At last, some good questions about the Crafton amendment

P.J. Tobia has started asking questions about who is paying for Metro Councilman Eric Crafton's effort to amend the charter to secure the embattled English language. Now we're talking. He mostly gets evasions and evolving answers. Is it being done under the auspices of a 501c3? If so, my understanding is that this is allowed since we're not talking about support of a candidate. But I believe, at least at the State level, that those funding ballot measures have to keep a separate bank account and go through some extra filings.

According to the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance, here's who has to file:

1.

Who must file Campaign Financial Disclosure Statements?

Single-Measure Committees. Reports of appointment of treasurers and disclosure of contributions and expenditures are required of: (1) a group of two or more individuals making expenditures to support or oppose any state or local measure in a referendum, (2) a corporation or any other organization making expenditures to support or oppose any state or local measure in a referendum, (3) any committee, club, association or group of persons receiving contributions or making expenditures totaling more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) in a calendar year to support or oppose any state or local measure in a referendum.

Since the group's website is raising money and spending it on robocalls, post cards, and the like, it looks as if they would qualify. Presumably, if the law is followed, we will know who is contributing to Crafton's effort.

Complaint against Knox Co Mayor

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/apr/02/complaint-filed-against-ragsdale/

As if there weren't enough drama in Knox County government, a citizen has filed a complaint against Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale for a reimbursement from his campaign funds. Charles Bowers filed the complaint with the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance, but the Registry says it hasn't received the complaint yet.

Lawmaker can raise money during session (for his local race)

The Tennessee Registry of Election Finance says that Rep. Vince Dean (R-East Ridge) can raise money for his campaign for sheriff even though legislators are normally prevented from fundrasing during the legislative session. Andy Sherr has the goods: http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2008/mar/24/council-members-raise-church-state-questions-durin/