The Report of Receipts and Expenditures ("Report"), covering January 1, through August 21, 2000, filed by the (Karen) Jenkins for Senate Committee, #15285, ("Committee") disclosed that it had accepted a $500 contribution on April 19, 2000, from the Karen A. Jenkins Volunteer Committee, a principal campaign committee registered with the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board ("Board"). The regular 2000 Legislative Session commenced on February 1, 2000, and adjourned on May 18, 2000.

By letter dated September 19, 2000, Gretchen Snope, treasurer, acknowledged receipt of the contribution. She stated that it did not occur to the Committee that moving money from a terminating house account to a senate account for the same candidate would be prohibited. The error was not discovered until a few days before the report was due.

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 Jenkins for Senate Committee reported accepting a $500 contribution on April 19, 2000, from the Karen A. Jenkins Volunteer Committee, a registered principal campaign committee. 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 contribution.

3. Board records show that this is the first calendar year in which the Jenkins for Senate Committee reported acceptance of a contribution 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 Jenkins for Senate Committee violated Minn. Stat. 10A.273 by accepting a contribution from the Karen A. Jenkins Volunteer Committee , a registered principal campaign committee, 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 a civil fine of $500, for acceptance of a $500 contribution from the Karen A. Jenkins Volunteer Committee during the regular 2000 Legislative Session.

2. The Jenkins for Senate Committee is directed to forward to the Board payment of the civil fine of $500, by check or money order payable to the STATE OF MINNESOTA, within thirty days after receipt of this order.

3. If the Jenkins for 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 Jenkins for 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