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Understanding the Importance of Lowering Your Cholesterol to Help Decrease Your Risk for Heart Disease

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/_EQumoCuW6U High cholesterol is the single biggest cause of illness and death in America affecting more than 94 million adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For some people, it is their genes that lead to very high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. One of the most common causes of genetically high cholesterol is familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). FH impacts 1 in 250 individuals worldwide, and if untreated it leads to early heart attacks and strokes. There are already decades of research showing that high LDL cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. And recent data has shown that having lower LDL for longer is one of the best things people can do to reduce your risk for heart disease. While a healthy diet and exercise are important for many reasons, diet and exercise alone cannot lower many people’s cholesterol to a safe level, especially if they have a genetic cholesterol-related disorder. There are medications that can significantly reduce the level of cholesterol in the bloodstream. Statins are the first line of defense when it comes to getting your LDL-cholesterol to a safer level. A new study on the safety and effectiveness of statins shows the vast majority of people do not have side effects from statins, and they not only reduce the LDL cholesterol, they also reduce the risk for heart attacks and cardiac death. The American College of Cardiology also just updated its expert guidance for medical experts treating patients and suggested an LDL target of less than 55 mg/dL for individuals with established cardiovascular disease. The Family Heart Foundation has a variety of resources for understanding treatment options for lowering high cholesterol and treating FH. Visit MoreFamiliesMoreHearts.org to learn more. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

October 04, 2022 03:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

Development of New Drugs to Target Lyme and Other Infectious Diseases Subject of a New Webinar Now Available From Quidel Corporation

Quidel Corporation

Lyme disease is the fastest-growing vector-borne disease in the United States, and its increased prevalence is challenging the scientific community to look for new ways to diagnose and treat this worrisome infection. One answer is found in the discovery of novel drugs; and the breakthrough efforts taking place in this arena are the subject of a new webinar made available by Quidel Corporation, the California-based diagnostic health care manufacturer known for successfully developing rapid diagnostic health solutions. The 90-minute webinar, available free at https://education.quidel.com/category/lyme-disease, will explain what a small molecule drug is and how it works, identify the methods used to unearth a new drug by high-throughput screening, and discuss how to recognize the complexities involved in developing a new drug for infectious disease in general. It will also provide an overview as to the current antibiotics used for treating Lyme disease and explore how powerful new drugs—novel inhibitors—can selectively target Borrelia burgdorferi (the bacterium that causes Lyme disease). The webinar is PACE-accredited and sponsored in collaboration with Global Lyme Alliance. Conducting the webinar is Timothy Haystead, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology and cancer biology at Duke University School of Medicine. Dr. Haystead’s current research is focused on the use of chemical biology approaches to define novel drug targets. These drug targets are focused on the treatment of hypertension, obesity, cancer, inflammatory and infectious disease. Dr. Haystead received his Ph.D. from the University of Dundee, Scotland; and he completed post-doctoral work in pharmacology at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle. The new webinar is the latest in an ongoing series sponsored by Quidel that has featured noted scientists, researchers and physicians discussing issues surrounding the prevalence of Lyme disease in America, including ways to reduce the chances of infection, early detection and treatment options. The timing and relevance for these webinars is particularly important as Lyme disease is on the rise to record numbers with approximately 476,000 new cases annually in the United States alone. Quidel is the diagnostic health care manufacturer behind the industry’s most rapid and reliable in-office test for Lyme disease, Sofia ® 2 Lyme FIA. It is the only FDA-cleared rapid point-of-care test on the market, which provides the patient and physician with indicative results in as few as three minutes, as opposed to days, which has historically been the norm (and during which time organisms can spread and become systemic). It can be performed in the privacy of a doctor’s office or local clinic; and it is the only test that can get results from a simple finger prick of blood. About Quidel Corporation Quidel Corporation (Nasdaq: QDEL) is a leading manufacturer of diagnostic solutions at the point of care, delivering a continuum of rapid testing technologies that further improve the quality of health care throughout the globe. An innovator for over 40 years in the medical device industry, Quidel pioneered the first FDA-cleared point-of-care test for influenza in 1999 and was the first to market a rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen test in the U.S. Under trusted brand names, Sofia®, Solana®, Lyra®, Triage® and QuickVue®, Quidel’ s comprehensive product portfolio includes tests for a wide range of infectious diseases, cardiac and autoimmune biomarkers, as well as a host of products to detect COVID-19. With products made in America, Quidel’ s mission is to provide patients with immediate and frequent access to highly accurate, affordable testing for the good of our families, our communities and the world. For more information about Quidel, visit quidel.com. Contact Details Jim Yeager +1 818-264-6812 jim@breakwhitelight.com Company Website http://Quidel.com

October 04, 2022 06:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Innersense Organic Beauty Launches Bright Balance Collection

Innersense Organic Beauty

Award winning hair care brand Innersense Organic Beauty is expanding their range with two new products, Bright Balance Hairbath and Bright Balance Conditioner. This collection is a clean, deeply hydrating, silicone-free alternative to traditional purple toning shampoos and conditioners on the market. Each product is specifically formulated with Certified Organic Ingredients to nourish blonde, gray and bleached hair while neutralizing brass and yellow tones in all hair textures. Bright Balance Hairbath thoroughly but gently cleanses hair without stripping natural oils, while working to tone and brighten hair. Bright Balance Conditioner works to deeply hydrate and moisturize strands. Both products are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fatty acids and work synergistically to cool color without drying or damaging hair. Formulated with a custom crafted pigment blend, Bright Balance Hairbath and Conditioner provides the perfect amount of color correction for the most neutral tone possible. This collection also utilizes more effective natural carriers that help pigment adhere to hair for better color saturation and wearability. Key ingredients in the Bright Balance Hairbath include: Monoi Oil: extracted from the petals of the Tahitian Gardenia, this Vitamin-E rich oil moisturizes and helps shield hair from environmental damage Apple Extract: a natural nourisher, this humectant helps attract and retain moisture for softer and smoother hair Witch Hazel: the bark and leaves of this ancient medicinal plant include anti-inflammatory properties that gently cleanse hair and remove any color-dulling residue Organic Rice Syrup: known for its concentration of fortifying amino acids, this natural extract promotes hair elasticity Key Ingredients in the Bright Balance Conditioner include: Organic Rice Bran Oil: extracted from the rice kernel’s outer shell, this highly emollient, antioxidant oil bolsters color longevity and overall hair health Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil: a unique blend of minerals, vitamins and fatty acids to aid with hair thickness, softness and resilience Organic Coconut Oil: full of antioxidants to promote hair longevity while moisturizing strands deeply Avocado Oil: high in fat, minerals and antioxidants to help repair dry and damaged hair “We wanted to formulate a collection specifically to nourish and tone gray, blonde and bleached hair without silicones or other common cosmetic ingredients that build up over time and compromise overall hair health,” says Greg Starkman, Founder of Innersense Organic Beauty, “we are always looking for cleaner, healthier solutions using Certified Organic Ingredients to keep hair healthy and balanced.” Bright Balance Hairbath and Conditioner formulations are vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO and cruelty free. Bottles are created using 100% Post Consumer Recycled Plastic. Innersense Organic Beauty is a certified B-Corp organization and received their Climate Neutral Certification, to measure and offset its carbon footprint, while also reducing its emissions over time. Bright Balance Hairbath retails for $30 (10 oz) and $80 (32 oz ) and Bright Balance Conditioner retails for $32 (10 oz) and $90 (32 oz). The collection will be available on October 3rd at innersensebeauty.com and in-store at specialty retailers such as Credo Beauty, The Detox Market, Beauty Heroes, and Aillea. About Innersense Organic Beauty Beauty professionals Greg and Joanne Starkman founded Innersense Organic Beauty to bring clean, pure, toxin-free, and salon-quality hair care made with Certified Organic Ingredients to salons, stylists and consumers. The clean, sustainable hair care brand’s products include shampoo, conditioner, scalp scrubs, styling and treatment products for all hair types. For more information, visit innersensebeauty.com. Contact Details BPCM Archita Patel +1 281-725-2121 archita@bpcm.com Company Website https://innersensebeauty.com/

October 03, 2022 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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STARTING TODAY, SMALL BUSINESSES IN KING AND PIERCE COUNTIES MAY APPLY FOR $10,000 GRANTS FROM COMCAST RISE

Comcast Washington

Comcast today announced that small businesses owned by women and people of color in King and Pierce Counties, may now apply for a $10,000 grant from the Comcast RISE Investment Fund. Comcast will award a total of $1 million in grants to 100 eligible businesses in these two counties, as well as technology and marketing resources to eligible businesses statewide. Comcast RISE Investment Fund Starting today, October 3, and through October 16, eligible businesses can apply for Comcast RISE monetary grants, and, or marketing and technology services at www.ComcastRISE.com. Winners will be notified in November. Local small businesses seeking more information about the $10,000 grants, may learn more about the Comcast RISE Investment Fund, eligibility requirements, and how to apply by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXVAf3-Mxys&t=21s Last fall, more than 100 small businesses owned by people of color in King and Pierce Counties were awarded $1 million in total grants as well as technology and marketing resources, bringing the total to more than $2 million to date. These recipients are part of the more than 9,500 entrepreneurs nationwide who have been selected as Comcast RISE awardees since the program’s inception. The Investment Fund is an extension of Comcast RISE, a multi-year initiative from Comcast to support small businesses owned by women and people of color and provide the resources and tools they need to thrive for years to come. The Comcast RISE Investment Fund is focused on small businesses that have been in business for three or more years with 1-25 employees. Comcast RISE Marketing and Technology Services In addition to the Investment Fund, Comcast RISE, which stands for “Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment,” provides the opportunity for small businesses owned by people of color and women nationwide to apply for grants for one or more of the following support focus areas with the opportunity to receive one. Marketing Services Grant: The following services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, and its creative agency, Mnemonic, are designed to help recipients with their marketing and media campaigns, including: Media: A linear TV media campaign to run over a 90-day period. Creative Production: Turnkey 30-second TV commercial production, plus a media strategy consultation and a 90-day linear TV media campaign. Consult: Digital audits by Ureeka in the form of Website Repair Reports and SEO Keyword reports to target website mechanics and effective organic marketing Technology Makeover Grants: The state-of-the-art equipment and technology upgrade from Comcast Business includes computer equipment as well as internet, voice and cybersecurity services for up to a 12-month period. (Taxes and other fees may still apply for tech makeover services.) Monetary Grants: Monetary grants can be used for any business expense. In round one, which was announced in April of 2021, the Comcast RISE Investment Fund provided $5 million in grants to 500 small businesses owned by people of color in five cities: Philadelphia/Chester, Houston, Atlanta, Chicago, and Detroit. In round two, which was announced in September of 2021, the Comcast RISE Investment Fund provided $6 million in grants to 600 small businesses in six cities: Miami, Houston, Oakland, Seattle, the Twin Cities, and Washington, D.C. In round three, the Comcast RISE Investment Fund provided an additional $5 million in grants to 500 small businesses owned by people of color and women in five cities: Atlanta, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and the Twin Cities. As noted above, in round four, the Comcast RISE Investment Fund will provide $5 million in grants to 500 small businesses in Chicago, Miami, Oakland, Seattle (King and Pierce Counties), and Washington, D.C. Comcast RISE is part of Project UP, the company’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. More information and the applications to apply for either the grant program or marketing and technology services are available at www.ComcastRISE.com. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Andy Colley Andy_Colley@Comcast.com Company Website https://washington.comcast.com/

October 03, 2022 08:56 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Stillwater, Minnesota based children’s mitten company, Chopper Mill, Inc., becomes a brand alliance partner with Protect Our Winters

Chopper Mill, Inc.

Chopper Mill is proud to announce a brand alliance with Protect Our Winters (POW). Protect Our Winters is one of the nation’s most prominent defenders of our northern climates and the winter season that makes them special. High profile athletes such as Stillwater, Minnesota’s own Jessie Diggins are part of the POW Alliance and Chopper Mill is proud to join in their mission to fight climate change. “POW has inspired me since the day it was founded” notes Chopper Mill founder Jill Kaufenberg. “Their mission is to help passionate outdoor people protect the places they live and lifestyles they love from climate change. POW is a community of athletes, scientists, creatives, and brands advancing cross-partisan policies that protect our world today and for future generations. How can you not want to partner with them!? At Chopper Mill, we’re proud to lend our voice and our capital to the cause.” As an entrepreneur and mom of hockey players, skiers, hikers and sledders—who are forever in need of warm mittens—Jill felt compelled to create a brand that met their standards. She set out to design the world’s best children’s mitten with a one-of-a-kind replacement program, and thus her company, Chopper Mill, was born. When her son, Kye, lost his “good mittens” for two weeks she decided that it should not be the fault of parents if the child loses the mitten. So she created a new solution to the inevitable lost mitten, aptly named, the re/PAIR™ plan. About Chopper Mill, Inc.: Chopper Mill is a female founded e-commerce company based in Stillwater, Minnesota. Proudly making children’s mittens to encourage children to enjoy the winter season with their families. They are dedicated to becoming the mitten solution company with the re/PAIR™ plan which allows families to rely on the company for a free single mitten replacement included with every pair purchased. Additionally, the company believes that their families should be able to buy just a right, or just a left, which is a new offering in the outdoor apparel industry. Lastly, the mittens are free to customize, and velcro is removable to hand down to the next sibling, or family friend encouraging longevity of use. For more information please visit www.choppermill.com, or email hello@choppermill.com. For information on Protect Our Winters, please visit www.protectourwinters.org. Contact Details Chopper Mill Jill Kaufenberg hello@choppermill.com Company Website https://www.choppermill.com

October 03, 2022 10:34 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Ready for Ron Announces Military & Veterans Initiative

Ready for Ron

Ready for Ron, the only credible independent group working to Draft Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to run for President, announced a new initiative to recruit military, veterans, and families to sign its petition to encourage Ron DeSantis to run in 2024. ‘Veterans Ready for Ron’ led by Captain Bob “Shoebob” Carey, US Navy (Ret), will actively engage veterans, military and family voters, and veterans organization leaders. Carey had previously led the RNC’s highly successful 2016 Veterans programs, and numerous veterans and military engagement campaigns. Governor DeSantis is a U.S. Navy veteran, deploying to Iraq in support of the Navy’s SEALs, receiving a Bronze Star Medal, and as Governor is the Commander in Chief of the 12,000 members of the Florida National Guard. “Supporting Ron DeSantis is an easy decision for those who wore the uniform for our country,” stated Captain Bob “Shoebob” Carey, leader of the Veterans Ready for Ron effort. “His record supporting veterans and those in military service is unmatched.” “America needs Governor Ron DeSantis to run for President in 2024, to rebuild and restore our military and honor the pledges this country made to those military veterans once they leave service. He is a decorated veteran, runs one of the largest National Guard forces in the country, and tries to make up for VA ineptitude by building additional veteran assistance programs within his state of Florida,” Carey continued. As a Member of Congress, then Representative DeSantis was a leader on veterans issues, getting bills passed into law that restored combat wounded veterans’ unjustly reduced severance benefits, made Stolen Valor acts a crime, getting a Washington, DC memorial for veterans of the Global War on Terror, getting the VA to pay for service dogs for disabled veterans, and awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to American Ace fighter pilots. Veterans Ready for Ron is recruiting and deploying prominent veterans to lead a public effort to raise awareness, recruit additional veteran and military family voters, and build the veteran organization leadership support for a DeSantis candidacy. “I am thrilled to be working with Bob on this important initiative,” stated Ready for Ron Chief Political Strategist Ed Rollins. “His record of engaging with patriotic Americans who selflessly served our country is impressive. We are glad he is on the Ready for Ron team and look forward to building a movement together.” Bob Carey was a driving force behind the most successful military and veteran voter engagement campaigns in modern American political history. For the 2014 and 2016 campaigns, Bob Carey was National Director of Military and Veteran Engagement for the Republican National Committee, recruiting 50 full-time veteran staffers nationwide, more than 400 active veteran volunteer leaders, more than 500 members of state and regional military and veteran “Task Forces” to support the Republican National Committee and the Trump election effort, while also identifying 1.8 million voters nationwide in various databases as military and veteran voters. Republicans won the veteran vote by 27 percentage points in 2016, the greatest margin of victory ever. “I’m asking all military and veterans to join me in convincing Governor Ron DeSantis, U.S. Navy combat veteran, to bring to the rest of the country his leadership and understanding of what the military and veterans need from their Commander in Chief,” Carey continued. The declining economy, inflation, crime, and erosion of the American military significantly impact veterans and military families. We need confident, dependable, and proven leadership like only Ron DeSantis can deliver to turn the tide.” Since its launch in late May, Ready for Ron has enlisted tens of thousands of supporters, generated significant media attention, and run hundreds of ads to convince Ron DeSantis to run for President. Ready for Ron has emerged as the only credible independent organization in support of a Ron DeSantis candidacy. Americans are encouraged to sign the petition at readyforron.com to draft Ron DeSantis to run in 2024. ### For more information or to schedule an interview with a Ready for Ron or Vets Ready for Ron spokesperson, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or dan@readyforron.com. Contact Details Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 dan@readyforron.com Company Website https://www.readyforron.com/

October 03, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Understanding Inherited Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing

YourUpdateTV

For certain cancers that disproportionally or exclusively affect women, like breast and ovarian cancer, there is a bias to focus on the mother’s side of the family tree in health conversations. And for many, especially previvors – people living at risk of a particular disease but not yet diagnosed – that seemed like enough. But as research has evolved and our understanding of inherited risk has deepened, it has become clearer that genetic risk on our dad’s side of the family can also increase an individual's breast and ovarian cancer risk. Recently, Cancer Previvor Jen Culton and Board-Certified Physician Assistant, Skyler Jesz, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss inherited risk from dad’s side of the family and some tips to help you take a proactive approach to your health. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/0cFRDhC4JHs A recent survey from Myriad Genetics,, a leader in genetic testing, underscores that dad’s side of the family is often overlooked, and much more: More than a third of women do not feel knowledgeable about their father's side of the family. Only 30% of women are very comfortable speaking with their father about their potential risk of getting breast or ovarian cancer, compared to 57% being very comfortable speaking about it with their mother. This is much lower in comparison to the almost 80% of women who consider themselves knowledgeable about their mother’s family health history. 48-year-old Jen Culton sought genetic testing in 2013 after her older sister’s breast cancer diagnosis to find out if she might be at risk. Results showed that she carries a BRCA1 gene mutation and is at increased risk of developing the disease. The news came as a surprise. Jen knew her mother’s health history and it didn’t include cancer. What she didn’t know then: her father’s family history of cancer; the gene mutation came from him. She used this information to take proactive measures to address her risk. For more information, visit myriad.com/knowyourrisk About Jen Culton: Jen Culton is a 48-year-old living previvor. She is at risk for breast and ovarian cancer and came to learn about it in unexpected and surprising ways. It began with her sister Mickey Marasco. Mickey was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013. Her doctors recommended she undergo genetic testing, and it was discovered that she carries a BRCA1 gene mutation. While undergoing cancer treatment, Mickey had one request: that all six of her siblings undergo genetic testing as well. The siblings went for testing together, and two of Mickey’s sisters (Jen being one of them) were also found to carry the same BRCA1 mutation. For Jen it came as a surprise. She knew her mother’s side did not have a history of cancer. Later she learned that her father’s side did and the gene mutations actually came from their father’s side of the family. But the family’s story doesn’t end there. Jen has three biological daughters – 26, 19, and 10 – who are now facing a similar reality. Genetic testing confirmed that Jen’s oldest daughter is not BRCA1 positive. Her second daughter, however, inherited the BRCA1 mutation from Jen, as well as an ATM gene mutation from her father. Her chances of developing cancer are extraordinarily higher than that of the average woman, up to 87% for breast cancer. With this knowledge, she’s ready to face what’s next, and is considering what proactive measures she should take for her health – just like her mom and her aunts, also BRCA1 positive who sought out proactive measures to manage their risks, and all three are now thriving. About Skyler Jesz, Board Certified Physician Assistant: Skyler Jesz is an Omaha native. She attended the College of Saint Mary, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She moved away from Omaha for the first time to attend the physician assistant program at Des Moines University in Des Moines, Iowa. Upon completion of the program, Skyler began her career in the primary care setting, working in a private family practice just outside of Omaha. After more than four years as a primary care provider, she transitioned to her current OBGYN setting. Skyler loves being part of a medical practice that puts patients first and uses the most up-to-date research and recommendations to provide comprehensive and compassionate care. She has a passion for preventative medicine, including genetics and cancer risk assessment. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

September 29, 2022 03:46 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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VEHICLE CRIMES CRISIS

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/c2wvGfOBa7Y Crime continues to skyrocket across the nation with vehicle crimes increasing to near record highs. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) found nearly 1 million vehicles were stolen in 2021, and 2022 is looking even more grim for vehicle owners. Recent analysis shows vehicle and catalytic converter thefts and carjackings are continuing to rise. NICB’s data includes information on the following topics: Total auto thefts are the highest seen by the NICB since 2008. Catalytic converter thefts are up 1,215% since 2019, and are continuing to increase. Carjackings are up dramatically in many major cities. There is a new warning for anyone who owns or leases a vehicle: Vehicle Thefts, Catalytic Converter Thefts, and Carjackings are continuing to rise. According to NICB, there were more than 933,000 thefts of vehicles in 2021, a 27% increase since 2019. Catalytic converter theft insurance claims increased by 1,215% over 2019. Carjackings, the theft of a car by force or intimidation, continue to skyrocket in many major cities, increasing anywhere from 160% to nearly 530%. For more information, visit National Insurance Crime Bureau website at NICB.org Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

September 28, 2022 02:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Ready for Ron Pushes Federal Election Commission on Sharing “Draft” Petition Signers

Ready for Ron

Ready for Ron, the only credible organization working to draft Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to run for President, stepped up its fight with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) today. At issue is whether Americans have free speech rights to “draft” candidates, with the FEC attempting to prevent Ready for Ron from sharing the names of those who want to draft him with Governor DeSantis. Ready for Ron filed a second round of public comments with the FEC challenging the Democrat Commissioners’ arguments at a recent public hearing related to Ready For Ron’s request to share its Draft petition and signers with DeSantis. Prominent Republican campaign finance attorney Dan Backer recently argued at a public hearing in favor of Ready for Ron’s request to share the list of supporters with DeSantis both before, and during, a potential candidacy – as an act of Constitutionally protected political speech. In the filing today, he and Chief Legal Counsel Lilian Rodriguez-Baz offer a nearly 25-page argument citing binding D.C. Circuit Court precedent and legislative history of rejecting the exact proposal. “The FEC would stop Ready For Ron from sharing a petition – the quintessential form of free speech – unless we also charged for it.” Dan Backer added. “Act Blue does the same thing we propose – sharing support names and contact information on a vastly larger scale – millions of individuals – while funneling well over a billion dollars a cycle”. “The FEC is fine with Act Blue doing this to support Biden, as long as money is involved, but when the speech is actually free or is bad for Biden, suddenly it must be suppressed’” Backer continued. The filing concludes arguments with the following: “…This Commission, undeterred by a lack of any constitutional, statutory, or regulatory grant of power to regulate draft committees at all, has asked RFR for precedent justifying an action the Commission itself lacks precedent for prohibiting. The Committee has now afforded the Commission the benefit of precisely that binding D.C. Circuit precedent, the consistent rejection by Congress of the Commission’s repeated requests and proposals for such power, and the Commission’s own advisory opinions permitting precisely this activity. The Commission cannot ignore the reality it has approved tens of millions of political transactions accounting for billions of dollars in federal political activity – potentially as much as a third of all federal political contributions – in which contact information is conveyed from a contributor, through a conduit, to a candidate. It would grossly pervert the protection of the core constitutional rights of free expression and political association for this Commission to hold RFR could provide its signed petition to Governor DeSantis only if it forced signatories to make a monetary contribution to a draft fund to be transmitted to him for the privilege of signing…” “FEC Democrats are happy to do all they can to prevent Ron DeSantis from beating the pants off Joe Biden in 2024. Their latest shameful effort to limit free speech once again puts them on the wrong side of the Constitution,” Backer noted. “More than a thousand people a day are signing this petition to let Ron DeSantis know they support him and want him to pursue a White House run. If the FEC persists in suppressing free speech, we are confident the Courts will once again put our rights ahead of their bureaucracy.” The FEC previously rejected two draft advisory opinions, both of which would have prevented sharing the Ready for Ron petition signers with DeSantis while a candidate or “testing the waters,” but differed on whether it could be done while he was a private citizen. Democrat commissioners went so far as to suggest that even being asked to consider running for office could constitute “testing the waters” – a vast, unprecedented attempt to expand the FEC’s regulatory power over speech and ideas. “I want the commission to tell me what exactly is ‘testing the waters,’ because my rights are not subject to an amorphous standard,” Dan Backer told Politico as he left the FEC meeting. “Ready for Ron will be aggressive and will pursue litigation should the commission try to throw up barriers.” Commission Chair Allen Dickerson appeared taken with Ready for Ron's arguments, and the matter now goes back for a third draft attempt by the FEC. A new draft advisory opinion is expected in the coming days to form policy around a “testing the waters” standard. “We are disappointed some on the FEC are once again standing in the way of political speech and freedom of association. Millions of Americans want Ron DeSantis to run. Signing their names to Ready for Ron’s draft petition is the ultimate act of political free speech and association, and there is simply no basis to say they cannot give those names to the Governor if – and when – he heeds their call and runs. We’ve notified the Commission of our intent to file additional Public Comment on their next draft – addressing the silly arguments raised by some Democratic Commissioners – and if Litigation is where we end up over their partisan recalcitrance, we are confident we will prevail,” Backer continued. Ready for Ron pursued the novel step of submitting a formal Advisory Opinion Request to the FEC seeking to share its supporter list with Governor DeSantis to encourage him to run, and – if successful – once he announces his candidacy. Since its launch in late May, Ready for Ron enlisted tens of thousands of supporters, generated significant media attention, and run hundreds of ads to help convince Ron DeSantis to run for President. Ready for Ron has emerged as the only credible and significant independent organization in support of Ron DeSantis. Americans are encouraged to sign the petition at http://www.readyforron.com to draft Ron DeSantis to run in 2024. ### For more information or to schedule an interview with ‘Ready for Ron’ legal counsel, Dan Backer or Lilian Rodríguez-Baz, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or dan@readyforron.com. Contact Details Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 dan@readyforron.com Company Website https://www.readyforron.com/

September 27, 2022 04:14 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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