FEC Takes Final Action on Six Cases

MUR 6177

RESPONDENTS:

21st Century Democrats and Bill Combs, in his official capacity as treasurer

COMPLAINANT:

FEC Initiated

SUBJECT:

In the normal course of carrying out its supervisory responsibilities, the Commission found that the 21st Century Democrats and Combs, in his official capacity as treasurer, failed to maintain copies of contributor checks and credit card documentation for the required three years, failed to report debts and repayments, and failed to report transactions accurately.

OUTCOME:

The Commission found reason to believe the respondents violated the Act. In a conciliation agreement, respondents agreed to pay a civil penalty of $24,000.

MUR 6152

RESPONDENTS:

Martin Manna; Chaldean Chamber Political Action Committee and Martin Manna, in his official capacity as treasurer; Chaldean-American Chamber of Commerce; and Knollenberg for Congress Committee and Debra Kling, in her official capacity as treasurer.

COMPLAINANT:

Nadira Plater

SUBJECT:

The complaint alleged that a letter advocating the re-election of Rep. Joe Knollenberg lacked a proper disclaimer and that the group that sent the letter, the “Chaldeans for Congressman Joe Knollenberg,” shared an address with the Chaldean Chamber of Commerce PAC.  The complaint alleged both organizations failed to register with the Commission and disclose disbursements made in connection with the mailer. The complaint alleged further that the group may have made an unreported in-kind contribution or independent expenditure by using a mailing list developed and maintained by the Chaldean News. Rep. Knollenberg was a candidate for Michigan’s 9th Congressional District.

OUTCOME:

The Commission found no reason to believe the Chaldean-American Chamber of Commerce or the Chaldean Chamber Political Action Committee and its treasurer violated the Act. The Commission exercised its prosecutorial discretion and dismissed the allegation regarding Martin Manna, in his official capacity as treasurer, and sent a letter of caution to Manna, advising him to take steps to ensure that his conduct is in compliance with the Act and Commission regulations. The Commission exercised its prosecutorial discretion and dismissed the allegation regarding Knollenberg for Congress Committee and its treasurer.

MUR 6076

RESPONDENTS:

Theodore “Ted” F. Stevens; Stevens for Senate and Timothy A. McKeever, in his official capacity as treasurer

COMPLAINANT:

Patti Higgins, Chair of the Alaska Democratic Party

SUBJECT:

The complaint alleged that then-Senator Stevens and McKeever, in his official capacity as treasurer, aired two television advertisements on multiple television stations with inadequate disclaimers. Stevens was a candidate for re-election in 2008 for Alaska’s U.S. Senate seat.

OUTCOME:

The Commission found no reason to believe that Stevens, Stevens for Senate and McKeever, in his official capacity as treasurer, violated the Act because one of the advertisements was mistakenly broadcast by a television station without the Committee’s authorization and because the complainant did not provide enough information with respect to any other alleged violation.

MUR 6087

RESPONDENTS:

Jim Risch for U.S. Senate and R. John Insinger, in his official capacity as treasurer; and Idaho Right to Life, Inc.

COMPLAINANT:

Idaho Democratic Party by Jim Hansen, Executive Director

SUBJECT:

The complaint alleged that Idaho Right to Life, Inc. made a prohibited corporate contribution to Jim Risch for U.S. Senate by using its bulk mailing permit to distribute a mailing containing two letters apparently paid for by Jim Risch for U.S. Senate. The complaint alleged further that Jim Risch for U.S. Senate knowingly accepted the prohibited contribution. Risch was a candidate in 2008 for Idaho’s U.S. Senate seat.

OUTCOME:

The Commission exercised its prosecutorial discretion and dismissed the matter because Jim Risch for U.S. Senate submitted an affidavit stating its mail vendor mistakenly used Idaho Right to Life’s non-profit bulk rate permit and that the Risch Committee paid all costs associated with the mailing, and the Commission had no information to the contrary concerning the Committee’s payment of the expenses associated with the mailing.

MUR 6084

RESPONDENTS:

John N. Kennedy; John Kennedy for US Senate, Inc. and Keith A. Davis, in his official capacity as treasurer

COMPLAINANT:

Friends of Mary Landrieu, by Jay Howser

SUBJECT:

The complaint alleged that Kennedy and his campaign committee aired a television advertisement on multiple television stations without a written disclaimer stating Kennedy approved the message. Kennedy was a candidate in 2008 for Louisiana’s U.S. Senate seat.

OUTCOME:

The Commission exercised its prosecutorial discretion and dismissed the matter because the advertisement provided identifying information on the candidate and his approval of the communication.

MUR 6193

RESPONDENTS:

McCain-Palin Victory 2008 and Lisa R. Lisker, in her official capacity as treasurer

COMPLAINANT:

Jerry L. Waters

SUBJECT:

The complaint alleged that the McCain-Palin Victory 2008 Committee violated the Act by failing to fulfill a request for refund of a $100 contribution.

OUTCOME:

The Commission exercised its prosecutorial discretion and dismissed the matter in view of the small dollar amount at issue and the Committee’s subsequent refund of the contribution.

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is an independent regulatory agency that administers and enforces federal campaign finance laws. The FEC has jurisdiction over the financing of campaigns for the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, the Presidency and the Vice Presidency. Established in 1975, the FEC is composed of six Commissioners who are nominated by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

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