Independence Party applauds ruling of Campaign Finance and Disclosure Board

Independence Party officials said that they are pleased with the verdict handed down by the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Disclosure Board, and they encourage the board to ensure that this kind of illegal activity doesn’t happen again in Minnesota.

“It was a sad day for Minnesota to see a campaign stoop so low to violate the campaign finance law,” said IP chairwomen Nancy Jorgenson. “It was obvious the Pawlenty campaign and the Republican Party acted illegally and knowingly broke the law. The fact that the board ruled correctly today is, however, very encouraging. We urge the board to send a strong message to all future campaigns that this kind of activity will not be tolerated in Minnesota. We believe the Pawlenty campaign should face formidable consequences for their actions.”

Jorgenson added, “This whole issue could have been avoided if Tim Pawlenty and the House Republican Caucus would not have killed the Ventura Administration’s campaign finance reform initiative this past legislative session.” The bill, co-sponsored by John Marty (DFL – Roseville) and Bill Hass (R – Champlain) would have voluntarily prohibited independent expenditures in exchange for accepting public money.

Released: 10/11/02