So, You’d Like To Support A Candidate

Previously published by Inside the Deal, Buyouts Magazine

Federal, state and local pay-to-play rules present a quagmire of risk for investment advisers who seek to engage in the political process. Here are 10 best practices to help you through the labyrinth:

1) Rules Are Everywhere

It isn't enough to look only at federal pay-to-play restrictions when considering a contribution. Regulations exist at the federal, state, municipal, and even with respect to individual public pension funds. These regulations differ—sometimes significantly—and overlap from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. There is no way around doing your homework and reviewing the rules in place for each potentially relevant jurisdiction.