Senate President Don Harmon | Facebook / Senate President Don Harmon
Senate President Don Harmon | Facebook / Senate President Don Harmon
The Illinois State Board of Elections reached a stalemate on October 21, unable to decide on a $9.8 million fine against Senate President Don Harmon for alleged campaign finance violations. The deadlock, split along party lines with four Democrats and four Republicans, leaves the penalty unenforceable for now.
The controversy centers on claims that Harmon's campaign accepted donations exceeding state limits after its self-funding exemption expired. According to Illinois law, contribution caps are lifted when a candidate self-funds over $100,000. However, a report by hearing officer Barbara Goodman found that despite the exemption expiring post-March 2024 primary, Harmon's campaign continued to receive millions without reapplying for an exemption.
Harmon argues the exemption is valid until 2026 due to ambiguous legal definitions of "election cycle," a claim rejected in Goodman's report. Notably, Harmon co-sponsored the legislation he is accused of violating.
Democratic board member Casanda Watson suggested dismissing the case and dropping the fine, while Republican member McCrory expressed a need for more information before deciding. Republican Jack Vrett emphasized exploring multiple options before further action.
Further proceedings are postponed until November 18 to allow additional legal review. The decision could set a precedent for future interpretations of Illinois' campaign finance laws regarding self-funding exemptions and contribution limits.
The allegations involve Harmon's campaign reportedly accepting about $4 million above legal limits after March 2024. Initially invoking the self-funding exemption in January 2023 by loaning his committee $100,001, Goodman's report states this exemption expired after the primary. Harmon’s prior compliance from 2020 to 2024 makes these alleged violations notable.
Candidates with unpaid fines risk disqualification from ballots; however, Harmon has reported having sufficient funds to cover the fine if necessary. Representing Chicago's Austin neighborhood and several suburbs since his election in 2002, Harmon plans to run for re-election in 2026.
Information from this article can be found here.
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