On March 1, 2001, the Volunteers for Merrilee Carlsen Fryer Committee ("Committee") filed an amended 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 in July, 2000, it made a $500 contribution to the Cheryl M. Johnson Campaign Committee, a principal campaign committee registered with the Board.

Merrilee Fryer, candidate, stated that she made the contribution from her committee without knowing she had to terminate that committee within the same reporting period. She further states that Ms. Johnson’s campaign accepted the contribution in good faith.

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 Volunteers for Merrilee Carlsen Fryer 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 a $500 contribution to the Cheryl M. Johnson Campaign Committee in July, 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 Volunteers for Merrilee Carlsen Fryer Committee violated Minn. Stat. 10A.27, subd. 9(a), when it made a contribution to another principal campaign committee in July, 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 Merrilee Carlsen Fryer.

 

 

Dated:  April 17, 2001

Will Fluegel, chair

Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board