Kid Rock Accused of Violating Election Laws

Kid Rock: “I have still not officially announced my candidacy... go fuck yourselves.”

Kid Rock made headlines earlier this summer when he teased and then seemingly confirmed a U.S. Senate run. On July 26, Kid Rock said he was still “exploring [his] candidacy,” but according to nonpartisan watchdog organization Common Cause (via Vulture), he is legally a candidate who is violating federal election laws. Common Cause filed a complaint today with the Federal Election Commission and Department of Justice, arguing that Kid Rock became a “candidate” when he participated in campaign activities, like authorizing “Kid Rock for Senate” merchandise by tweeting that the website KidRockForSenate.com was “real.”

Because Kid Rock is a “candidate” under the Federal Election Campaign Act’s definition, Common Cause argues that he must comply with restrictions, such as registering officially, limiting who can contribute to his campaign (i.e., buy his merchandise), and making clear that his merchandise supports his campaign. (“Yes, I absolutely will use this media circus to sell/promote whatever I damn well please,” he stated on July 26.)

Common Cause argues that Kid Rock has violated all of these restrictions. In turn, the organization has asked the FEC and DOJ to investigate his campaign and “impose appropriate sanctions for any and all violations.” Warner Bros. Records has also been named in the complaint for “facilitating and acting as a conduit for contributions to the Kid Rock campaign.” Find the full complaint here.

When contacted by Pitchfork, Kid Rock’s representative sent the following statement, which also appears on his website:

I am starting to see reports from the misinformed press and the fake
news on how I am in violation of breaking campaign law.

1: I have still not officially announced my candidacy.

2: See #1 and go f**k yourselves.

Everyone else, Have a great Labor Day (I will be spending mine WORKING
in one of the greatest cities in America - Grand Rapids, Michigan!!)

Rock on! -- Kid Rock