State Democrats got hold of an invitation to a $500-times-two fundraising cocktail party event in Darien scheduled Tuesday for 4th District congressional challenger Steve Obsitnik and state Sen. Andrew Roraback, R-Goshen, seeking the 5th District seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy. The invitation featured joint campaign logos of Roraback and Obsitnik, announcing that Dan Debicella, the former state senator who lost the 4th CD race to U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, was hosting the event in the home of Cynthia and Mac Brighton. The suggested contribution was $500 for Roraback and $500 for Obsitnik. The invitation featured a variety of state GOP heaveyweights including Senate Minority Leader John McKinney, House Minority Leader Larry Cafero and Norwalk Mayor Dick Moccia.
The Democratic State Central Committee shot out a news release charging that the joint fundraiser violated federal election law by failing to form a new joint committee for the two candidates; failing to properly list what entity paid for the invitations; and who will receive the funds from the event.
“Campaign finance laws are intended to let voters know where the money is going, and to keep everyone operating within the same legal framework. Both Roraback and Obsitnik are violating the law,” said Democratic Party Chairwoman Nancy DiNardo of Trumbull. “That is unacceptable for candidates seeking to make federal law.” She charged that the campaigns are not allowed to coordinate logistics for an event, the vendors used, and the distribution of proceeds from the event.
“This is just another symptom of Obsitnik’s desperate attempts to look like a legitimate candidate,” DiNardo said. “Roraback may be eager to join his fellow Republican candidates in raising money for their shared cause – ending Medicare as we know it to pay for tax breaks for millionaires, but as a sitting member of Connecticut’s state Senate, Andrew Roraback should know better.”
Republicans were ready with a response, with Amanda Bergen, Obsitnik’s spokeswoman, announcing that the invitations have been rewritten, now with separate letterhead of the two candidates. “Typical Washington tactics – Jim Himes and the Democrats are attempting to divert attention from Himes’ failure to represent Fairfield County in Washington,” she said. “While people are struggling to find jobs, pay painfully high gas prices and survive a terrible housing market, Himes is talking about party invitations.”
Democrats said the updated solicitations do not correct the violation of laws including:
– 11 CFR 102.17 (C) (1) – written agreement between the two parties establishing the guidelines for the fundraiser and funds received at the event
– 11 CFR 102.17 (C) (2) – joint fundraising notice must be included with every solicitation for contributions
“The only way to have a joint fundraiser, in the same location, with the same speakers, is by forming a joint committee (see FEC agreement in a complaint filed by William R. Caroselli against Santorum 2006 and Gregg Melinson),” said Elizabeth Larkin, communications director for state Democrats. ” In sending out updated notices the two campaigns are cementing their violations of the law.”