Rep. Schauer’s State Campaign Hit With Record Fine

Michigan’s Secretary of State hit Rep. Mark Schauer (D-Mich.) Tuesday with the largest fine for a campaign finance violation in the state’s history, for violations occurring while he was a state legislator.

Schauer, a former state senator, will pay almost $210,000 in fines for having violated limits on campaign contributions when donating funds to the state fund for Democratic candidates for the state Senate, as well as donating more than was allowed to an individual state Senate candidate.

Michigan state law limits donations to $20,000 per year to state Democratic caucuses. The complaints against Schauer were brought by the then-state Senate Majority Leader, a Republican.

“Michigan’s campaign finance laws serve the public by illuminating the political contribution process,” Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land said in a statement. “These fines will reassure all voters that their interests are being protected. They also send a clear message that no one is above the law.”

Land is one of several Republican candidates for governor of the Wolverine State in 2010. Her office was responsible for coming to an agreement with Schauer and the campaign committees on the penalties.