Lee E. Goodman, who has led a campaign to scare off Democratic moves to regulate internet media outlets, especially those with a conservative bent like the Drudge Report, warned that "some desire to impose greater restrictions upon press organizations in order to advance certain social and political values."

He added: "For too long, the commission has ignored the congressional and constitutional mandates to unconditionally protect the free press rights of media entities."

In a 15-page statement, Goodman made the case for an air-tight exemption for the media, especially those sponsoring presidential debates like Saturday night's Democratic clash backed by CBS, from rules governing private groups and how they are funded.