GOP group fined $2,000, returns donations

A group that raises money for Republican campaigns in the Vermont House of Representatives has agreed to pay a $2,000 penalty and return two contributions that violated state campaign finance law.

In November 2015, the Vermont House Republican PAC accepted a $2,000 contribution from the pharmaceutical firm Pfizer Inc., and a $1,000 contribution from tobacco company Altria Client Services LLC. Both companies employ lobbyists in Vermont and are restricted from giving money to legislative groups, known as legislative leadership political committees, during the biennium.

The Vermont Attorney General's Office received a complaint about the contributions shortly after Seven Days reported on them in March 2016.

In a settlement agreement released Tuesday, the Vermont House Republican PAC admitted the violations and agreed to return the money and pay the state a $2,000 penalty.

Read more: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/politics/2016/10/04/gop-group-fined-2000-returns-donations/91550546/