Campaigns take cash, seek details later
By SHARON THEIMER and TROY THIBODEAUX
Associated Press
August 20, 2008
Page 3 of 3
The ramifications of accepting foreign money can vary from political embarrassment to federal investigations: The last major foreign money scandal, a 1996 Democratic case involving Asian money and the Clinton-Gore re-election effort, resulted in record FEC fines totaling $719,000 and probation for some of those involved.
Sometimes the foreign connection comes from who collects the money rather than who donates it. McCain's campaign announced this month it will return $50,000 solicited by a foreigner and business partner of a McCain volunteer fundraiser in Florida.
The candidates are supposed to disclose detailed information about donors who give $200 or more, including their addresses, employers and occupations. At a minimum, if donors give more than $50, the candidates are expected to record their names.
No donor names appeared in Obama's campaign finance reports for a handful of donations over $50. In dozens of cases, there were names but no addresses. "Anonymous," ''999 Anonymous Street," ''XX" or "Info Requested" are listed for roughly 200 donations to McCain.
The requirement to include employers is intended to let the public and news media see who is giving and help identify favors that donors or their employers may receive.
The FEC expects campaigns to follow up with donors to seek missing information, but they do not have to try very hard: One attempt, such as a postcard sent to the contributor's address, is considered due diligence under fundraising rules.
In Canada, Sanderson left a message with Obama's campaign and sent an e-mail after learning his donation was illegal. He said he hoped his contribution wouldn't "rustle any feathers." Sanderson considered a mischievous move to neutralize the political value his donation might have, but in the end, just asked for a refund.
"I was going to donate to McCain last night," he said, "and my wife talked me out of it."
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Associated Press writers Anrica Deb in Amsterdam, Netherlands; Jorge Sainz in Madrid, Spain; Matt Moore in Berlin; Eliane Engeler and Alexander Higgins in Geneva; Min Lee, Jeremiah Marquez and Dikky Sinn in Hong Kong; Steve Weizman in Jerusalem; Devon Haynie in Johannesburg, South Africa; Gaelle Faure and Elaine Ganley in Paris; Marta Falconi in Rome; Kristen Gelineau in Sydney, Australia; Rob Gillies in Toronto; and Stephanie Garlow, Ann Sanner and Christine Simmons in Washington contributed to this report.
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