Seriously, Kentucky candidates, can we please get our act together? These amateur campaign finance mistakes must end if you’re to be taken seriously. This goes for all candidates, not just Greg Fischer.

Back to the matter at hand…

Dear Greg Fischer’s campaign for mayor: Was it necessary to file TEN amendments with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance? You could have made every adjustment necessary with one amendment instead of appearing terribly sloppy. (Or you could have proofread your report before filing it…)

We’re a bit befuddled. Especially after your campaign has spent hours upon hours telling us what a professional job you’re doing.

Nitpicking aside, let’s talk about the bigger problem. Fischer has potentially gotten himself in a mess with the KREF over an unreported fundraiser held on September 30th. Take a look at the invitation to see for yourself:

CLICK TO ENLARGE

And keep this in mind from from the EVENTS section of the KREF’s Candidate Guidebook:

KRS 121.180(5)

The Events Schedule 3 is sued to report fundraising activity and the date of events. If the event raises funds, the total gross receipts from each event, as well as any expenses, must also be reported.

Events such as rallies, dinners, luncheons and testimonials are considered fundraising events. The entire cost to attend the event is considered a contribution.

The sale of items such as hats, shirts and similar materials must be disclosed as a fundraising event. The entire purchase price of the item is considered a contribution.

Fischer raised funds from that event. Individuals who attended contributed to his campaign on or before September 30th. Meaning their contributions were received by his campaign prior to the end of the reporting period ending midnight September 30th. The event was not reported to the KREF. And none of the contributions were noted as coming from that event.

I sent an email (early yesterday) to Fischer’s Deputy Campaign Manager requesting an official comment and have yet to receive a response.

While this is an issue that may be corrected with an amended report, it’s totally uncalled for. Greg promised me he wouldn’t have the same campaign finance troubles he faced in 2008. Fischer supporters can personally attack me all they want, but it’s the little things like this that add up over time and become campaign obstacles.