Democrats complain about Leiken's campaign spending
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — After the state Democratic party filed a complaint, the Oregon secretary of state's office has asked Republican Mayor Sid Leiken of Springfield for records of campaign filings.
Leiken plans to challenge Democratic U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio next year for Oregon's 4th Congressional District seat.
Among the records sought are those documenting $2,000 from his mayoral committee for polling.
Originally, Leiken said the payment went to his own consulting firm. But an amended filing said it went to a company named P&G Marketing and Research that Democrats said isn't registered to do business in Oregon.
Leiken says the company is his mother's, and she charged less than other vendors. He says she regrets not registering.
(Copyright 2009 The Associated Press)
The following is a statement sent to KVAL News by Mayor Sid Leiken
"In February 2009 my mayoral campaign committee made an expenditure of $2,000 to P & G Marketing for the purposes of opinion research that was conducted related to the Springfield City Council's discussion about enacting a gas tax.
As a result of the poll I determined that referring the issues to voters provided a higher likelihood of passage. It has since come to my attention that P & G, who my mayoral campaign account paid for the research is not registered with the Oregon Secretary of State. I have contacted the vendor and the amount expended is being refunded.
These services were provided at far less than other vendor options. This entity is controlled by, and shares a common address, with my mother which she uses for business matters. She regrets the fact that she had not registered with the Secretary of State. I am disappointed that she has been brought into this partisan complaint and she does not wish to comment on this matter. I hope her request will be respected.
This complaint is merely an attempt to distract from real issues affecting Oregonians. With unemployment recently reported at as much as 18.5% in parts of this district I will not be deterred in efforts to bring prosperity and jobs back to our local communities."
