The Jim Berg Volunteer Committee (senate) ("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 October 30, 2000, it made a $500 contribution to the Jim Berg Volunteer Committee (house), a principal campaign committee registered with the Board.

Jim Berg, candidate, by a letter dated March 21, 2001, stated: "This was given with the understanding that my worker from the DFL Caucus was going to terminate Volunteer Committee #13523. I filled out the paperwork to so terminate this committee but it apparently was not filed with you. We also thought we had a year to terminate this committee… ."

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 Jim Berg Volunteer Committee (senate) ("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 a $500 contribution to the Jim Berg Volunteer Committee (house) on October 30, 2000, a principal campaign committee 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 Jim Berg Volunteer Committee (senate) violated Minn. Stat. 10A.27, subd. 9(a), when it made contributions to another principal campaign committee on October 30, 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 Jim Berg.

 

 

Dated:  April 17, 2001

Will Fluegel, chair

Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board