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2 Face Complaints On Election Funds

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By MIKE SALINERO

msalinero@tampatrib.com

Published: February 11, 2009

TAMPA - An east Hillsborough activist has filed complaints with the state Elections Commission against County Commission Chairman Ken Hagan and former Commissioner Brian Blair.

George Niemann, a Dover resident and member of the United Citizens Action Network, accused Hagan and Blair of violating campaign finance laws. The Elections Commission will meet Feb. 26 to consider whether there is probable cause to believe Hagan or Blair violated state law.

Niemann said Hagan accepted $748 from a contributor during his re-election campaign in 2007 and 2008. State law limits campaign contributions to $500 per person or political action committee per election.

"I will say the complaint is 100-percent meritless," Hagan said. "Unfortunately, due to the confidentiality requirements of this process, I am unable to comment further. However, I am very much looking forward to the upcoming hearing."

Niemann accused Blair of not listing in campaign finance reports the money he spent on postage for brochures he mailed to voters. Blair said the amount he failed to report was small and probably due to a computer glitch.

"When you raise over $250,000, it's hard not to have some glitches," Blair said.

Niemann could not be reached for comment. Last year, he filed a complaint against Blair with the state Ethics Commission, alleging the commissioner used his position to interfere in a regulatory action by the county Environmental Protection Commission. The commission cleared Blair of the charge.

Reporter Mike Salinero can be reached at (813) 259-8303.

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