At this early stage of the mayoral race between City Commissioner Sam Adams and travel agency owner Sho Dozono, the question of who paid how much for a Dozono poll may seem like minutiae.
But in fact, the highly detailed poll, which was conducted in December by the Las Vegas group of McGuire Research, could present a sticky problem heading into the May election for Dozono.
This morning, Dozono’s campaign manager Amie Abbott said, If we have made an error, we will absolutely and immediately correct it.”
Such a “fix” could take two forms: Dozono’s campaign could acknowledge having commissioned the poll and disclose it as a direct expense.
That could cause problems, though. Under the rules of Portland’s publicly financed elections, candidates aren’t supposed to spend money until they have it. Here is guidance on that point from an email Andrew Carlstrom of the City Elections office sent to potential candidates.
“Per City Code Section 2.10.070 G:
G. To be eligible to become a Certified Candidate,
1. A Candidate shall not make campaign Expenditures from
funds other than Qualifying Contributions as described in Section 2.10.070
and Seed Money Contributions as described in Section 2.10.050 during the
applicable Qualifying Period.
2. A Candidate shall not incur Accounts Payable during the
Qualifying Period unless the Candidate has sufficient Qualifying
Contributions and Seed Money Contributions to repay the Accounts Payable.”
Translated into English, that means candidates cannot spend money they have not yet gotten through the public financing system.
The second possibility, that the poll was paid for by Dozono supporters, could make it an “in-kind” contribution. That could also be a problem. Given the size and scope of the poll (it included dozens of questions about the state of the city and public safety. And it tested Dozono’s name familiarity, outlined his background and gauged his popularity compared to other city officials) people familiar with polling estimate the survey could have cost well in excess the $12,000 cap on in-kind contributions for publicly-financed mayoral candidates.
From the city elections manual:
“In-Kind Contributions
In addition to Qualifying Contributions and Seed Money, a candidate seeking certification may accept in-kind contributions.
The aggregate total of in-kind contributions during the primary election period may not exceed $9,000 for Commissioner candidates, and $12,000 for Mayor candidates.
The aggregate total of in-kind contributions during the general election period may not exceed $12,000 for Commissioner candidates, and $15,000 for Mayor candidate.”
- Dozono Gets the Money! Auditor G
- Dozono Pollgate Update The possi
- Dozono Explains the Poll; Auditor’s Decision Tomorrow Tomorrow,
- Dozono Nears Certification For Public Financing. But Could That Certification Mean Disqualification? (Updated) Mayoral c
- Secretary of State Gives Dozono Until March 10 to Respond to Poll Questions (Updated with New Adams Campaign Queries to Auditor) The Orego
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What was the amount of the snafu with the Chris Smith campaign that was promptly forgiven by the auditor? I can’t remember.
It was an in-kind purchase of about $300 for paper, envelopes and stamps.
Sounds like a perfect candidate to replace our current Sec of State. Just weasel around the rules until you get what you want. But that also describes Sam Adams. Oh, the choices we have to make. Ugh.
I dread the taxes we’ll get clobbered with if "tax ‘em Sam" Adams becomes mayor.
I sincerely doubt that the state election violation or even a violation of the public financing is enough to disqualify someone for being mayor.
Has any one ask Sam Adams about how he came to know some of the Portland Five? Ya the four that are in Jail? Now this is a story! I meet two of them at his home in NW at a Xmas party and one later went to work for the now ex Mayor!