Shumlin Solicits Cash from Lobbyists During Session
Montpelier, VT - Vermont Republican Chair Pat McDonald sent the following letter to Governor Peter Shumlin this morning:
April 25, 2011
Dear Governor Shumlin:
As our state’s top elected official, you are aware soliciting contributions from registered lobbyists during the legislative session is against the law. As you know, this law is in place to prevent politicians from using the legislative session as a political fundraising tool and to prevent lobbyists from using contributions to influence public policy. We believe that on at least two occasions you have violated Title 2 section 266 of Vermont’s campaign finance law by soliciting contributions during the legislative session from registered lobbyists.
Your email solicitations dated April 6th and April 18th (attached) are clear violations of this campaign finance law which has existed for more than a decade. As a seasoned politician, it’s fair to assume you know campaign finance law quite well and there is no excuse for these types of violations.
As governor, you swore an oath to uphold the laws of our state – including those, like this one, that you seem to have ignored.
We call on you to explain why you found it acceptable to violate this law and apologize to the people of Vermont for abusing their trust. Furthermore, we call on you to verify – beyond any doubt – that no members of your gubernatorial staff were in any way involved with this illegal campaign fundraising solicitation. We also strongly urge you to return the contributions you have received from lobbyists or will receive because of these solicitations. In closing we would expect you to take immediate corrective action to ensure that your campaign staff plays by the same rules that all of us must follow.
Moving forward, our expectation is that you will abide by all laws and provide the level of gubernatorial leadership – and accountability – to which the people of Vermont are entitled.
Sincerely,
Pat McDonald
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