Posted on 11/27/2004 9:58:27 AM PST by NormsRevenge
SACRAMENTO — Secretary of State Kevin Shelley has opened a legal defense fund to fight a political scandal involving himself and various associates.
Unlike other campaign funds, Shelley's account can raise money from donors in unlimited amounts, as long as the money is used exclusively for legal costs involving problems arising from his government duties.
Shelley's legal troubles began in the summer, when the FBI and state Atty. Gen. Bill Lockyer opened investigations into the origin of donations to Shelley's 2002 campaign. In addition, the state auditor is examining his awarding of no-bid contracts to political associates.
"We thought the smart thing to do was create the fund," said Sam Singer, a spokesman for Shelley. "Many of Kevin's supporters have called up and said, 'What can we do to help?' "
Donations to the Shelley account — simply called Legal Defense Fund — must be reported quarterly to the secretary of state. Shelley's office declined to name recent donors, if any, but said that they would be shown on the fund's first required report in January.
Shelley, who is married with two children, earns $131,250 a year as the state's top elections official. Property records show that he has a large mortgage. In late 2001, Shelley took a $764,000 loan from a family trust to buy an $800,000 home in San Francisco, the records show.
Singer said Shelley is "doing fine" financially and opened the legal defense account because of requests from friends. He said Shelley would not actively solicit funds for the account, but would direct people there if they asked how to help him.
"Things are going very, very well for the secretary of state's office," said Singer, citing the lack of serious problems during the November election.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
Shelley and State Senator Don Perata, both Democrats. And I hope both are now on their eventual journey to prison. (They won't let you keep your handgun in the joint, Don.)
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