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Incumbent representative to ask for change to fundraising rule Sunday, Apr 2, 2006 By Aaron Sadler Arkansas News Bureau LITTLE ROCK - A state representative with a Democratic primary opponent says he will seek suspension of a rule prohibiting him from receiving campaign contributions during a legislative session when lawmakers convene Monday. Rep. Denny Sumpter, D-West Memphis, said he would be at a "big, big disadvantage" in his May 23 primary if the special session that begins Monday continues for more than a week. State leaders have said they hope the special session on education that begins Monday will be finished by the end of the week. If it's not concluded in a week, Sumpter said he would begin using his own money to fund his campaign against challenger Basil Joiner of Proctor. "Certainly, there's a big, big disadvantage for incumbents if we're there for four weeks or something," Sumpter said. " ... Then, it's kind of getting crunch time, time to buy signs and advertising and get everything out." Gov. Mike Huckabee said last week that one reason for a quick special session is to avoid conflicting with the political session. Filing for candidates began March 21 and ends Tuesday. Both houses of the Legislature enacted rules barring campaign contributions during regular and special sessions in 1999, after the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals struck down a statute prohibiting the practice. Rep. Robert Thompson, D-Paragould, said Friday he thinks rescinding the fundraising rule temporarily will be one of the first items acted upon by both chamber. "Given the proximity of the election, I would be surprised if both chambers did not suspend those rules," said Thompson, who is in a Democratic primary for a state Senate in May. "I don't think they were intended to prevent fundraising this close to a primary election," Thompson added. House rules prohibit House members from taking campaign contributions only if they are seeking re-election. House members running for other offices are exempt from the rule, said longtime House Parliamentarian Tim Massanelli. The House rule, as it relates to special sessions, applies only to when the chamber is in session. "Hypothetically, if the session starts at 1, at 12:59 they can take (a contribution)," Massanelli said. "If it's stopped at 2 o'clock, they can take a contribution at 2:01." A similar, but broader, rule applies to the Senate. Senators may not accept campaign contributions during sessions if they are seeking any office other than Congress, said Steve Cook, attorney for the Senate. Sen. Tim Wooldridge, D-Paragould, and Sen. Jim Holt, R-Springdale, are vying for their parties' nominations for lieutenant governor. Wooldridge said Friday he hoped his fundraising efforts aren't significantly affected since the session is at the beginning of a month. He was encouraging contributors to send in donations Friday, the last day of the month and the cut-off date for his March campaign finance report. He does not plan to seek suspension of the rule in the Senate. "While it may impede fundraising, I've also got an obligation and a duty to my constituents," Wooldridge said. Holt's campaign manager, Mark Moore, said the Holt campaign may have to reconsider a large-scale mailout planned for this week. "If that's the rule, he's going to follow it," Moore said. "We'll just have to hope for a short special session." Rep. Ray Kidd, D-Jonesboro, is the only other state representative besides Sumpter to have a primary re-election challenge. |
