Posted on 11/14/2007 10:34:22 AM PST by SmithL
NASHVILLE - The Registry of Election Finance today voted to fine state Sen. Jerry Cooper $120,000 for diverting campaign funds to his personal use. It is the largest penalty ever imposed by the agency charged with enforcing state campaign finance laws.
Cooper, D-Morrison, did not attend the Registry meeting and did not respond to letters sent to him by Registry officials.
The veteran lawmaker was acquitted in June on bank fraud charges, but during the trial an FBI agent testified that Cooper had transferred more than $95,000 from his campaign account to personal accounts in a two-year period ending in 2001. An exhibit in the trial showed 24 checks making such transfers.
Drew Johnson, president of the Tennessee Center for Policy Research, had filed a complaint with the Registry contending the transfers violated state law. Today, the Registry board agreed.
The board voted 5-1 to impose a $120,000 fine. The "no" vote came from member George Harding of Lebanon, who said it was too high.
"You can kill a fella in Tennessee for less than that," Harding said.
But Registry Chairman William F. Long said the amount was fair, The board could have imposed up to $10,000 in fines for each of the 24 checks, or a total of $240,000.
In debate, members noted that one of the checks - for $654 - had a notation that it was for reimbursement of campaign expenses. That check was excluded from the penalty, with the Registry deciding to acess the $120,000 equally against all 23 remaining checks.
Johnson, who attended the Registry hearing, said he was pleased with the result.
"I like the precedent the Registry set today," said Johnson, adding that he sees Cooper's failure to respond to the charges as an admission of guilt.
"I think it shows he knew he couldn't get out of it," said Johnson.
I am really, really, really glad this happened. Short of murder though, he will continue to be voted right back in office.
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