40 candidates miss deadlines for campaign reports

Friday, April 18, 2003 | 11:24 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The names of 40 political candidates, half of them from Clark County, have been turned over to state Attorney General Brian Sandoval for action because they filed late or didn't file their campaign expense and contribution reports.

The candidates face penalties ranging from $50 to $15,000.

Assembly Speaker Pro Tem Wendell Williams, D-Las Vegas, was delinquent on submitting his campaign reports. He owes $15,000, according to the secretary of state's office.

Williams has agreed to submit his final campaign report by Tuesday and to set up a payment schedule.

At least 17 of the delinquent candidates belong to the Independent American Party, many of whom refused to submit any information, saying it was a violation of their constitutional Fifth Amendment rights. They could face $15,000 in penalties.

Secretary of State Dean Heller said Thursday the 40 did not file their reports with his office by the deadlines of Aug. 27, Oct. 29 and Jan. 15.

Heller said his office sent several letters to each candidate reminding them of their obligation.

"When all attempts fail, we are forced to seek legal remedy," Heller said.

Suits were brought after the 2000 election against delinquent candidates. Some are still pending in the court.

Tardy candidates from Clark County this election, the office they sought and the potential fine include: Jim Blockey, who sought election to Assembly District 5 and then withdrew, $50; Joe Castillo, sheriff, $10,025; Leon Catlett, Senate District 12, $5,000, and Darryl Glover, Assembly District 7, $15,000.

Other late or non-filing Clark County individuals were District Court candidates Tony Liker for Department 18, $5,175; Lawrence McCullough, Department 20, $5,000; and Leonard Root, Department 21, $5,025; as well as Donn Prokopius, Family Court Department J, $1,875.

Heller said other tardy Clark County candidates were David Parks, the unsuccessful challenger in Assembly District 41, $5,175; Michael Slater, Assembly District 13, $5,000; Bruce Westcott, governor, $5,000; Kevin Williams, County Commission, $15,000; William Boyd Ballard, County Commission, $15,000; Christopher Hansen, secretary of state, $15,000; Dawn Hansen, county clerk, $15,000; Joshua Hansen, Assembly District 21, $10,000; Nicholas Hansen, Henderson constable, $15,000; Jesse Harris, Assembly District 22, $15,000; Justin Ramsaier, Assembly District 29, $5,000; and Patricia Saye, Assembly District 41, $15,000.

Although the first report was due Aug. 27 and the second one on Oct. 29, Heller said he did not turn over the names of tardy candidates to the attorney general until Thursday "in the interest of judicial economy."

The state Ethics Commission is also in District Court asking for an interpretation of the law that requires political candidates to file financial disclosure statements. Many of the IAP candidates said it was a violation of their constitutional rights.

District Judge Bill Maddox of Carson City has the case under submission.