State Political Committees Rack Up $800K In Fines

By aaroncynic in News on Mar 13, 2012 7:30PM

Various political committees associated with political candidates owe the state of Illinois upwards of $800,000 in fines, according to Illinois Statehouse News. When a candidate’s committee doesn’t file the proper paperwork disclosing campaign finances, the Illinois State Board of Elections issues a fine. Currently, fines levied by the ISBE total more than $808,000, some of which date back to 2003.

Political committees are formed so a candidate isn’t financially liable. Usually, a first time violation is stayed until a second violation is incurred, then both fines are levied and sent to collections. Andy Nauman, assistant director of the Division of Campaign Disclosure for the ISBE said told Illinois Statehouse News “It’s all up to the political committee to file the paperwork. Some people are better at filing on time; some people aren’t.” If a candidate’s committee carries outstanding fines, it renders that candidate ineligible for election.

Some of the bigger committees on the list of ISBE scofflaws include those for former Cook County Board President Todd Stroger’s committee ($17,575), Carol Moseley Braun ($750) and East Saint Louis Mayor Alvin Parks Jr. ($19,425).