A Bismarck woman has filed complaints with the Arkansas Ethics Commission against two ballot committees associated with Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, alleging violations of state ethics laws. The complaints were lodged against committee chairs Chris Caldwell and Randy Lawson, who have close ties to Sanders and her campaign. The complaints stem from $100,000 contributions exchanged between the committees, potentially violating state ethics laws and causing them to meet the definition of political action committees.
The complaints were filed after the Arkansas Times reported on the transactions between the committees. If the committees were operating as political action committees, they may have exceeded the $10,000 limit on contributions from a single entity in a calendar year. The Ethics Commission will now investigate the allegations, with the power to subpoena documents and interview individuals relevant to the case.
Stronger Arkansas and Arkansans for Students and Educators were created to oppose potential ballot measures in the November election. Caldwell and Lawson, along with other committee members, have ties to Sanders’ campaign and have been appointed to state commissions by her. The investigation by the Ethics Commission will determine if violations occurred and potential fines could be issued.
The investigation is part of an effort to ensure compliance with state ethics laws and to address any potential violations related to the contributions between the two committees. The outcome of the investigation will determine the next steps in resolving the alleged violations.
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Photo credit arktimes.com
