Clean Election Fraud: Family Style

I know this will come as a shock to many readers, but it would appear that we may have another “situation” regarding candidates and their publicly financed campaigns.  According to an audit report, prepared by the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices, Pam and Paul Hatch have numerous violations.  Yes, that would be both of them.  

The entire report is about 20 pages long, and is fairly extensive. You have to give Jonathan Wayne and his staff credit; they are absolutely committed to making sure that these tax dollars are spent exactly how they were intended to be spent.  They conducted over 60 random audits, and there is no question that people running with State funds are well aware of the high possibility of an audit.

Back to the Hatches, according to the audit report, the Hatches have almost $3000 dollars in expenditures that according to Mr. Wayne  “The campaigns could supply “neither a vendor invoice nor a cancelled check. (or other proof that the vendor received payment)” 

And just in case you might be feeling sorry for the two of them.  You know, the whole excuse about not knowing the Law -- Mr. Wayne provides this nice little gem:  

Pamela and Paul Hatch have had ample campaign experience in which to learn that they were statutorily required to keep receipts or invoices from vendors. Pamela Hatch has been a candidate for the Maine Senate or Maine House of Representatives in every election since 1992. Paul Hatch has been a candidate for the Legislature in every election since 2000.” 

Ouch!  That’s going to leave a mark. 

Oh, and if you were curious just how much money the two of them have received over the past three election cycles, Mr. Wayne was kind enough to include that in the report.  Combined they have received $119, 554 dollars.  Yes, you read that correctly. 

Hey Mr. Wayne, while you are looking at 2006, how about checking on 2004 and 2002?   The Commission will be meeting on December 7, 2007  

Finally, if you are interested in seeing the results of all 60+ audits -- you can find that report here .  On balance most candidates did not encounter any issues with the audit, which put the results of the Hatch audits in perspective.