The Report of Receipts and Expenditures ("Report"), covering January 1, through August 21, 2000, filed by the (Michele) Bachmann for State Senate Committee, #15252, ("Committee") disclosed that it had accepted a $500 contribution on May 8, 2000, from John Isaacs, a registered lobbyist, and a $100 contribution on April 11, 2000, from Citizens for Sensible Government Policy, a political committee registered with Hennepin County. The regular 2000 Legislative Session commenced on February 1, 2000, and adjourned on May 18, 2000.

By letter dated September 19, 2000, Ann Korn, treasurer acknowledged receipt of the contributions and stated that John Isaacs did not identify himself as a lobbyist when he made the contribution. Ms. Korn further stated that when the Committee received a $100 contribution from Citizens for Sensible Government Policy, she tried to determine if the committee was registered with the Board or Hennepin County. Board staff advised her that the association was not registered with the Board, and she was unable to verify if they were registered with Hennepin County, and assumed the contribution was from an unregistered association.

The Board considered the matter in executive session on October 17, 2000. No one requested to appear before the Board on behalf of the Committee.

1. The Bachmann for State Senate Committee reported accepting a $500 contribution on May 8, 2000, from John Isaacs, a registered lobbyist, and a $100 contribution on April 11, 2000, from Citizens for Sensible Government Policy, a committee registered with Hennepin County. The regular 2000 Legislative Session commenced on February 1, 2000, and adjourned on May 18, 2000.

2. The Committee’s treasurer acknowledged acceptance of the prohibited contributions.

3. Minnesota Rules 4503.0500, subp. 5, states that an association registered with Hennepin County may make contributions of more than $100 to committees or funds without being required to register with the Board or provide disclosure at the time the contribution is made. Therefore, this contribution is considered from a registered political committee, and is prohibited under Minn. Stat. 10A.273.

4. Board records show that this is the first calendar year in which the Bachmann for State Senate Committee reported acceptance of contributions from registered lobbyists, political committees or political funds during the regular legislative session.

 

Based on the above Statement of the Evidence, the Board makes the following:

FINDING CONCERNING PROBABLE CAUSE

There is probable cause to believe that the Bachmann for State Senate Committee violated Minn. Stat. 10A.273 by accepting a contribution from John Isaacs, a registered lobbyist, and a contribution from Citizens for Sensible Government, a committee registered with Hennepin County, during the regular session of the Legislature in 2000.

 

1. In lieu of forwarding the above public finding of probable cause to the county attorney in Ramsey County to pursue a judgment in district court, the Board imposes civil fines totaling $600, for acceptance of two contributions from prohibited sources during the regular 2000 Legislative Session. The civil fines represent $500 for acceptance of a contribution from a registered lobbyist and $100 for acceptance of a contribution from a committee registered with Hennepin County.

2. The Bachmann for State Senate Committee is directed to forward to the Board payment of the civil fine of $600, by check or money order payable to the STATE OF MINNESOTA, within thirty days after receipt of this order.

3. If the Bachmann for State Senate Committee does not comply with the provisions of this order, the Board’s Executive Director shall refer this matter to the Ramsey County Attorney for civil enforcement pursuant to Minn. Stat. 10A.273.

4. The Board investigation of this matter is entered into the public record in accordance with Minn. Stat. 10A.02, subd. 11, and upon payment by the Bachmann for State Senate Committee of the civil fine imposed herein, the matter is concluded.

 

 

 

 

Dated:  October 17, 2000

Will Fluegel, chair

Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board