MUR #7892

RESPONDENTS: Turning Point Action; Smith, Austin

COMPLAINANTS: Bookbinder, Noah; Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington

SUBJECT: Reporting

DISPOSITION: The Commission decided by a vote of 6-0 to take the following actions in MUR 7892:1. Accept the conciliation agreement with Turning Point Action, as recommended in the Memorandum to the Commission dated September 19, 2024.2. Approve the appropriate letter.3. Close the file effective 30 days from the date the certification of this vote is signed (or on the next business day after the 30th day, if the 30th day falls on a weekend or holiday).
The Commission decided by a vote of 6-0 to take the following actions, subject to the Notice of Errata dated June 4, 2024, in MUR 7892:1. Approve the Factual and Legal Analysis for Austin Smith, as recommended in the Memorandum to the Commission dated May 23, 2024, subject to the edits last circulated by Chairman Cooksey’s Office on June 20, 2024 at 3:21 p.m.2. Approve the Factual and Legal Analysis for Turning Point Action, as recommended in the Memorandum to the Commission dated May 23, 2024, subject to the edits last circulated by Chairman Cooksey’s Office on June 20, 2024 at 3:21 p.m., and further subject to the edit discussed at the table.3. Approve the Conciliation Agreement with Turning Point Action, as recommended in the Memorandum to the Commission dated May 23, 2024, subject to the edits last circulated by Chairman Cooksey’s Office on June 20, 2024 at 3:21 p.m.4. Close the file as to Austin Smith.
The Commission decided by a vote of 5-1 to:Dismiss the allegation that Turning Point Action violated 52 U.S.C. § 30104(b)(3)(A), (c)(1), and (c)(2)(C) by failing to disclose additional contributions that were received during the April Quarterly Report period or the July Quarterly Report period.
The Commission decided by a vote of 6-0 to:a. Find reason to believe that Turning Point Action violated 52 U.S.C. § 30104(b)(3)(A), (c)(1), and (c)(2)(C) by failing to disclose contributions totaling $33,795.b. Direct the Office of General Counsel to prepare a Conciliation Agreement for Commission approval on tally.
The Commission decided by a vote of 6-0 to:a. Direct the Office of General Counsel to revise the Factual and Legal Analysis to reflect only recommendation #1 and the dismissal of the allegations to Austin Smith and to circulate for the Commission approval on tally.b. Approve the appropriate letters.
The Commission failed by a vote of 3-3 to:Find reason to believe that Turning Point Action violated 52 U.S.C. § 30104(b)(3)(A), (c)(1), and (c)(2)(C) by failing to disclose additional contributions that it describes as “unrestricted grants”.
The Commission decided by a vote of 6-0 to:Dismiss the allegation that Austin Smith violated 52 U.S.C. § 30104(b)(3)(A), (c)(1), and (c)(2)(C).
The Commission failed by a vote of 1-5 to:a. Find reason to believe that Turning Point Action violated 52 U.S.C. § 30104(b)(3)(A), (c)(1), and (c)(2)(C) by failing to disclose contributions totaling $33,795.b. Find reason to believe that Turning Point Action violated 52 U.S.C. § 30104(b)(3)(A), (c)(1), and (c)(2)(C) by failing to disclose additional contributions.c. Dismiss the allegations that Austin Smith violated § 30104(b)(3)(A), (c)(1), and (c)(2)(C).d. Authorize the use of compulsory process.e. Approve the Factual and Legal Analyses, as recommended in the First General Counsel’s Report dated October 31, 2023, subject to the edits circulated by Vice Chair Weintraub’s Office on April 29, 2024 at 5:06 p.m.f. Close the file as to Austin Smith.g. Approve the appropriate letters.