In a short complaint filed with the State Elections Enforcement Commission, Ted Kennedy, Jr.'s State Senate opponent alleges that the Democrat has skirted campaign finance law.
Thomas Banisch, the campaign manager for GOP candidate Bruce Wilson, filed a complaint Monday alleging that Kennedy, Jr. and his wife and business associates contributed $40,000 to the Connecticut Democratic Party.
Banisch and Kennedy are vying for the Branford State Senate seat.
In the paperwork, Banisch argues that the campaign's later expenditures totaled a similar amount, which prompted him to file a formal complaint.
“My understanding is that there are laws in place where you can’t have a quid pro quo situation," said Rep. Vincent Candelora, a Republican from North Branford.
Republicans allege that not only was the transfer improper, but that the $10,000 in donations exceeded individual contribution limits to campaigns.
Kennedy's campaign denies any wrongdoing, saying the candidate is well-versed in Connecticut campaign finance law.
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"There's nothing there" said John Murphy, Kennedy's campaign manager. "He's running as a clean elections candidate. He’s raised money in the past in different years for the state party and he raised money for the state party this year. It’s no different than any other year.”
The campaign hasn't even officially received the complaint and no charges have been filed.
It's possible the SEEC may decide to disregard the complaint after an investigation.
