Republicans Say Clinton Rallies Break Law, Democrats Foot Bulk Of Cost For Rallies

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Current News - Homefront Preparations : One Thread

POSTED: 5:45 p.m. HST October 30, 2002 UPDATED: 5:56 p.m. HST October 30, 2002

HONOLULU -- The Hawaii Democratic Party is paying the huge bill for the Clinton visit. Public worker unions were originally going to cover the costs.

The Republican Party said Democrats are breaking the law by coordinating the rallies with Mazie Hirono's campaign.

The event was planned for more than two months and originally, the Hawaii Government Employees Association and its parent union, AFSCME, were going to pay for the Clinton trip. However, Democrats said there was a last-minute change of plans that left them scrambling to pay a big bill for Bill.

HGEA paid for the rental of Kauai Veterans Center and other initial expenses for Clinton's visit. However, spokespeople for the union and Democratic Party said just about a week ago they decided that the state Democratic Party and not the public workers union should pay for the entire visit.

"It's possible that the union might have already given the maximum amount, and were concerned that if they gave more, they would go over the limits," Campaign Spending Director Bob Watada said.

The problem is that the events became political rallies for Hirono and the expenses would have greatly exceeded the $6,000 contribution limit to her campaign.

So the Democratic Party said it's now paying the approximately $100,000 tab for the Clinton visit, including his airfare, security, rentals and other expenses.

Republicans are crying foul.

"It's a blatant violation of the law, in our opinion," Hawaii GOP Chairman Micah Kane said.

Breaking the law, Republicans say, because Hirono and running mate Matt Matsunaga are appearing with Clinton at the rallies.

State campaign spending law says contributions on coordinated activities cannot exceed $6,000. The Kauai rally cost about $100,000.

"Based on that fact alone, it's clear it's not an independent expenditure. It's a coordinated event," Lingle campaign attorney Nelson Befitel said.

KITV 4 News asked Watada if Hirono and Matsunaga appearing at the rallies amounted to coordination.

"It gets into a gray area. I'm not sure. I'd have to look at the exact facts of the situation," Watada said.

A Democratic party spokeswoman did not return phone calls by KITV 4 News to comment on the Republican's complaints.

Clinton, who usually charges anywhere from $75,000-$350,000 per speech, did not charging Democrats for his appearances around the islands, officials said. The party is just paying for the expenses of his visit, KITV 4 News reported.

-- Anonymous, October 31, 2002


Moderation questions? read the FAQ