Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson violates Campaign Finance Act, Attorney General confirms
The Office of the Attorney General reports that this ruling was made in response to complaints alleging that Secretary Benson's use of the Richard H. Austin Building lobby to hold a press conference announcing her run for governor on January 22 violated the MCFA.
Section 15(9) of the requires the Attorney General to determine if a violation has occurred when a complaint is brought against the Secretary of State.
The letter sent to Secretary Benson includes an analysis of the Department of Attorney General's enforcement authority under section 15(9) of the MCFA.
The office reports that, under the statute, they have no authority to impose civil or criminal penalties for a violation by the Secretary of State.
Michigan GOP files campaign finance complaint against Secretary of State
In January, the Michigan Republican Party filed a complaint against Secretary Benson, alleging that her use of the lobby violated state election law.
The MIGOP said that this choice of venue violated Michigan law and submitted a complaint under of the MCFA.
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