Knuth's claim validated

The Allen County Election Board on Thursday ruled that Fort Wayne company Hanning and Bean violated campaign-finance law, but chose not to issue a fine.Allen County Democratic Party Chairman Kevin Knuth asked the Election Board in January to look into a number of contributions to the Allen County Republican Party, as well as some contributions to individuals appearing to exceed legal limits. Two of Knuth’s requests were resolved at a board meeting in February.

On Thursday, it was determined that in 2004, Hanning and Bean had loaned $5,000 to the Allen County Republican Party, which eventually repaid $6,489.75.The Republicans, however, repaid part of the loan by giving Hanning and Bean golf sponsorships worth $3,000. “I think that’s a bad practice,” said Andy Downs, the Democratic member of the Election Board, adding he thinks most people expect a loan to be repaid in cash.

In addition, in 2004 Hanning and Bean contributed $4,000 among several local candidates, $2,000 above the legal limit. Republicans Marla Irving and Mike Cunegin each refunded $1,000. The board determined this to be a violation, but because the money was returned, it did not issue a fine. According to law, the board could have fined Hanning and Bean three times the amount of the contribution in excess of the limit.Downs noted that Bean had exceeded campaign contribution limits in 1999 through another of his businesses, CARE Inc. of Fort Wayne, and also had exceeded contribution limits to state candidates in 2003 and 2005. “It seems to me that there is sort of a pattern here of disregard for the law,” Downs said.

“Well, as you might expect I’m not in your camp on this, Andrew,” said David Wright, the Republican member of the Election Board.Wright said Hanning and Bean had done everything the Election Board had asked them to do, and said they didn’t realize they were violating the law in the first place.Downs conceded campaign finance laws were difficult to understand.Knuth said after the meeting, “I would’ve thought a small fine would have sent a message.” But he was glad the process brought his concerns to light.

(Excerpted from The News Sentinel.)