 In Part 1, we looked at how FEC Tony Sutton's (pictured, right) MN GOP couldn't (wouldn't?) accurately report to the FEC how much they owed a vendor they hired to ensure accurate FEC reports. In Part 2, we noted there are now 2 citizen watchdog groups looking into the MN GOP's Cooked Books -- Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington - which nailed 'em last time (the MN GOP got smacked with a near-record $170,000 fine), and Common Cause MN. In Part 3, we looked at how a payroll deductions "no, NO!" that got the MN GOP in trouble last time seems to be a pattern. In Part 4 we looked at the MN GOP using a strange address for one of it's fundraisers. In Part 5 we looked at at the official FEC Complaint - filed 12 Jan 2012 - by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington ("CREW"). In Part 6 we looked at the MN GOP misrepresenting their expenses.
Today in Part 7 of the continuing Cooked Books Series we're going to take a look at how the MN GOP categorized pay for a guy that they very well may have been paying to run for state senate - Lakeville's Dave Thompson in SD-36.
Long story, short: for over 7 years, Thompson was a RWNJ Shock-Jock on AM radio in the Twin Cities. Looking for a better gig, he decided to run in 2009 against FEC Tony (pictured above) for state GOP Party Chair. Thompson lost; as best as I remember it, it really came down to this: Thompson wanted the $100k (+/-) that came with the job; ol' FEC Tony would do the gig for free. Why would FEC Tony do the gig for free? That, gentle readers, is a story for a later day! At any rate, FEC Tony beats Thmpson for party Chair. Here's where it gets interesting....
According to media reports, shortly after winning, FEC Tony & Dave Thompson agreed to a contract wherein Thompson would do consulting for GOP candidates. All told, the number being reported is Thompson has taken home a cool $70k.
Here's the kicker: that $70k being reported, is being reported as coming from FEC reports. Because, the MN GOP hasn't reported any dough being sent Thompson's way on their State Campaign Finance Reports.
Which means for the MN GOP to NOT have any more FEC problems than they already have, ALL of the dough better have been spent for Thompson "consulting" for Federal Candidates only.
Stay tuned! |
