For Immediate Release
October 27, 2010
ADCC Calls on Jim Steineke to Freeze
Campaign Account Until Illegal Funds Returned
MADISON – The Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee called on 5th Assembly District candidate Jim Steineke to freeze his campaign spending until he returns illegal funds deposited into his account.
On Monday, the ADCC filed two complaints with the Government Accountability Board and urged them to investigate Steineke after he handed in a campaign finance report that appears to have broken Wisconsin state campaign finance laws.
“Right now Jim Steineke appears to be in violation of state law. Again.” said ADCC Director Nicholl Caruso. “He needs to do the right thing and freeze his account until he’s returned the illegal contributions he’s received for his campaign.”
On October 4th, 2010, Steineke accepted the Government Accountability Board’s public grant totaling $7,763. Taking the maximum grant amount precludes Steineke from accepting additional contributions from other committees, such as political action committees or other candidates’ campaign committees. Despite receiving these public monies, Steineke accepted an additional $2,750 from PACs, a violation of Wisconsin state statute 11.50 (9), 11.26 (9), 11.26 (11) and 11.26 (14).
Steineke also accepted an anonymous contribution to his campaign of $500 on Oct. 4, 2010 from a “John Doe” with no additional donor information.
“It’s disturbing that someone who wants to create laws in Madison has such blatant disrespect for current law,” said Caruso. “After two days of inaction and continued spending by Jim Steineke, it’s clear he is not taking his latest run in with the law seriously. Steineke owes the people he wants to represent an explanation.”
Copy of ADCC GAB complaints can be found HERE and HERE
