the Republican Party of Virginia.[1]
Biography
Goodman earned his bachelor's degree and J.D. from the University of Virginia before practicing election law at LeClairRyan and Wiley Rein LLP.[5]
Career
Below is an abbreviated outline of Goodman's academic, professional, and political career:[1]
- 1986: Graduated from University of Virginia
- 1990: Earned J.D. from University of Virginia School of Law
- 1995-1997: Counsel and Special Assistant to the Attorney General of Virginia
- 1998-2002: Legal Counsel and Policy Advisor to the Governor of Virginia
- 1999-2000: Chief Advisor to the Chairman of the Congressional Advisory Commission on Electronic Commerce
- 2009-2013: General Counsel for the Republican Party of Virginia
- 2013-2018: FEC Commissioner
- 2014: Chairman of the Federal Election Commission
Confirmation vote
Goodman was confirmed by the Senate on September 23, 2013, by a vote of unanimous consent.[1]
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Federal Election Commission, "Lee E. Goodman," accessed February 24, 2014
- ↑ WJLA, "Ann Ravel, Lee Goodman confirmed by Senate to serve on FEC," September 23, 2013
- ↑ Washington Examiner, "FEC commissioner who blocked regulation of Drudge, Internet, steps down," February 7, 2018
- ↑ Federal Election Commission, "About the FEC," accessed June 27, 2012
- ↑ Center for Public Integrity, "White House nominates new FEC commissioners," June 21, 2013
