This is beyond the pale. The fact that sign placements do not have to be reported as campaign contributions should tell you that under the law, sign placements do not have monetary value for campaign finance law purposes. Further, the Supreme Court has upheld that corporations have the same free speech protections as individuals do. Beyond that, laws governing corporations organized in the state of Minnesota do not apply to sole proprietorships, or partnerships, which covers most Lake Street and Minnehaha Avenue businesses (which is irrelevent anyway in this case).
Some people would prefer not to see Shegstad signs *everywhere* but this is really reaching. A more likely way to get rid of them might be building a time-machine, travelling back in time to 2001, and telling Gary Schiff not to conduct himself as an unresponsive, arrogant ruler. Then, maybe he'd be running unopposed this time around. This 99% figure is really reaching too. The Shegstad campaign has hundreds of posted signs in ward 9. About 20 of them are in store-fronts. It shouldn't be surprising that small business people who live in the ward would support Shegstad. He doesn't tell them that they are expendable. Dave Shegstad is, as mentioned, endorsed by the 5th CD Republicans. He sought the endorsement of all 4 major political parties in Minneapolis, which includes the Republicans, the DFL, the Greens, and the Independence Party. The DFL is backing incumbent, Schiff. Bicking beat Shegstad to the application for the Green endorsement. The IP has a newish policy of not cross-endorsing, but who knows, may make an exception. The point is, Shegstad is running as an independent, because he knows that regardless of party check-boxes, there are common ground issues that cross the spectrum. Everyone wants to be safe, everyone wants a voice, as examples. He intends to work with everyone. This post is my own personal opinion, and should not be construed to be representative of the Dave Shegstad for City Council campaign. Dan McGrath Longfellow http://www.shegstad.us > I have seen a lot of signs for (Republican Endorsed) Dave Shegstad, > and I would say that 99% of them are at businesses. Perhaps He is > unaware that MN Campaign Finance Law (sec. 211B.15)prohibits > corporate campaign contributions which includes posting of campaign > signs. > > Subd. 2. Prohibited contributions. A corporation may not make a > contribution or offer or agree to make a contribution, directly or > indirectly, of > any money, property, free service of its officers, employees, or > members, or thing > of monetary value to a major political party, organization, > committee, or > individual to promote or defeat the candidacy of an individual for > nomination, > election, or appointment to a political office. For the purpose of > this subdivision, > "contribution" includes an expenditure to promote or defeat the > election or > nomination of a candidate to a political office that is made with the > authorization or expressed or implied consent of, or in cooperation > or in concert > with, or at the request or suggestion of, a candidate or committee > established > to support or oppose a candidate. REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
