Here’s a time line of what we know:
1 – GOP Deputy Chair Michael Brodkorb resigns: 12 October 2011
2 – Senate GOP Majority Chief of Staff Cullen Sheehan resigns: 09 November 2011
3 – GOP Chair Tony Sutton resigns: 02 December 2011
4 – GOP Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch resigns Majority Leader position: 15 December 2011
That’s four – FOUR – major resignations in two months.
Here’s what else we know: a committee of GOP Party Insiders, led by RNC Member Jeff Johnson, has been taking a real hard look into party finances. We also know Interim GOP Chair Kelly Fenton just added Mike Vekich as an “advisor” to the cooked books stinkin’ up the offices at MN GOP HQ.
There’s a reason the FEC nailed the MN GOP with “one of the largest fines” in FEC history.
Here’s what hasn’t been confirmed by multiple sources: said GOPer investigation (led by RNC Jeff Johnson) included a review of Brodkorb’s expense accounting. Remember, when Brodkorb said he wouldn’t take a salary for being GOPer Deputy Chair, he didn’t say he wouldn’t be claiming expenses.
There’s a LOT of smoke here. Why would an operative like Brodkorb leave a spring-board job like the “unpaid” State Deputy Chair position, to a “volunteer adviser” position on the quixotic campaign of gaffe-prone GOPer Mike Parry? And why would the former staffer of Norm “4th Most-Corrupt Senator” Coleman (not to mention, YouTube Sensation) Cullen Sheehan pack it in? We know that, essentially, ol’ “FEC Tony” Sutton was, essentially, shoved out the door; they just let him call it a “resignation for family reasons” or whatever tripe it was that Tony spewed.
But Koch’s decision to take a hike? Well, Brodkorb is/was Koch’s “executive assistant”… but, still. Why take the hike, now?
Gotta wonder, ’cause where there is smoke – especially from cooked books – there’s usually fire.
But don’t be surprised if there’s that ol’ GOPer Cover-Up.
Remember, the GOP has been saying for years – until the FEC smacked ‘em – that there was “nothing to see, here!” despite what was in “The Tostenson Memo” – and that”s really the root cause of the GOP’s cooked books, today. Maybe now that the FEC has taken a look at those cooked books, it’s time for a prosecutor to do so too.
(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject.com‘ comments welcome there)
Saw the tweet:
Checked google: Nothing. Nada. Zip.
Checked Repya’s Facebook – BINGO!!!
Dear Friends,
I would like to thank everyone who called and wrote me telling me that my predictions in 2007 of fiscal irresponsibility by the leadership within the MN GOP had come true. Many have asked me to run for the vacant MN GOP Chairman’s position and clean up the mess for the good of the party. You confidence in my ability to make the MN GOP once again a viable and respectable political party was very heart warming. Three factors played heavy in my decision not to run for MN GOP Party Chair.
First, many of you do not know that I’m recovering from major cervical disk surgery of four weeks ago. I’m fused from C4 to T1 because of numerous issues relating back to my thirty years of service to our nation military. It appears that my recovery will take at least another six weeks. Although the surgery was successful, it takes time to fully recover and rest is the best medicine.
Second, the commitment would be more then I could handle at this time. From speaking with party faithful and current leaders it appears the extent of the damage the previous leadership has inflicted on a once trusted party is very significant and perhaps well beyond the figure of 1.2 million dollars discussed in the press. I’m told it will take the external audit months to determine the alleged depths of the fiscal mismanagement, graft, kickbacks, corruption and possible financial theft and fraud perpetrated by those who were in charge. I’m confident that the State Executive Board will be totally transparent to the people of Minnesota and insure that no hint of a “cover up” will take place. They promise to take the necessary actions to reform the party so that this type of behavior never occurs again.
Lastly, it would place a burden on my family that I do not wish to put on their shoulders at this time. At this point in my life I believe it would be better to sit back and see if the new leadership will hold those responsible and accountable and that the reforms that are promised do actually take place. Only then will the voters of Minnesota trust the MN GOP to be the party of personal responsibility, financial accountability, and free of corruption.
Analysis? Tomorrow!
Stay tuned!!!
(cross postd from MnProgressiveProject; comments welcome there)
If one were to base GOPer support in the race to replace deposed former Chair FEC Tony (pictured, right) by twitter traffic, one would suppose there was widespread support for GOPer Brandon Sawalich. Mr. Sawalich released a letter announcing his run for GOP State Party Chair; he listed a 5 Point Plan for “The Way Forward” – and we’ll look at just one of ‘em, bulleted “Financial integrity and transparency” – with pictures!
Before we get to ‘em, I’d like to point out what I said earlier today, when I updated the original “The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same, or… how Zellers’ election demonstrates – once again – that GOP still stands for GreedOverPrinciples.”, posted back in June of ’09:
There’s a fight in the MN GOP for the Chair position – and it’s roots go back to “The Tostenson Memo” and the 2008 MN GOP State Convention in Rochester. And it’s coming to a boil. Why? Because GOPers covered up their mess back then; and some of those same GOPers are doin’ their best to KEEP it covered up. (more, here)
And indeed it does go back to the GOP State Convention in Rochester MN, back in 2008! For a quick trip back to what happened then, here’s what I wrote back then! It’s called “Fear And Loathing In Rochester”. From it:
What everyone needs to remember is that the fact the Republican Party Of Minnesota’s financial problems have been under discussion for a year is a) the result of Republicans airing their own financial problems, and b) republiCon Ron refusing to face the problem publicly. Indeed, not only is republiCon Ron is still trying to hide this problem, he refuses to answer questions about it.
Yep – way back in 2008, financial mismanagement by the State GOP was a topic of conversation for a year! And, 4 years later, it still is!
OK, so who was GOPer Party Treasurer in 2008, before Tony Sutton took the Party Chair position in 2009?
Yep! FEC Tony was GOPer Treasurer, before he was GOPer Chair!
Above, in “Fear And Loathing In Rochester” we touched on the GOPer Party Establishment refusing to deal with the financial reformers at the 2008 Rochester Convention; but there was another dynamic at work – Ron Paul’s 2008 bid for the GOP Nomination! There were a bunch of Ron Paul supporters there; and the Party Establishment was none-too-happy to see them – or, even Ron Paul! In fact, GOPer Leadership refused to let Ron Paul address the GOP Convention.
Here’s what GOPer Blogger Martin Andrade wrote about the convention, back then:
At the MNGOP State Convention
Posted on May 30, 2008 by Marty AndradeNotes and Thoughts from the Convention Floor:
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-There are two different factions, the establishment faction called “Minnesota Conservative Delegate Team” and among the notable people on this list are Norm Coleman and Tim Pawlenty. The other faction, from what I can tell, is called “The Conservative Conscience Coalition” and these are partly Ron Paul supporters.
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-On that contention, I will say I think the process was unfair this year. Ron Paul people were kept off the ballot, there were no nominations from the floor allowed, people were forced to vote for a certain number of people and there was some behind the scenes stuff I didn’t see. It is this attempt to silence dissent which upset me.
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-Unfortunately, a great portion of the Ron Paul people were not allowed to speak nor were they on the ballot.
So, who was that “Minnesota Conservative Delegate Team” that dissed the Ron Paul people? Let’s look!
That’s their FEC Statement Of Organization, signed 5-27-2008 and received by the FEC on June 5th, 2008 – AFTER the convention closed. Hmmm….
So, where did the “Minnesota Conservative Delegate Team” get their dough? Let’s look!
Hmmm… from OpenSecrets.org, a project of the Center for Responsive Politics – a list of “major donors ($200+)” to the Minnesota Conservative Delegate Team… hmmm….
Brandon Salawich, 5-22-08: $3,000
Michael Vekich, 5-22-08: $1,000
Michael Brodkorb, 7-2-08: $500
I recognize those names!
As a matter o’ fact, Vekich just made the news, earlier today! From Minnesota Public Radio:
Vekich will advise state GOP on finances
Posted at 12:57 PM on December 12, 2011 by Tim PugmireThe Republican Party of Minnesota has turned to businessman and accountant Mike Vekich to help clean up its financial problems.
The party’s acting chairwoman Kelly Fenton announced today that Vekich, who is CEO of Vekich Associates, will provide voluntary assistance until Dec. 31. That’s when the party’s state central committee is scheduled to elect a new chair.
In a news release, Fenton said Vekich may enlist others in his evaluation of party finances, if necessary. (more, here)
OK, so what did this “Minnesota Conservative Delegate Team” do? Well, let’s go to RonPaul.com and get their take, o’ what was done unto them!!!
Minnesota GOP: “Vote for McCain and Shut Up!”
20 Responses
by RonPaul.com on May 28, 2008
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In Minnesota, John McCain got only 22% of the vote in the state’s caucuses on February 5, compared with Ron Paul’s 16%. The Minnesota party establishment is concerned enough to send out an unsigned letter to GOP members, signed only as “Friends of the Minnesota Conservative Delegate Team”.In a chilling attack on free speech and open discussion among Republicans, the missive exhorts GOP members to attend the State Convention this Friday and assist the party establishment in stifling the growing number of dissenting voices:
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And RonPaul.com goes on to reprint the “misive” sent out to GOPers. Want to read it? Go here.
Want to find out who produced it? Go to the FEC reports!!!
Well, based on the sketchy FEC Reports, it has to be these folks:
OK, let’s review: the 2008 GOP State Convention in Rochester was notable for 2 reasons – Chair Carey and Treasurer Sutton shouted down those that dared question Party Finances that ultimately resulted in a #170,000 FEC fine, and they shut out the Ron Paul Supporters.
Prior to, and at that Convention, Establishment GOPers passed out lit dissing Ron Paul supporters (at that time, many “establishment” GOPers were dissing those same Ron Paul supporters as “PaulBots” and “Ronulans”). Current Candidate for GOPer Chair, Brandon Sawalich, tossed down $3k to the group that prepared the lit before the convention, AND BEFORE THE GROUP filed their FEC paperwork.
And with a hat tip to deposed GOP Chair Tony Sutton, apparently the “Minnesota Ceonservative Delegate Team” didn’t bother paying off the bill to the prepareruntil months later.
And a few years later, Sawalich is running on a platform with a key bullet point, and I quote:
“Financial integrity and transparency”
Yeah, “right.” Only if “integrity” means “sweep it” and “transparency” means “under a rug.”
In Minnesota’s Greed Over Principles party, the more things change, the more they stay the same.
(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject.com; comments welcome there)
I often say that today’s GOP Party is morally bankrupt, intellectually dishonest, and institutionally corrupt. All three are self-evident; for “morally bankrupt” (for starters) consider GOPers Mark “Is There A Page In The House?” Foely, “Diaper” David Vitter, and John “She’s My Best Friend’s Wife” Ensign. Remember, that’s just for starters, and keep in mind how many other GOPers covered for those miscreants.
For a few examples of the intellectually dishonest GOPers in today’s GreedOverPrinciples Party, look no further than Minnesota’s Tim “Any Way The Wind Blows” Pawlenty and Michele “Passing Out Pork Is A Happy Day” Bachmann, let alone the current crop of anti-intellectuals running for President, with the possible and notable exception of Jon Huntsman.
Today’s Example of the GOP Party’s institutionalized corruption goes back several years here in Minnesota; it was brought to light in a June 2007 story in the Star Tribune: “Internal complaints roil state GOP office”
Here’s the lede:
Staff members who asked the leadership to address questions of how money was used say they were ignored or faced retaliation.
The Strib story was brought to light by folk that worked for the Minnesota GOP.
Let me say that again – the Strib story was brought to light by folk that worked for the Minnesota GOP!!!
The Strib just reported the Federal Elections Commission Settlement in the case (brought to their attention by the good folks at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington):
“Minnesota Republican Party to pay $170K fine for federal campaign finance violations”
So, what was the Minnesota GOP “leadership” response to getting whacked with a $170,000 fine? Remember, today’s GOP Party Chair – FEC Tony Sutton – was the then Party Treasurer….
Well, Spot MNObserver over at The Cucking Stool handled THAT one, earlier today – let’s look!!!
By now, most have heard about the final resolution of the Republican Party of Minnesota’s numerous violations of federal election law that took place when its current chair, Tony Sutton, was holding down the fort as treasurer. We’ve highlighted this ongoing investigation here, here, here, and here. In a Conciliation Agreement with the Federal Election Commission, available as a pdf from the MPR website, the Party admitted to the violations and agreed to pay a fine of $170,000.
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A simple mea culpa might be expected from a more thoughtful organization, but we’re dealing with Tony Sutton here. So of course we get the unsurprising bellyaching we’ve grown to expect from Mr. Sutton. In a press release issued to address the issue (also available from MPR), no blame is accepted and all manner of excuses offered.First, he claims that the complaint was filed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a “liberal organization,” implying that – heck, I don’t know – that the financial mess didn’t exist because some liberal organization pointed it out? Calling those who disagree with him names is nothing new to Mr.Sutton, so this is to be expected. Then, Chairman Sutton insists that the party has “proactively made changes to its FEC accounting and reporting processes.” Not so fast, Mr. Sutton. In the agreement, the FEC specifically found (Par. 17) that the “proactive” steps taken “did not disclose all previously undisclosed debt.” Nice try, but no dice.
Then of course, there’s the excuse that “this is complicated stuff!” as if that excused one from following federal law. Withholding money from employees’ paychecks and not depositing the funds where they belong isn’t complicated, Mr. Sutton. Recording your debts – especially if they amount to over half a million bucks – isn’t complicated either. Ask any bookkeeper – such things happen all the time in the mysterious world of accrual accounting.
(there’s more…)
Spot MNObserver nailed that one – FEC Tony crying “Me-a NOT-a Culpa!
This needs to be pointed out over and Over and OVER – FEC Tony blaming anyone and everyone for his financial misconduct.
You see, this isn’t the first time FEC Tony dodges blame – does everyone remember how his deadbeat GOP stiffed Minnesota counties over the 2010 Recount??!?
One person Sutton didn’t slime when good and decent Republicans questioned their party’s “stewardship” by party leaders such as republiCon Ron Carey and FEC Tony Sutton was an officer and a gentlemen that is in Snopes.com because the story is actually true – LTC (ret) Joe Repya. I wrote about this back in May of 2008, in a blogpost entitled “Enemies Of The Party”. I’d guess the reason Sutton didn’t slime Col. Repya is his boss, republiCon Ron Carey, did. Here’s what republiCon Ron sent to the party gullible “faithful” on July 25th, 2007:
“When we ought to be working to unite our Party and win Minnesota in 2008, Joe Repya has apparently decided to further attempt to divide us by sending a letter with inaccurate information and over-the-top attacks.”
Seems that with the news of the Mn GreedOverPrinciples Party’s settlement, FEC Tony has a few apologies to hand out.
But since his Mea Culpa came out as he intended – Me-a NOT-a Culpa – I’d guess Col. Repya ought not be waiting by the phone, expecting FEC Tony’s call.
In an honest organization, FEC Tony would have been sacked, years ago. Instead, he’s rewarded for the errors of his way – which just goes to show the latter of what I often say: today’s GOP Party is morally bankrupt, intellectually dishonest, and institutionally corrupt.
(crossposted at MnProgressiveProject.com; comments welcome there)
…well, could be filed in the ol’ republiCon “Do As We Say (Not As We Do)” Department, too…
Yesterday, over on Brodkorb’s Blog, Michael’s newest pseudonym “Contributor” tried – TRIED – to rip Tarryl Clark for the ghastly deed of “holding a fundraiser outside of the 6th District.” Now, this is funny for two reasons: 1) Michael’s newest pseudonym “Contributor” – Luke Hellier – used to work for Bachmann, so he surely knows about the many fundraisers Bachmann MotorMouth Overdrive has held outside the 6th District, such as the infamous fundraiser D*ck (cheney)in’ Cheney held for Michele on Lake Minnetonka, and 2) Brodkorb knows – KNOWS – that GOPer Eva Ng recently held a fundraiser outside of the district bounaries where she’s running, ’cause not only did MudSlingerMike tweet about it, it’s on the official Mn GOP website, where the ol’ MudSlinger is the State Party Deputy Chair!!!
And Tony Sutton had to know about the fundraiser; it was held at FEC Tony’s taco shop.
That, gentle readers, certainly qualifies as “stupid is as stupid does.”
It’s things like this, and more, why I say – often – “Hypocrisy, Thy Party Is GOP.”
Let’s look at a couple more examples:
In 2007, Mn GOP Party Chair republiCon Ron wouldn’t answer questions about his piss-poor “stewardship” of Party Finances, as documented in a June 2007 Strib story:
Party records show that money was withheld for employee retirement plans from September 2005 through May 2006, but Federal Election Commission (FEC) records reflect no deposits into the accounts during that period. In June 2006, the party made two makeup payments totaling $12,243 into the accounts.
The delay in depositing the money could have benefitted the party by giving it temporary access to the employees’ funds.
Carey didn’t explain why the retirement money wasn’t deposited promptly.
“There seemed to be some gray areas as to what was the requirement,” Carey said. Asked to explain the gray areas, he said, “I really would prefer not to get into the weeds on something like that.” (StarTribune.com)
Hmmm….”gray areas”….hmmm….”don’t want to get into the weeds”….
Where and what was republiCon Ron doing, during the summer of ’08? Ripping Al Franken over Franken’s paperwork problems, and demanding – DEMANDING! – that Franken answer questions!!!
Oh, and it needs to be pointed out that during the whole shoddy and sorry MnGOP PaperGate saga, FEC Tony was involved, except during his stint as Deputy to State Auditor Pat Anderson. And the shoddy and sorry saga apparently isn’t over…why, less than two weeks ago, the Mn GOP had to fix MORE of their (cheney)-ups:
Filings by REPUBLICAN PARTY OF MINNESOTA – C00001313
525 PARK STREET
SUITE 250
ST PAULThe Following FEC Electronic Filings are Available:
Click on the form name to view it.
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433152
Period FROM 11/25/2008 through 12/31/2008
Report Type: YEAR-END
Filed 09/21/2009
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433149
Period FROM 10/16/2008 through 11/24/2008
Report Type: POST-GENERAL
Filed 09/21/2009
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433147
Period FROM 10/01/2008 through 10/15/2008
Report Type: PRE-GENERAL
Filed 09/21/2009
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433140
Period FROM 09/01/2008 through 09/30/2008
Report Type: OCT MONTHLY
Filed 09/21/2009
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433126
Period FROM 08/01/2008 through 08/31/2008
Report Type: SEP MONTHLY
Filed 09/21/2009
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433122
Period FROM 07/01/2008 through 07/31/2008
Report Type: AUG MONTHLY
Filed 09/21/2009
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433116
Period FROM 06/01/2008 through 06/30/2008
Report Type: JUL MONTHLY
Filed 09/21/2009
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433113
Period FROM 05/01/2008 through 05/31/2008
Report Type: JUN MONTHLY
Filed 09/21/2009
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433112
Period FROM 04/01/2008 through 04/30/2008
Report Type: MAY MONTHLY
Filed 09/21/2009
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433107
Period FROM 03/01/2008 through 03/31/2008
Report Type: APR MONTHLY
Filed 09/21/2009
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433104
Period FROM 02/01/2008 through 02/29/2008
Report Type: MAR MONTHLY
Filed 09/21/2009
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433101
Period FROM 01/01/2008 through 01/31/2008
Report Type: FEB MONTHLY
Filed 09/21/2009
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433099
Period FROM 12/01/2007 through 12/31/2007
Report Type: YEAR-END
Filed 09/21/2009
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433098
Period FROM 11/01/2007 through 11/30/2007
Report Type: DEC MONTHLY
Filed 09/21/2009
(Federal Election Commission)
Fourteen – FOURTEEN! – more “oops! We screwed up – AGAIN” amended reports??!?
Amending and re-amending and re-amending the re-amended is a long-standing pattern for Minnesota’s GreedOverPrinciples party. Amazing, when you consider GOPers like to consider themselves “The Party Of Fiscal Accountability”…
The last example I’ll use today is GOPer Governor-Candidate Marty Seifert – as explained by Dusty Trice:
Marty Seifert Gets Hit With His Own Slime!
Last Wednesday Marty Seifert held a press conference where he attacked several of his opponents by saying they might be using taxpayer money and their elected positions to gain publicity.
“I don’t know if they are doing that, but I want to throw it out there,” Seifert said. (MinnPost)
Looks like Marty Seifert combed over one very important detail. It turns out in the MN House Seifert is the chief offender!
MPR News checked, and it turns out it was Marty Seifert who claimed more money for expenses over the last four months than any other House member running for governor. (MPR via Blue Man)
Seifert has expensed $6,081 in travel, lodging and other expenses to the taxpayers since early June! (DustyTrice.com)
There’s Pawlenty plenty more examples of GOP Hypocrisy, such as Republicans Believe In States Rights (Except When They Don’t), and we’ll be reviewing them often.
Why?
Because:
“Hypocrisy, Thy Party Is GOP”
(cross-posted from MnProgressiveProject)
So, I see the tweet, from MudSlingerMike:
mbrodkorb The bad press continues for Congressman Collin Peterson; http://tinyurl.com/m3n23w; #mngop #mn2010
So, I link on the tinyurl, and read this:
But Republicans on Tuesday saw the gaffe as an opportunity to make headway in Peterson’s conservative Seventh Congressional District, which he has securely held for many years. In 2008, he won 72 percent of the vote.
Got that? Less than a year ago, DFLer Colin Peterson won 72% of the vote.
So, what does the intrepid Deputy Chair of the GreedOverPrinciples Party say about Colin Peterson?
“This has really I think energized activists in the area and is going to lend [itself] to a first-tier candidate coming forward to run against him next year,” said Minnesota GOP deputy chair Michael Brodkorb, adding that there has been an “absolute explosion” of interest in the seat in the past 24 hours.” (Strib)
Say, Brodkorb? An “absolute explosion” of interest in taking on a guy that just won with 72 percent of the vote??!?
Yeah, “right.”
And a “first tier” candidate to boot? Not gonna happen – no “first tier” candidates remain in today’s GreedOverPrinciples party. T-baggers and “birthers”? You got pawlenty. “First tier”? Not so much.
Oh, noticed this tweet, from MudSlingerMike, too:
RT @MinnPostRSS: Minnesota GOP ready to launch ad campaign against Peterson remarks: http://bit.ly/DByJR
Say, Mikey? Good luck with that “ad buy” you’re tryin’ to sell. When you say “five figure ad buy” that really means “$999.99 or less” – yes?
Although personally, I wish the GOPers would dump a coupla hundred thousand into the 7th, between now and the new year….
(crossposted from MnProgressiveProject)
(Editor’s note: TwoPuttTommy is on vacation; this post was originally published on May 27th, 2008 at MnBlue. While TPT discusses then-Party Chairman Ron Carey, Current Party Chairman Tony Sutton was Party Treasurer.)
Ladies and Gentlemen,
“And we anticipate filing some amendments…”
…is an exact quote from a July 20th, 2007 letter from the Republican Party of Minnesota to the Federal Elections Commission.
“SOME” amendments?
How about SEVENTY amendments!!!
One for each month of 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and the months of January through November of 2007.
Is that “some”?
Ladies and Gentlemen, under Ron Carey’s “stewardship” in leadership roles, the RepubliCan Party of Minnesota has been paying fines to the FEC, going back to 2001 and a fine of $16,000. Since 2002, the FEC has repeatedly and continually asked for clarification of those monthly reports because, well, they simply don’t add up nor make sense.
And since Ron Carey began criticizing Al Franken’s bookkeeping problems, demanding Franken answer questions, republiCon Ron began ducking questions and re-filing amended monthly reports to the FEC for a period covering almost SIX YEARS. And who knows? There may be even more amended returns coming up. After all, what’s republiCon Ron gonna say about the latest batch of amended returns – “Well, sure, we’ve amended a bunch of previously amended reports, but THIS time, we got ‘em “right”!!!”
Hey – if they didn’t get ‘em “right” the first time, nor the second, why would anyone believe republiCon Ron got ‘em “right”, this time?
Think about that – since 2002, the Republican Party of Minnesota has not gotten a single month’s report done correctly. Not a single one.
How’s THAT, for a track record?
Now, one thing to remember, is this: the whole time republiCon Ron was in front of a microphone, piously criticizing Franken’s paperwork, he KNEW that those seventy amendments to the previously amended reports were going to be filed.
He KNEW.
Yet he hypocritically ripped Franken anyway.
Why?
Unfortunately, that’s a question that can’t be asked, because although republiCon Ron is fond of demanding Franken answer questions, answering questions isn’t something Ron likes to do, himself.
That, Ladies and Gentlemen, is the beginning of a line in a June 3rd, 2007 story by Dan Browning and Pat Doyle of the Star Tribune. That story may be a key in explaining why the unDynamic Duo of Ron Carey and Tony Sutton had to amend and re-amend and sometimes even re-amend the re-amended FEC (Federal Election Commission) Reports. Here’s a key excerpts from Dan Browning and Pat Doyle’s June 3rd, 2007 story:
A key element of Tostenson’s memo deals with his accusation that the party appears to have violated federal law by repeatedly delaying the deposit of employee payroll contributions into their retirement accounts. He said the “misappropriation” helped cover party expenses before the money was deposited.
“As reported on our payables at the state executive meetings last summer there was as much as $12,000 not deposited at any one time,” he wrote. “This represented months of paycheck withholdings by the Party which had not been deposited within the 30-day legally required time limit.”
The party offers Simple Individual Retirement Accounts for some employees. Federal law requires that money deducted from employees’ checks for those accounts be deposited as soon as possible, and in no case later than 30 days after the month when it was withheld.
In cases of tardy deposits, employers may be required to make the plan whole by paying back any lost investment earnings. If they had mixed the employees’ retirement money with general operating funds they could be required to pay an excise tax.
Party records show that money was withheld for employee retirement plans from September 2005 through May 2006, but Federal Election Commission (FEC) records reflect no deposits into the accounts during that period. In June 2006, the party made two makeup payments totaling $12,243 into the accounts.
The delay in depositing the money could have benefitted the party by giving it temporary access to the employees’ funds.
Carey didn’t explain why the retirement money wasn’t deposited promptly.
“There seemed to be some gray areas as to what was the requirement,” Carey said. Asked to explain the gray areas, he said, “I really would prefer not to get into the weeds on something like that. (StarTribune.com)
“gray areas”??!? “…get into the weeds…”??!?
Yeah, “right.”
Supposedly, the newly-elected Chairman of the State GOP – Tony Sutton – is holding an overview of 2010 election today at 1:30 at GOP HQ; I’d bet they don’t get “into the weeds” on just how much GOP mismanagement – when Sutton was GOPer Treasurer – is going to figure into 2010.
The Party Faithful have spoken, and it’s a new day for the state GOP. Tony Sutton takes the reins, and is faced with the formidable task of cleaning up the mess left by the last administration that ran the Republican Party of Minnesota. Especially the mess left by the last Treasurer, who – not coincidentally – was Tony Sutton!
And just how big of a mess did Treasurer Tony Sutton leave for Chairman Tony Sutton? A quick check of FEC Records show that on January 15th of this year, Chairman Ron Carey and Treasurer Tony filed an amended report for September and October 2008. On January 16, they filed an amended pre-General Election report. On January 20th, they filed an amended post-General Election Report.
All in all, those amended reports are another pathetic example of the incompetence and failure of the Ron Carey Regime, which “featured” Tony Sutton as Treasurer. But have no fear; it gets worse.
On March 16th, 2009, Carey and Sutton re-re-filed an amended report of the previously amended October 2009 report.
Got that? They couldn’t get it “right” the first time; they tried and failed to get it “right” the second – and didn’t. But have no fear; it gets worse.
Worse? Yes, because on the same day they had to amend a previously amended report – October 2008 – they also had to amend the previously amended pre-General Election Report. But have no fear, it gets worse.
Worse? Yep! Surely, you’re not surprised? After all, this IS republiCon Ron and FEC Tony we’re talkin’ ’bout… and on March 19th, 2009, they had to re-re-file an amended report of the previously amended August 2009 report! But have no fear, it gets worse!
A little over a month ago, on May 22nd, 2009, RepubliCon Ron and FEC Tony had to amend the pre-General Election for the third – THIRD – time! Same day, same clowns had to amend the post-Election Report for the second time! And just to show that when it comes to incompetence the unDynamic Duo of republiCon Ron and FEC Tony has no peer, they also re-amended the 2008 Year End Report.
Folks, this level of pathetic incompetence is beyond bizarre. And it bears looking into. So, stay tuned, and have no fear – it gets worse.
(crossposted from )
…how Zellers’ election demonstrates – once again – that GOP still stands for GreedOverPrinciples.
GOPers are always claiming to be “the party of fiscal responsibilty.” Are they? Let’s take a quick look!
First up, Governor T-Bag:
I’d always heard that Governor T-Bag racked up the largest fines of any Minnesota politician, EVER. Well, I don’t know if that’s true or not, but a quick google search – a REAL quick Google search (tim + pawlenty + campaign + finance + violations) – turned up this one, in second place on the first page!
In the Matter of the (Tim) Pawlenty for Governor Committee, 15475
Hmmm…. second spot, first page….website of the Campaign Finance Board….let’s look!
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows:
1. The Pawlenty Committee agrees to pay a civil penalty of $100,000.00 to be paid to the Campaign Board and deposited in the General Fund of the State. The Campaign Board acknowledges receipt of the fine from the Pawlenty Committee. It is agreed that the civil penalty is deemed a noncampaign expenditure and shall not be assessed against Tim Pawlenty individually. (emphasis added) (Mn Campaign Finance Board)
WOW!!! T-Bag got smacked for a hunnerd-thousand smackers in fines, and T-Bag AGREED to it!!!!
And who knows? That might not be the biggest fine T-Bag paid….that was just the second hit on the first page!!!
OK, now let’s take a look at the newly elected Chair of Minnesota’s GreedOverPrinciples Party, Tony “Lost Credibility” Sutton!
From Mr. Lost Credibility’s website:
Dear Fellow Republicans,
Like many of you, I am not happy about the direction our Republican Party has taken the last few election cycles. I have been frustrated by the philosophical and ideology drift our party has experienced in recent years.
What was the party of fiscal responsibility doing? Spending money like drunken sailors in Washington.
O
M
G
!
Here you got Mr. Lost Accountability* rippin’ on the folks in D.C. when this guy was the Secretary And Treasurer of the State Party while it was leading the nation – yes, leading the nation – in screwed up FEC Reports! While them republiCons were “spending” money like drunken sailors in D.C., Tony an’ the gang were “typing” FEC reports like drunken sailors here at home!!! As noted last May at Mn Blue:
“And we anticipate filing some amendments…”
…is an exact quote from a July 20th, 2007 letter from the Republican Party of Minnesota to the Federal Elections Commission.
“SOME” amendments?
How about SEVENTY amendments!!!
One for each month of 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and the months of January through November of 2007.
Is that “some”?
Ladies and Gentlemen, under Ron Carey’s “stewardship” in leadership roles, the RepubliCan Party of Minnesota has been paying fines to the FEC, going back to 2001 and a fine of $16,000. Since 2002, the FEC has repeatedly and continually asked for clarification of those monthly reports because, well, they simply don’t add up nor make sense.
And they STILL don’t make sense; just last month they had to amend their 2008 Year End FEC Filing. Tony “Lost Credibility” Sutton was Secretary/Treasurer when that was written; Tony “Lost Credibility” Sutton has been involved with the State GOP going back a long ways – he became Executive Director way back when, in 1998. And, one might wonder, what happened way back when, when Tony was Executive Director?
Well, fines! Yep – $16,000 of ‘em!
So, what is one reason not to be surprised that Kurt Zeller was just elected by the GreedOverPrinciples party?
Fines!
Yep – “right” after Zeller was elected, I saw the tweet from Dusty Trice:
4. The parties agree that the Volunteers for Kurt Zellers Committee accepted excessive contributions from special sources resulting in an inadvertent violation of Minn. Stat. §10A. 27, subd. 11, in calendar year 2004.
Thanks for the tweet, Dusty! I’m sure the new Minority Leader appreciates it!!!
Now, what I found interesting, while googling to verify Dusty’s “fine” find, was this!
http://www.cfboard.state.mn.us/bdinfo/Con_Agr/Zellers_Kurt_060127.pdf
IOW – the “fine” find Dusty found, was NOT the only fine!
So, it seems the “Party Of Fiscal unAccountability”, by electing Zellers to a leadership position, is merely continuing the legacy of T-Bag and Sutton. Oh – it also ensures that GOP continues to stand for GreedOverPrinciples.
Stay tuned!
* “Going forward we must be unashamed and unabashed liberty-loving conservatives – we must have confidence in our ideas and agenda and promote them loudly and boldly. Only then will we regain the confidence of the voters with whom we have lost credibility over the last few years.” — Tony “Lost Credibility” Sutton, State Chair of Minnesota’s GreedOverPrinciples Party.
(crossposted from MnProgressiveProject)
