Complaint slams
Harris’ money

Fundraising methods should be
looked at by the prosecutor,
Bob Watada says

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By Rick Daysog
rdaysog@starbulletin.com

The head of the state Campaign Spending Commission is alleging that Mayor Jeremy Harris's campaign improperly laundered political contributions.

In an eight-page complaint, executive director Bob Watada said that the Harris 2000 campaign intentionally took contributions and booked them under false names.

"Certain individuals, identified as contributors, reported that ... they did not personally provide the funds for the said contributions and had no knowledge of making contributions to Harris, or provided funds to other individuals for the purpose of making contributions to Harris," the complaint said.

It does not give specifics about the alleged campaign violations.

Watada said in the complaint that he will recommend that the full commission refer the complaint to the city Prosecutor's Office for criminal investigation. Watada had no comment today.

The commission will meet tomorrow to discuss the complaint.

Ruth Ann Becker, a spokeswoman for the Harris campaign, could not be reached for immediate comment. The campaign's attorney, Chris Parsons, also could not be reached.

However, on Saturday, Harris criticized Watada's investigation, saying it is part of a "vendetta" and that Watada is unfairly singling out his campaign.

Harris, who defeated former City Councilman Mufi Hannemann in the 2000 mayoral election, plans to run for governor this year as a Democrat.

The commission began taking a close look into contributions to the Harris campaign earlier this year after the Star-Bulletin reported that the mayor's campaign raised nearly $750,000, or about a quarter of his $3 million war chest for the 2000 re-election, from people and companies linked to dozens of city contractors.

Watada earlier said that the commission is investigating 50 to 60 companies that donated to the Harris campaign. The commission has fined seven firms for giving more than the $4,000 limit to the Harris camp.