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Federal Election Commission | United States of America
  • Press Release

ADR Program Resolves Cases

March 18, 2003

News Releases, Media Advisories

For Immediate Release
March 18, 2003 		Contact: Kelly Huff
Ron Harris
Bob Biersack
Ian Stirton
ADR PROGRAM RESOLVES CASES
WASHINGTON -- The Federal Election Commission is making public two additional cases resolved in the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program. This brings to 51 the total number of cases released thus far. The program’s goal is to expedite resolution of some enforcement matters, reduce the cost of processing complaints, and enhance overall FEC enforcement. Closed ADR negotiated settlement summaries are available in the FEC’s Press and Public Records offices.

For a case to be considered for ADR treatment, a respondent must express willingness to engage in the ADR process, agree to set aside the statute of limitations while the case is pending in the ADR Office, and agree to participate in bilateral negotiations and, if necessary, mediation.

Bilateral negotiations through ADR are oriented toward reaching an expedient resolution with a mutually agreeable settlement that is both satisfying to the respondent(s) and in compliance with the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA). Resolutions reached through direct and, when necessary, mediated negotiations are submitted to the Commissioners for final approval. If a resolution is not reached in bilateral negotiation, the case proceeds by mutual agreement to mediation. It should be noted that cases resolved through ADR are not precedential.

1. ADR #078
RESPONDENTS: Citizens to Elect Rick Larsen, Robert Anderson, treasurer
SOURCE: FEC Initiated
SUBJECT: Excessive contributions
NEGOTIATED SETTLEMENT: Respondents acknowledge that a violation occurred due to a misunderstanding of FECA by their staff. The Respondents, in an effort to avoid similar errors in the future, agree to appoint a committee staff person to serve as FEC Compliance Officer; and have the Compliance Officer attend a FEC sponsored campaign finance seminar within 12 months of the effective date of this agreement.
2. ADR #083
RESPONDENTS: (a) Craig Schelske

(b) Craig Schelske for Congress, Lesley Lyons, treasurer
SOURCE: Democratic Party of Oregon
SUBJECT: Failure to file Statement of Candidacy timely; corporate contributions; disclaimers
NEGOTIATED SETTLEMENT: (a-b) $500 civil penalty

Respondents agree to have a member of the committee’s staff attend a FEC sponsored educational conference within 12 months of the effective date of this agreement.

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This information is not intended to replace the law or to change its meaning, nor does this information create or confer any rights for or on any person or bind the Federal Election Commission or the public.

The reader is encouraged also to consult the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (52 U.S.C. 30101 et seq.), Commission regulations (Title 11 of the Code of Federal Regulations), Commission advisory opinions and applicable court decisions.