On January 31, 2001, the Dudley Wells Volunteer Committee ("Committee") filed a Report of Receipts and Expenditures ("Report") for the period covering January 1, through December 31, 2000, with the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board ("Board"), disclosing that on September 14, 2000, it made a $500 contribution to the Stotts for Minnesota House Committee, and on December 12, 2000, a $500 contribution to the Langseth Volunteer Committee. Both are principal campaign committees registered with the Board.

By letter dated March 4, 2001, Dudley Wells, candidate, states, "We were certainly aware of the $500.00 limit on contributions from our campaign committee to other principal campaign committees. However, we were not aware that it was necessary to close out our treasury in order to make such inter-committee contributions."

Minn. Stat. 10A.27, subd. 9(a), prohibits a principal campaign committee from making a contribution to another principal campaign committee, unless the donating committee is being dissolved.

The Board considered this matter in executive session on April 17, 2001. No one from the Committee asked to appear before the Board. The matter was considered based on the Report and the correspondence provided by the Committee.

1. The Dudley Wells Volunteer Committee ("Committee") is a principal campaign committee registered with the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board ("Board").

2. The Committee did not terminate its registration with the Board in calendar year 2000.

3. The Committee made two $500 contributions, one to the Stotts for Minnesota House Committee and one to the Langseth Volunteer Committee. Both are principal campaign committees registered with the Board.

4. Minn. Stat. 10A.27, subd. 9(a), prohibits a principal campaign committee from making contributions to another principal campaign committee, unless the donating candidate’s committee is being dissolved. Minn. Rules Chapter 4503.0300, subp. 2, provides that when such a contribution is made, the dissolution must be completed in the same filing period.

 

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

FINDINGS CONCERNING PROBABLE CAUSE

1. There is probable cause to believe that the Dudley Wells Volunteer Committee violated Minn. Stat. 10A.27, subd. 9(a), when it made contributions to other principal campaign committees during calendar year 2000.

2. Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 10A provides no penalty for this violation.

 

Based on the above Findings, the Board issues the following:

ORDER

1. The Board investigation of this matter is entered into the public record in accordance with Minn. Stat. 10A.02, subd. 11.

2. Board staff shall provide a copy of the findings to Dudley Wells.

 

 

Dated:  April 17, 2001

Will Fluegel, chair

Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board