Feds question local GOP on money transfers

The Federal Elections Commission has questioned the legality of money received by the San Diego County Republican Party from the state GOP.

The FEC told Republican committees in San Diego and three other counties that they may have to return the money that was targeted for voter registration or face audits or fines for violating campaign finance laws.

Tony Krvaric, chairman of the San Diego County Republican Party, said the money transfers “are completely in order and no one’s been asked to give anything back.”

The other GOP parties were in Sacramento, Orange and Stanislaus counties.

The FEC letter dated Sept. 17 was addressed to April Boling, treasurer of the San Diego Republican Party.

The letter describes the money as “Levin funds” that can not be accepted from other committees.

The letter suggests “further” legal action could be take, though there is no mention of previous legal action.

“Although the commission may take further legal action regarding the acceptance of impermissible Levin funds, prompt action by your committee to transfer-out or refund the funds will be taken into consideration,” wrote Kaitlin Eger, senior campaign finance analyst for the commission.

San Diego County Democratic Party criticized its Republican counterpart in a release stating “Republican voter drive runs afoul of federal rules.”

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/sep/24/sdgop-xx-xxxxx-xxxxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxx-fec-questions/