Despite weeks of campaign finance allegations back and forth, the Randy Weber campaign has now filed a formal complaint with the Federal Election Commission. For the first time, the accusations involve charges that the Lampson campaign and the Texas Democratic Party illegally coordinated their efforts, violating federal law.
The complaint alleges money was transferred back and forth between the Lampson campaign and the state Democratic Party. It alleges there was "material involvement" and "substantial discussion" between the two - which would establish the legal definition of "coordination."
And the complaint argues that direct mail ads funded by the state Democratic Party were coordinated with the campaign but the fact was not disclosed by disclaimers. Weber campaigned in the western half of the 14th congressional district Wednesday, but discussed the complaint with 12 News HD by phone.
Weber told us, "can you say payoff... I think the voters will see through it." In the past, the Lampson campaign has accused Weber of violating election rules -- saying 7 donors gave $22,500 more than they were allowed.
Weber's campaign has accused Lampson of violating campaign finance laws and missing deadlines 7 times dating back to 1996. But this is the first time accusations have been made about transfers between Lampson and the state party.
Lampson declined a phone interview tonight, but told 12 News in a statement, "Either Mr. Weber has no understanding of election law or he is launching false attacks to distract from his own campaign finance troubles. while it is perfectly legal for a political party to support candidates, it's completely unlawful to accept $22,500 in illegal campaign contributions as Randy Weber has done."
Weber denies those allegations in talking with us tonight.The Weber campaign tonight asked Lampson to supply evidence of his allegations.
If proven, coordination violations between Lampson and the party could be punishable by a criminal fine of up to $25,000, and up to 5 years in prison.
