West Cook News

The Liberty Justice Center (LJC) has taken a significant role in a campaign finance case involving Illinois Senate President Don Harmon. Earlier this year, Harmon was fined $9.8 million for allegedly accepting contributions beyond legal limits, a law he helped sponsor. The fine is currently on hold following an October 21 deadlock by the Illinois State Board of Elections (ISBE).

"The Liberty Justice Center’s involvement underscores a simple principle: no one is above the law—not even those who helped write it," said LJC in their press release. The organization intervened after Harmon's campaign reportedly ignored ISBE warnings to return or donate excess funds.

LJC filed a petition on behalf of Nick Binotti, a government watchdog and constituent of Harmon, to participate in the ISBE proceedings concerning these allegations. "This case raises an important issue of equal enforcement of the law," said LJC. They emphasize that while they support fewer restrictions on political speech and contributions, rules must be applied equally.

The $9.8 million fine stems from claims that Harmon's campaign accepted about $4 million over legal limits post-March 2024 primary. Hearing officer Barbara Goodman recommended upholding the penalty, suggesting Harmon's committee either misinterpreted or ignored the law.

Following the Board's deadlock, Democrats were sympathetic to Harmon's arguments, while Republicans backed Goodman's recommendation. The Board will revisit the matter on November 18; until then, the fine remains levied but unenforced due to partisan division.

Republican board member Jack Vrett suggested taking a cautious approach: "Give us a menu of options and let the board decide at a later date." Legal experts note that without clear guidelines for enforcing penalties without majority votes, the Board faces uncertainty.

Harmon's attorneys argue that without a majority decision, the fine cannot be collected and plan to challenge any enforcement attempts in court. Ryan Morrison from LJC mentioned possible further actions if there is a tie: "If there is a tie, then the complaint is dismissed," he told Center Square’s Greg Bishop.

LJC expressed concerns about partisan inaction leading to unresolved complaints: "By intervening, Mr. Binotti seeks to ensure that this complaint receives full consideration," said LJC.

Democratic Board member Casanda Watson suggested dismissing the case and dropping the fine after the deadlock. Republican Catherine McCrory opposed this view: "Maybe you feel differently... but for myself, I’d like some more information before I make that decision."

The case revolves around Illinois’ self-funding exemption rule. Harmon’s campaign used this exemption by loaning over $100,000 to his committee but continued accepting contributions past its expiration after March 2024 primary without new notification.

Goodman dismissed claims about ambiguous election cycle definitions and supported enforcing penalties: "[T]he evidence establishes that the Committee did... exceed contribution limits," she wrote.

Harmon represents Illinois' 39th Senate District since 2002 and has served as Senate President since 2020. His campaign reported having $16.5 million available as of September.

Information from this article can be found here.