AG Ken Paxton declines to sue candidates, officials who owe $700K in unpaid campaign violation fines [View all]
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/AG-Ken-Paxton-removes-one-more-tooth-from-17305389.php?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_medium=referral
For the past two and a half years, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has declined to sue hundreds of candidates and elected officials who altogether owe more than $700,000 to the state in unpaid fines for campaign reporting violations.
Campaign finance laws are meant to give the public insight into politicians possible influences and allow voters make informed decisions and hold officeholders accountable.
The Texas Ethics Commission levies the fines against candidates and elected officials who, for example, fail to file reports on their campaign fundraising and spending in a timely manner. Other violations include filing inaccurate or incomplete reports, misusing campaign or public funds for personal benefit, or producing and distributing misleading political advertising.