Political Practices Commission Rejects Fine That Staff Urged for Sen. Calderon
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SACRAMENTO — The state Fair Political Practices Commission on Thursday rejected a staff recommendation to fine state Sen. Charles Calderon (D-Whittier) $15,000 for using campaign funds for such personal items such as tennis clothes.
During a brief debate, Commissioner Deborah Seiler characterized the proposed fine as “too heavy a hit” and said she favored a penalty of $6,000 to $10,000.
The commission staff determined that Calderon had improperly dipped into his campaign funds to pay for tennis gear, entertainment for his son’s birthday party and his wife’s modeling photographs.
In a stipulated agreement signed last month, Calderon, who is seeking reelection, agreed to pay the $15,000 fine stemming from an investigation by the watchdog agency.
But on a 3-2 vote, the commission turned down the settlement deal and sent the dispute back to its staff for more negotiations.
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