Dish's Ergen Targeted in FEC Complaint

Company says the allegations of forced political contributions are untrue

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/21/2012 10:42:45 AM

Self-described government accountability advocate Cause for Action has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission against Dish Network chairman Charlie Ergen for allegedly violating campaign laws.

Citing an anonymous source, the group charges that Ergen compelled Dish executives to make campaign contributions. They say a company insider claimed that Ergen threatened to fire execs who did not donate to the Dish Network PAC and campaigns at the corporation's direction.

"The allegations in the complaint are untrue and completely unfounded," said Dish spokesman Robert Toevs.

While campaign laws permit corporations to solicit PAC contributions from their executives, they are not allowed to do so by force, including the threat of economic reprisals.