This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2008, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A green light has been given for an investigation into claims that the LDS Church failed to report nonmonetary contributions to the Yes on Proposition 8 campaign.
California's Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) confirmed Monday that it will look into a complaint filed earlier this month by Californians Against Hate, an independent nonprofit organization established to track big donors who supported the measure, which -- with its passage -- put a stop to same-sex marriages in that state.
"They read my letter, and I guess came to the conclusion that there's something worth looking into," said Fred Karger, who heads up Californians Against Hate. "I'm hopeful that the LDS Church will cooperate and share all the records and all the information they have about their activities in the Proposition 8 campaign."
Karger, a retired political consultant, said in his complaint that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints failed to report money invested to organize phone banks, send out direct mailers, provide transportation to California, mobilize a speakers bureau, send out satellite simulcasts and develop Web sites, as well as numerous commercials and video broadcasts.
The LDS Church did not comment on this latest development but said earlier that Karger's complaint had "many errors and misstatements," that the church had "fully complied with the reporting requirements of the California Political Reform Act" and that "any investigation would confirm the Church's full compliance with applicable law."
To Karger, however, the fact that FPPC is moving forward is seen as a good sign. He said his political attorney told him the commission looks into fewer than 5 percent of complaints, an indication in his mind that "when they do it, it's pretty serious."
But Roman Porter, executive director of FPPC, doesn't want anyone jumping to conclusions. He wouldn't say how often investigations unfold and insisted that comparing complaints, which all have unique characteristics, would be inappropriate. He also said an investigation is nothing more than an investigation.
"We haven't made any determination about wrongdoing," Porter said, and he encouraged people to "reserve judgment."
Porter said there was no timeline set for the investigation and he would not speculate on when the public will know more. But he did say if the FPPC determines fault, the commission can fine "up to $5,000 per violation," and in some cases might also file a civil lawsuit which could lead to remedies amounting to "three times the amount of unreported or misreported contributions."