The Report of Receipts and Expenditures ("Report"), covering January 1, through August 21, 2000, filed by the People for (Barbara) Winfield Senate Committee, #15084, ("Committee") disclosed that it had accepted a $1,000 contribution on May 5, 2000, from the Senate RPM Elections Fund, a party unit established by the party organization within a house of the legislature ("Caucus"), which is 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 memorandum dated October 3, 2000, Barbara Winfield, candidate, acknowledged receipt of the contribution. She stated that it was the Committee’s understanding that the contribution was from a party unit and not a PAC or lobbyist. She further stated that the purpose of prohibiting contributions during the session from certain sources is to prevent influence on legislators during the session, and that the party is not seeking to influence legislation or policy.

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 People for Winfield Senate Committee reported accepting a $1,000 contribution on May 5, 2000, from the Senate RPM Elections Fund Caucus. The regular 2000 Legislative Session commenced on February 1, 2000, and adjourned on May 18, 2000.

2. The Barbara Winfield, candidate, acknowledged acceptance of the prohibited contribution.

3. Minn. Stat. 10A.273, prohibits a candidate for the legislature, or the candidate’s principal campaign committee, from accepting a contribution from a party unit established by the party organization within a house of the legislature ("Caucus") during the regular session of the legislature.

4. Board records show that this is the first calendar year in which the People for Winfield Senate Committee reported acceptance of a contribution from a Caucus 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 People for Winfield Senate Committee violated Minn. Stat. 10A.273 by accepting a contribution from the Senate RPM Elections Fund Caucus 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 $1,000 contribution from the Senate RPM Elections Fund during the regular 2000 Legislative Session.

2. The People for Winfield 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 People for Winfield 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 People for Winfield 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