Should Asa Be Able to Use the Money?
By Mark Moore (click "comments" below for article).
Since 2005, Arkansas Politics and Events from a Contrarian Small-government Perspective
posted by Mark Moore (Moderator) at Tuesday, June 07, 2005
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Arkansas Watch
11 Comments:
Asa Hutchinson has asked the Arkansas Ethics Commission to rule on whether he can transfer money given to him for his Congressional campaigns into his war chest for Governor.
About $150,000 dollars is at stake. Current Arkansas law says that donations that were given for one race cannot be used for a race past a two year time limit. In addition, any transfer granted cannot be for more than the salary of the office being sought, in this case $70,000 or so.
At first glance it would appear to this reporter that he his not entitled to transfer all of the money. Maybe not any of it. Even if there is some kind of exception on the time limit, there is still the cap on the amount to consider.
What do you think the ruling should be and why? If Asa can't use the money, what should he do with it?
Let me add one possibility. He can return some of the money to selected donors- ones that are likely to turn around and give that money right back to his campaign. If the commission rules against him- and I expect them to but do not blame him for asking, then this is the only way I can see for him to get some of this money for use before the primary.
He should not use the money. Like you said he can return to the donors, and if they wish that can donate to his campaign for Governor. But some of those same people who supported him for Congress, may be for Winn Paul. If so tough luck.
Good idea pachy, but if those guys failed to win, the money would have bought some enemies, but I like your aggressive thinking.
I first want to commend Asa for asking what the proper thing to do with the money is. If more politicians asked before they did things, there would be alot less corruption. I agree that he should give it to a group designed to help legislative races but also quorum court and maybe most improtant school board elections. 150,000 dollars could train and fund alot of good candidates and teach grass roots organizing to conservative activists.
Asa is doing the right thing by asking the ethics commision for a ruling. His is an unusual situation and he needs the guidance of the the commision.
Pachyderm,
Excellent analysis!
The Anonymous Coward
If the law lets him use it then he should use it. At least he worked to raise the money - all Rockefeller did was inherit the money.
I guess the commision answered this one for us- and the answer is NO.
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