More facts asked on complaint against Perkins

Friday, Feb. 20, 2004 | 10:13 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The secretary of state's office is asking Las Vegas resident Lee Haynes to supply specific information as to how Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins, D-Henderson, and Henderson may have violated the campaign reporting law.

Chief Deputy Secretary of State Renee Parker said in a letter to Haynes Thursday that to properly review his complaint, "We need to be able to clearly identify the specific acts or omissions that you believe are at issue.'

Parker wanted details on how the city spent money to support the candidacy of Perkins, who is deputy chief of police for Henderson. Haynes said the city used public resources to contest a complaint that Perkins was covered by the federal Hatch Act and could not be involved in political campaigns.

Haynes also alleged the city should have filed a campaign expense report as a political action committee but did not.

Haynes could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Parker said Haynes must clarify what expenses the city incurred on behalf of Perkins and if they fell under the law of expenses for advertising or advocacy for election of the speaker. "You also state that Speaker Perkins received in-kind contributions to his campaign that he did not subsequently report," Parker's letter to Haynes notes. She then asks for details.

Parker said providing the specifics will "enable us to conduct the initial review of your complaint and determine where it appears any provisions of the election laws have been violated."

Haynes alleged the city "made unusual expenditures of city funds" to maintain Perkins in the Assembly, leading to unfair benefits for the city.

If the secretary of state's office finds sufficient evidence to proceed, it will ask Perkins and Henderson to formally respond.