DFL-endorsed Kelliher Proposes Needed Improvements to Candidate Disclosure Laws
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The day before campaign finance reports are due for all gubernatorial candidates, DFL-endorsed Margaret Anderson Kelliher is disclosing her fundraising numbers early and proposing new changes to Minnesota’s woefully inadequate candidate disclosure laws.
“Tomorrow, candidates for Governor are required to disclose how much money we have raised, how much has been spent, and who is contributing to our campaigns,” said Kelliher. “But the truth is that current Minnesota law leaves more questions than answers for Minnesota voters. Tomorrow’s filing doesn’t tell voters enough about who we are and how we make a living.”
The report she will file tomorrow shows that in less than a year, Kelliher – a middle class mom with two kids in public schools – has raised $1.23 million. Those contributions came from 3,523 individual grassroots donors with an average contribution of $218.03. Kelliher contributed $250 to her campaign in 2009 and $250 in 2010.
“With thousands of volunteers making phone calls and knocking on doors every week, we have the strongest grassroots network of any candidate in this race,” said Kelliher. “Because of the hard work and contributions of thousands of people, we have the resources to win in August, and beat Tom Emmer in November.”
In addition to releasing a summary of her campaign finance report, Kelliher disclosed a detailed list of her personal financial assets not required under current law. It’s part of a new policy proposed by Kelliher to directly address gaping loopholes in existing candidate financial disclosure laws, and enhance transparency in how campaigns in Minnesota are funded.
“Minnesotans deserve honest, stable leadership from their next Governor,” said Kelliher. “Voters have a basic right to know who you are, how you earn a living, and how you are financing your campaign for Governor. Current law does not require that. As Governor, I’ll make sure it does.”
According to the Center for Public Integrity (CPI), Minnesota has one of the weakest candidate financial disclosure laws in the country. CPI gave Minnesota an “F” in its comprehensive state-by-state analysis of candidate personal finance disclosure laws. Currently, Minnesota is ranked 40th in the nation for candidate financial details made available to voters.
“Minnesota must and can do better – and it’s up to the next Governor to make it happen,” said Kelliher. “As Governor, I will enact new candidate disclosure laws that will ensure trust and transparency between Minnesota voters and those running for Governor.
“But I don’t need that new law to take effect to know that disclosing my personal finances is the right thing to do. I call on all candidates in this race – Independence Party candidates, Republican candidates, and DFL candidates – to do the same.”