Can't Take a Joke?

(Fox News) - There's one presidential campaign out there that is breaking ground — and could be breaking the law. Comedy Central host Stephen Colbert has made much of his so-called candidacy — which he has played for laughs on his show. But some election experts are not laughing.

They say if Colbert does not clearly declare the whole thing a joke — he could run afoul of federal law. The Politico reports Colbert has actually signed papers to try to get on the primary ballot in south Carolina, unveiled a campaign Web site, and gotten advice from a top election law firm.

As a result — the entire production cost of his show could be considered an illegal "in-kind" corporate donation — and he could be cited for using network employees on campaign activities.

One election lawyer tells Politico — "You don't get a different set of rules because you're running as a joke."