Four FEC actions carry $100,100 in fines

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- The U.S. federal elections watchdog said it recently settled seven enforcement matters, four with civil penalties totaling $100,100.

The largest fine was leveled against the Colorado Democratic Party, which agreed to pay a civil penalty of $45,000 for violating the Federal Election Campaign Act's reporting requirement, the Federal Elections Commission said Tuesday. The complaint said the panel misreported receipts and disbursements in 2003 and 2004.

The campaign committee of Louisiana congressional candidate Charles Melancon agreed to pay a civil penalty of $42,000 for not disclosing all of its financial activity on its 2004 30-day, post-runoff report.

In a congressional race in Connecticut, Rob Simmons' campaign committee agreed to pay $9,500 in a civil penalty for not disclosing all financial activity on its 2006 12-day, pre-general election report, the FEC said.

The FEC said Republicans for Trauner committee agreed to pay a $3,600 civil penalty for violating multiple provisions of the Act. The committee wasn't an authorized campaign committee and violated the Federal Election Campaign Act by using the name of a federal candidate -- Gary Trauner -- and didn't have adequate disclaimers, didn't register with the FEC in a timely manner, and accepted excessive and corporate contributions.