Post by Logan on Jun 6, 2016 2:29:08 GMT -6
Commission dismisses allegations against North Dakota politicians
GRAND FORKS -- The Federal Election Commission has dismissed allegations against North Dakota Republican leaders and a political action committee over foreign campaign contributions that were refunded after Grand Forks Democrats filed a complaint.
The commission reviewed allegations that Gov. Jack Dalrymple and Grand Forks state Sen. Lonnie Laffen received contributions from Canadian businessman Leo Ledohowski in violation of the Federal Election Campaign Act, which bars foreign nationals from making financial donations in connection with federal, state or local elections. Ledohowski is executive chairman of the Winnipeg hotel chain Canad Inns, which has a location in Grand Forks.
In February notifications to Dalrymple and Laffen, the commission said it appeared the contributions from Ledohowski "violated the prohibition on contributions by foreign nationals under the act and commission regulations." Dalrymple accepted $2,500 in 2012, while Laffen received $1,000 in 2010 and $1,945.42 in 2014, according to the complaint.
Both notices note that Dalrymple and Laffen "relied on guidance provided by a state government office that was ultimately incorrect," an apparent reference to the North Dakota Secretary of State's office. They also state that both officials refunded the contributions from Ledohowski last year, shortly after being notified of the complaints.
Read more: bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/commission-dismisses-allegations-against-north-dakota-politicians/article_ee10360b-3a83-51a5-9e38-d65a3f6b41c5.html
GRAND FORKS -- The Federal Election Commission has dismissed allegations against North Dakota Republican leaders and a political action committee over foreign campaign contributions that were refunded after Grand Forks Democrats filed a complaint.
The commission reviewed allegations that Gov. Jack Dalrymple and Grand Forks state Sen. Lonnie Laffen received contributions from Canadian businessman Leo Ledohowski in violation of the Federal Election Campaign Act, which bars foreign nationals from making financial donations in connection with federal, state or local elections. Ledohowski is executive chairman of the Winnipeg hotel chain Canad Inns, which has a location in Grand Forks.
In February notifications to Dalrymple and Laffen, the commission said it appeared the contributions from Ledohowski "violated the prohibition on contributions by foreign nationals under the act and commission regulations." Dalrymple accepted $2,500 in 2012, while Laffen received $1,000 in 2010 and $1,945.42 in 2014, according to the complaint.
Both notices note that Dalrymple and Laffen "relied on guidance provided by a state government office that was ultimately incorrect," an apparent reference to the North Dakota Secretary of State's office. They also state that both officials refunded the contributions from Ledohowski last year, shortly after being notified of the complaints.
Read more: bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/commission-dismisses-allegations-against-north-dakota-politicians/article_ee10360b-3a83-51a5-9e38-d65a3f6b41c5.html