Morrison to pay fine for campaign disclosure violations

More than a year after his campaign received the checks, state Rep. Tom Morrison has admitted his committee violated disclosure laws by not reporting contributions within a required time frame.

Morrison, a Palatine Republican elected in November, paid a $3,250 fine as part of a settlement approved Wednesday by the Illinois State Board of Elections.

In October, Deer Park resident Nancy Shepherdson filed an ethics complaint against Morrison, stating his campaign improperly reported 11 contributions totaling $14,500 received between Jan. 12 and Jan. 27 of last year.

Morrison’s committee didn’t disclose the donations until after the February Republican primary — well past the required 48 hours reporting period. Among the contributions was $7,000 from conservative political action committees Renaissance PAC, Family-PAC and Eagle Forum State PAC.

Morrison said his disclosure reports have been amended and he’s working with new campaign Treasurer Ken Bunce to “ensure every penny is correct moving forward.” Morrison said last fall his former treasurer “mishandled” some contributions in a report and subsequently resigned.

Morrison, a small-business owner, added that he paid the fine and his legal fees out of pocket, which Bunce reminded him would have to be disclosed as in-kind contributions.

Shepherdson said even though Morrison defeated Democrat Matt Flamm in the November election, she felt it was important for him to admit the violations. The issue could have gone to a public hearing had it not been settled.

“He seemed to have such a cavalier attitude to the laws of the state and now he’s the one making the laws of the state,” said Shepherdson, the Democratic State Central Committeewoman for the 8th Congressional District and a Flamm supporter.