AG to deal with delinquent candidates

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Secretary of State Dean Heller today turned over the names of four political candidates to the state attorney general's office.

He said the candidates failed to file their campaign contribution reports, which were due April 19.

The four are: Leonard Griffin, a candidate for constable in Las Vegas; Earl Swift, a candidate for Clark County Commission in District D; Jon Springmeyer, who ran for Carson City Justice of the Peace, and Deborah Westcoatt, a candidate for the Nye County School Board.

A spokeswoman for the attorney general's office said a "strong letter" would be written to the candidates. If they don't submit their reports, court action will be taken.

Failure to submit the reports was once a criminal offense, but the 1995 Legislature changed it to a civil penalty with fines.

"Prior to the beginning of the political season, I announced that this office would take aggressive action against candidates who fail to comply with campaign finance laws," Heller said. "These individuals are now faced with substantial fines as a result of their tardiness."

More than 50 other candidates were late in filing their August report and have paid $8,055 in penalties. Fifteen of the candidates have yet to pay their penalties.

Heller also said notices have been sent to 34 candidates who missed the Oct. 21 deadline. "If they fail to pay the assessed penalty in a timely matter, their names will also be forwarded to the attorney general," he said.