California Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez Accused of Using Charity to Illegally Fund Political Activities

On January 23, 2008, the LA Times reported that an ethics complaint was recently filed with the Fair Political Practices Commission against state Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez for “using a charity to illegally funnel donations into political activities.”  Here is an excerpt from the story:

In a complaint filed with the Fair Political Practices Commission, the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights accused Nuñez of dodging state restrictions on campaign donations by asking donors to give to the nonprofit, then using the money for his political benefit.

“The speaker and Collective Space claim it was only a ‘conduit’ for the speaker’s funds,” wrote foundation Executive Director Doug Heller in the complaint. “If this is the case, the contributions were never intended for the charity and should be considered direct donations to the speaker and his events.”

. . .

Nuñez said the complaint misinterprets the law. He called the allegations “a huge stretch from where reality is of what law allows a member of the Legislature to do.”

“People can file complaints every day of the week about whatever they want to file complaints about,” said Nuñez, adding that there was nothing illegal or unethical about his work with Collective Space.

For the full story, go to “Complaint accuses Nuñez of misusing charity” in the LA Times.

DAB