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.