A lot of questions remain regarding a campaign ad that targeted state Senator-elect John Lehman . This much is clear, there will be a fine, concerning a flyer mailed to voters in Lehman's district. "There's all this hue and cry about enforcing the election laws, so that's what we're trying to do," said Chairman John Savage in explaining why he and other members of the state Elections Board want more information about the group, "All Children Matter," which did the mailing in October.
Board member David Anstaett said the failure to disclose who paid for the circular will mean a fine of about $1500. While that's not a big amount for a group which has raised millions around the country, "you have to tie the fine to what's what authorized under the statutes," said Anstaett. "What we're looking at now is a $500 fine for each violation. There could be more violations, that's why . . we're asking for more information."
So who paid for the ad? Kevin St. John , attorney for the group, has been ordered to provide that information. "I'm going to provide what (elections board) staff has asked for, otherwise I have no comment," St. John told reporters.
Board chair Savage noted that little is known about the group , which has an office in Grand Rapids, Michigan and lists its director as George Mitchell. The mailing stated that "There are $12 BILLION reasons to vote against John Lehman" — a reference to the supposed amount of tax increases Lehman voted for during his career in the Assembly.