Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Violating Campaign Law, Pete Hoekstra Has Not Revealed Lobby Firm Salary and Other Information on Financial Gains


From Michigan Democratic Party



More Than 50 Days after Deadline, Hoekstra has not Disclosed Finances

LANSING – In a clear violation of campaign law, Senate candidate and former former Congressman Pete Hoekstra has not revealed his salary from the lobbying firm at which he currently works or other financial information. Over a month-and-a-half after the deadline, Hoekstra has not filed the necessary papers required by law documenting his sources of income and other information about his personal financial gains.

“Pete Hoekstra can choose to profit by working at a lobbying firm defending special interests, but hiding his financial gain from that lobbying firm is against the law,” said Mark Brewer, Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party.“All candidates for Congress are required to disclose sources of financial gain to help root out corruption and conflicts of interest. If Hoekstra doesn’t have anything to be ashamed of, he should not be afraid of abiding by the law.”

Personal Financial Disclosure Reports for candidates are due within 30 days of becoming a candidate or by May 15th, whichever date is later. Hoekstra, an employee of D.C.-based lobbying firm Dickstein Shapiro, filed paper work to run for Senate on July 22, meaning he was required by law to file his financial report by August 22.
Federal law also states that a candidate who does not comply with the law and make their finances known on time faces fines and penalties.

Personal Financial Disclosure Reports require lawmakers to state the sources of their income, the names of corporations in which they hold a position such as director or officer, the names of businesses in which they hold a financial interest, and other financial information.  Under federal law, all Members of Congress and candidates for Congress must file the forms.

No comments: