EMILYs List Statement on Ross Spano’s Missing Financial Disclosure
For Immediate Release
November 3, 2018
EMILYs List Statement on Ross Spano’s Missing Financial Disclosure
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Tampa Bay Times reported that Ross Spano, Republican candidate for FL-15 running against EMILYs List-endorsed Kristen Carlson, has yet to file his personal financial disclosure, which is required of all candidates for Congress, and concealing the source for his more than $100,000 campaign loan. Christina Reynolds, vice president of communications at EMILYs List, released the following statement:
“Ross Spano’s brazen disregard for abiding by Ethics Committee rules makes him unfit to serve in Congress. Florida’s 15th District deserves better than a shady politician who refuses to disclose any of the special interests who may be backing him.”
BACKGROUND
Tampa Bay Times: Missing: Ross Spano’s financial disclosure required to run for Congress
[By William March, 11/2/18]
With only a few days left until the Nov. 6 election, Ross Spano, the Republican candidate for the congressional district 15 seat, apparently hasn't filed his legally required personal financial disclosure, according to the website of the House clerk.
[…]
Spano said Friday that he “understood it was filed” by his staff, but that if it hasn't been, “We'll make sure it's done promptly.”
The report could show a source for the personal money Spano has put into his campaign, $104,500 as of Oct. 17.
[…]
“Whatever would be filed or has to be filed would certainly show that,” he said. “When it's filed you'll have the information.”
He promised Friday morning to provide the Times a copy of the disclosure but hadn't done so by the end of the day.
The disclosure was due May 18, but Spano requested and got an extension until July 17. It did not appear on the House clerk's web site Friday afternoon.
[…]
Tallahassee elections law expert Mark Herron referred a reporter to a section of U.S. law saying it's illegal to fail to file the reports or file a false report, and the U.S. attorney general may bring a civil action against someone who fails to file.
The Ethics Committee's handbook says the penalty is a possible fine of up to $59,028.
[…]
Carlson spokesman Conor Hurley called Spano's “refusal to release his personal finances should be disqualifying.”
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