Bedford Twp. clerk to pay $7,000 campaign fine

2/24/2009

LANSING Bedford Township Clerk Bob Schockman will pay a $7,000 fine to settle a campaign violation in the 2006 state Senate election race.

The agreement signed by Mr. Schockman with Michigan Secretary of State Terry Lynn Land stems from an allegation that he exceeded the annual $20,000 limit on individuals for contributions to the state Senate Democratic Fund.

Mr. Schockman unsuccessfully challenged Randy Richardville (R., Monroe) for the state Senate 17 seat in the November, 2006, election.

Ms. Land also announced that a $208,250 fine was levied on U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer for six excess contributions made by his campaign to the state Democratic political fund in 2006, when Mr. Schauer was running for re-election to the senate. Mr. Schauer (D., Battle Creek) ousted first-term Tim Walberg (R., Tipton) from the 7th Congressional District seat in November.

The fines given to Mr. Schockman and Mr. Schauer equal the amount of the improper contributions over the campaign limit plus $1,000 for each time they violated the campaign finance act. The Senate Democratic Fund agreed to return $202,250 to Mr. Schauer s state senate campaign and pay a $10,000 fine.