Alaska campaign regulator drops fines against Lt. Gov. Kevin Meyer

JUNEAU — Alaska’s campaign finance regulator has dropped a proposed fine against Lt. Gov. Kevin Meyer after the lieutenant governor provided clarifying information, a letter from the Alaska Public Offices Commission states.

The letter, sent April 4, says, “The previously assessed penalties are withdrawn, and no action will be taken by the Alaska Public Offices Commission.”

Meyer had faced a fine of up to $12,700 for failing to properly document donations to his campaign in the days immediately before the Aug. 21 statewide primary election. At the time, the lieutenant governor’s chief of staff said the issue was likely due to a clerical error or similar innocent mistake.

The April 4 letter states that the lieutenant governor’s office provided documentation showing the donations in question were given outside the so-called “24-hour period” when daily reports of donations are required.

Fines are still pending against Rep. Gabrielle LeDoux, R-Anchorage; Rep. Zack Fields, D-Anchorage; and Rep. Matt Claman, D-Anchorage. According to APOC notices, Fields failed to properly document two $500 contributions, including one from the state’s leading alcohol industry trade group. Claman improperly reported a single $500 contribution, as did LeDoux, again according to APOC documentation.

Under the state constitution, sitting legislators are subject to legislative immunity during the legislative session. That gives the three additional time to respond to the allegations.