FPPC Validates IETA Complaint Against Bogh
Posted by: Dave Everett | 07/06/2008 9:09 AM
The FPPC has finally responded to a complaint filed against former Assemblyman and recently defeated State Senate candidate Russ Bogh on behalf of the Inland Empire Taxpayers Association (IETA) back in early April. The complaint pointed out that Bogh had opened a committee for County Supervisor which he was using to benefit his race for the 37th State Senate seat.
Often times complaints filed in the middle of close elections, end up amounting to nothing but bogus political ploys. The FPPC's finding that Bogh's Supervisor fund known as the Riverside County Leadership Fund committee, "violated Government Code Section 85201 by making three non-monetary contributions totaling $731.90 to the Russ Bogh Leadership Committee" gives voters confidence that the IETA are straight shooters.
The letter goes on to demand that Bogh, "must immediately return this money to the Riverside County Leadership Fund committee. Please provide the Enforcement Division with a copy of the canceled check within 30 days from the date of the letter." (June 10th)
The letter is a written warning from the FPPC that threatens $5,000 fines for each violation if not complied with and will be considered if any future warnings are filed against Bogh.
To me it seems sloppy on the part of the Bogh campaign team to take a negative media hit in the middle of a close Senate campaign over $732 bucks. I hope it doesn't hurt Russ for whatever the next seat he sets his eyes on. Despite his close ties with the unions, Russ Bogh has done some great work for our party on the issues of illegal immigration, transportation (forcing the Legislature to use our gasoline taxes only for traffic relief projects) and crime (authored state law permitting local governments to regulate those group homes that house convicts.)
Bogh's website says that "This summer and fall I will be actively campaigning for Senator John McCain and his bid for the presidency. I will also be doing all that I can to assist former Palm Springs Police Chief Gary Jeandron win the election in 80th Assembly District. I hope you will join me in supporting them as well."
Whatever his next step, let's hope his campaign team runs a tighter ship when it comes to campaign finance.
" The Desert Sun Rancho Mirage City Council votes to support tribe Rancho Mirage leaders are supporting the...
Sloppy is a good word for it, but unfortunately can't begin to describe any campaign that entrusts the Floyd and Lucsko team of clowns with any part of a race. They have brought a new standard of mediocrity to local politics and hopefully their pitiful record will finally speak louder than their fake threats of retribution from the Pacheco shop to anyone who contemplates running in RivCo.
You're right when you say that Russ Bogh has done some great work for our party - unfortunately he used terribly bad judgement while setting up his ground game and it cost him dearly.
I love how the likes of Nathan Miller, Chris Mann, and others, continuously hit the Bogh camp for having the nerve to run against Benoit.
Let it go guys, election's over...
I find it unfortunate that the primary campaign wounds haven't been given the opportunity to heal. I don't know who's responsible for these anonymous comments with an agenda but I would like to see it stopped as well. I am actually thrilled that the primaries are overwith and was hoping that would be the end of it. Obviously there are others that feel differently.
It could be that the same person writing negative comments about this campaign is the same one responding to them, who knows? This is what happens when you get these anonymous attacks; suspicion, false accusations, and worst of all party factionalization. We all probably have our guesses as to who's responsible for these comments, some have made their opinions and not their identities known. Since we have no control over the actions of others at the very least we can ignore this nonsense and move on.
We have a very important race coming up in the 80th Assembly District, and it would be disasterous if the Democrats were given an opportunity to take a step closer to the 2/3 majority needed to overcome a veto. Now more than ever Republicans in Riverside County need to come together and fend off those that would like to see California completely become a socialist republic. I expect everyone that calls themselves a Republican to do whatever it takes to get Republicans elected to office.