On October 3, we examined recent allegations of campaign finance violations in Massachusetts and Arizona as illustrations of why campaigns and other organizations must be particularly careful during the final days of the election season. Just over the past week, we have seen a flurry of additional FEC complaint filings reinforcing the need to take care even as last minute activity ramps up.
Representative Bobby Schilling’s campaign alleged that congressional candidate Cheri Bustos illegally coordinated with House Majority PAC, arguing that the PAC republished campaign footage. In California, Orange County Democrats have alleged that congressional candidate Todd Long misused campaign funds. On October 5, the Maine Republican Party filed a complaint alleging that U.S. Senate candidate Angus King illegally coordinated with Americans Elect.
On October 10, One Wisconsin Now filed a complaint alleging that Representative Paul Ryan illegally utilized congressional campaign funds to further the Romney-Ryan presidential campaign. On the same day, the Democratic Party of Delaware alleged that U.S. Senate candidate Alex Pires illegally utilized corporate funds.
Corporations are not immune from complaints, either. On October 9, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington filed a complaint alleging that Murray Energy Corporation, which has been the subject of an earlier complaint, and affiliated organizations and individuals coerced employees to give to the company’s connected PAC and reimbursed contributions. The Ohio Democratic Party is pressing for a criminal investigation.