I hate to see one of our guys under attack from the nutroots, but my support for an architect of McCain-Feingold when it comes to this subject is, I must confess, highly nuanced.

A liberal blogger has filed a federal complaint against former Sen. Fred Thompson, the actor and unannounced Republican candidate for president, accusing him of violating election laws as he ponders his entry into the race.

The blogger, Lane Hudson, submitted his complaint to the Federal Election Commission on Monday saying Thompson has raised far more money than he needs to explore whether to run for president…

The law prohibits anyone who is “testing the waters” from hoarding the money for use during his actual campaign. Potential candidates also cannot refer to themselves as candidates, can’t run ads that publicize their intention to campaign or take steps to qualify for the ballot in a primary or caucus state.

According to a financial report filed late last month, Thompson had raised nearly $3.5 million and had had spent $625,000. Thompson must raise money within federal contribution limits and must report it to the FEC once he becomes an official candidate.

The campaign says they’re following the law. Probably true, although they shed another staffer today allegedly due to “uncertain lines of authority and chain of command within both the communications team and the broader campaign staff.” Couple that with the much-publicized reversal on his abortion lobbying and the fact that they’re already having to issue clarifications of Fred’s comments on key issues and the odds that they forgot to dot the i’s and cross the t’s vis-a-vis their FEC compliance don’t seem all that high.

AmSpec says his margin for error is getting thinner by the moment. Indeed.

Anyone recognize the name of the blogger here, by the way? You should. Who would have thought that his noble crusade to stop sex predators would lead to pulling campaign stunts for the Democrats? Except me, I mean.