Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws
Contributed by: Anonymous Oshkosh Common Council candidate Mark Madison has a web site up and running (www.markmadison.org). He's also handing out postcards discussing his candidacy. On the surface these things seem completely appropriate. The problem is what's below the surface.
On his postcards/mailers, there is no "Authorized and Paid for by" disclaimer. That is a violation of state election law the way I understand it to be. On his web site he has a disclaimer reading "AABFB Madison for Council, Stephen Hintz Treasurer." I'm not sure what those initials stand for. If they are supposed to mean "Authorized and Paid for By" it should read AAPFB. But even that seems like it would be in violation of state law. The statutes read that initials may not be used.
When candidates run for office, they are given materials explaining what the election laws and campaign rules are. Maybe Madison didn't get his, but since he's run for office a few times previously and with Stephen Hintz for a treasurer, you'd think he'd have a handle on things.
Seems like we have one more campaign problem for our district attorney to investigate. Anyone up for filing another complaint against Mr. Madison's campaign missteps?
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, February 24 2006 @ 07:26 PM MST
He has to have spent more than $25 for the requirments to kick in.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, February 24 2006 @ 07:28 PM MST
Are you saying websites need that disclaimer?
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, February 24 2006 @ 07:38 PM MST
I don't believe that is the case because even "in-kind" donations must be reported. But even if you are right, there is still the matter of the abbreviations which are wrong, number one and abbreviated, number two. Naughty Mark. He can never seem to get anything right.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, February 24 2006 @ 08:09 PM MST
Yes in-kind contributions valued at over $25.
You better string up Mr. Monte too because his website has NO disclaimer either.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, February 24 2006 @ 08:12 PM MST
Better check your own facts. By the way, a blog site like Mr. Monte's is free so there is no cost involved. A web site like Mr. Madison's costs for the domain name registration and hosting fees. See the difference. I think ya do.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 06:58 PM MST
Well, according to Mr. Monte's BLOG he has a website too...
This comes directly from Mr. Monte's Blog:
[I have started a campaign website with some background and platform stuff.
http://www.geocities.com/montekvma/monte_for_council.html
Feel free to visit and post any comments, suggestions or complaints here.
Thanks for your support and I hope to see you on Election Day!!
Kent Monte
posted by Kent Monte at 7:37 PM 0 comments]
SO why don't you check your facts? There is no disclaimer on his WEBSITE either.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 07:31 PM MST
Neither his web site or blog site require payment. Both are free. Nice try. Check your own facts.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 10:33 PM MST
So how much did Mr. Madison's website cost?
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 11:32 PM MST
Gee whiz I don't know but he must have found out he needed to fix it because it is changed.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, February 24 2006 @ 08:24 PM MST
Let us be very clear about something. Mark Madison's web site has a disclaimer but it is abbreviated and has the wrong letters at that. This is in violation of state law. Some of his other materials lack a disclaimer. It might behoove you to actually read what is written and you would not end up with egg on your face.
In the case of Kent Monte, a previous poster summed it up by saying there is no money expended on a blog site like his. They are free for the offering to anyone who signs up for one. So it is exempt from the rules.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 08:50 AM MST
yes, it is a minor infraction, I guarantee that the DA and the State
Ellections board would let it slide because it is so minor. So please quit
trying to make apples out of bananas. By the way, A DA that is up for
an election that he is already behind in, most would likely leave case
alome otherwise he may as well be commiting political suicide.. Though
that is his job, he still has latitude to the extent of what validates an
investigation and how far to go with it. I truly do not feel that Mark
Madison should be considered a criminal because someone put the wrong
letter in an abbreviation.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 10:54 AM MST
You are wrong. Despite his running for office, Lennon still has the responsibility of doing the job he now holds. When a complaint has been filed he must investigate. His discretion comes into play as to the punishment should the complaint be found to be valid. I think we can see how wrong you are by the investigation already underway over the WEAC phone message and lack of disclaimer there. How much do you think it would help Lennon's campaign for the media and public to start talking about how he is ignoring complaints? That, on top of several already botched cases and mishandlings, would doom the campaign more than it already is. But a complaint has to be filed first and we don't know that anyone has or will be doing that. You are right that Mark Madison may not be a criminal but that doesn't give him license to break the laws with no penalties. Everyone else follows them and so should he. But maybe you're one of those people who think laws are not there for city councils, council candidates or lobbying groups.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 11:59 AM MST
There are more important things for Lennon to be investigating than a
missplaced letter that is what Im getting to. Should Lennon be
investigating the WEAC ad? YES. There nothing to investigate with
Madison. I do not think that Madison would deliberately change letters!!!!!
But wait maybe MAdison , in a wierd, conspiratorial and mananical way
knew this would drive at least one person mad, to the point that person go
nuts and files a complaint with DA Lennon. What a Nasty Plan!!!!
You are trying to get too much out a little thing. There is nothing corrupt
about a misplaced letter. think what you want to think. You already have
your mind made up the second Madison decided to run. Now you are
struggling to find buttons to push.
How about how Madison is being pushed as pro-corporate progressive,
which incidentally do not go hand in hand. Fighting Bob LaFollette,
Wisconsin true progressive, Fought corporations and won. Madison is no
where near a progressive or even Bob LaFolllette for that matter.
Let's quit nitpicking and talk about issues that represent every taxpayer in
Oshkosh.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 12:15 PM MST
It isn't the letters nimrod. You cannot ABBREVIATE!!! The state elections statutes AND the info candidates get clearly states you must spell out "PAID FOR BY." Instead of blowing things off because your golden boy is under attack, look up the law. Besides breaking it, HE SHOULD KNOW BETTER. HE HAS RUN BEFORE, SO HAS HIS CAMPAIGN TREASURER. HE HAS NO EXCUSE, except stupidity.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 12:25 PM MST
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING - ALL I CAN SAY ABOUT THIS.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 01:39 PM MST
Breaking the law is breaking the law. There is no middle ground. If you speed, you get a ticket. If you run a red light, you get a ticket. You drink and drive, you may go to jail. For every LAW that you break, you will be punished when you are caught. Your golden boy is caught and you are blowing it off. Big shock. If he would have done a little research, he would have and should have known better.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 01:57 PM MST
Since you are so quick to nail him on this, could you suggest a penalty?
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 02:28 PM MST
Those who make the laws also set the penalties. Check with the election laws on line or contact your state lawmakers.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 02:42 PM MST
Lets wait and see if he will explain this to the taxpayers and then make up your mind when you go to the poles in April. I bet he will say this is an oversight on his part and if it is, he is not a good canidate for common council because what alse will be an oversight on his part when he will be responsble for millions of dollars of taxpayers money.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: admin on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 04:01 PM MST
I sent Mark Madison an email yesterday afternoon letting him know this information was out here and asked him if he'd like to look into it and comment on it. To date I have not received a reply from him nor has he apparently responded here. I have been asked to address this with him when he appears on the show in March. If questions about this remain at that time and he has not addressed them, we will pose the question then.
- Cheryl Hentz
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 03:23 PM MST
Since we are on the subject of campaign law violations. I would like to know how it is that the Winnebago County Republican Party can get away with having local businesses advertise in their monthly newsletter? I believe that businesses can not, under any circumstance, supply financial support to candidates or political parties unless they have a registered Political Action Committee. How are the local Republicans able to do this and not be in violation of the law?
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 09:49 PM MST
The Republicans capable of breaking the campaign finance laws? Surely you jest.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 09:55 PM MST
I believe one of the candidates for county board advertises in the Winnebago County Party newsletter.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 02:26 PM MST
Madison's campaign is much ado about nothing. Meanwhile the law is the law.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 05:01 PM MST
I never said it wasnt breaking the code! For the record this "nimrod" is
not supporting Mark Madison but is a realist when it comes down which
battles are worth fighting. this one is not worth fighting. For years,
Many Candidates have used the abbreviation. Instead of sticking to what
the law is, why dont you seek the state Election Board opinion. For the
record, they have more say on this than the DA. They know the election
laws better than any attorney in the state. They will most likely say that
they would prefer candidates to write it but would be satisfied with the
abbreviated form.
Take that anonymous punk!
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 05:28 PM MST
Why seek the election boards opinion. the law is clear. let me make sure i understand your point here. jjust becuase one thing seems less worth fighting than something else or because it is not as serious as something else, we shouldn't expect people to follow the rules and have something done about it when they don't? great concept which then only encourages more things to not be followed in the future. bigger problems always start somewhere.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 07:09 PM MST
So here is a concept punk,
If you care so much about this, Go after all of the candidates, find their
literature, make examples of all of them. then next year show yourself as
a candidate then lead by example. Lead them them to the righteous path.
Make this your crusade. Do not sit here and *censored* about it, do something.
You do not need our support to bring legal precedent, you just need a lot
of money.
now all I am saying is that the SEB has known about the practice for
decades and has done nothing about. So maybe its about time you
become MUCKRAKER OF OSHKOSH! Maybe we can make that an elected
position.
"nimrod"
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 07:16 PM MST
There are plenty of candidates out there who are leading by example. Most of them follow the election laws. That you can't see the problem with those who don't is a shining example of perhaps an even larger problem.
On his postcards/mailers, there is no "Authorized and Paid for by" disclaimer. That is a violation of state election law the way I understand it to be. On his web site he has a disclaimer reading "AABFB Madison for Council, Stephen Hintz Treasurer." I'm not sure what those initials stand for. If they are supposed to mean "Authorized and Paid for By" it should read AAPFB. But even that seems like it would be in violation of state law. The statutes read that initials may not be used.
When candidates run for office, they are given materials explaining what the election laws and campaign rules are. Maybe Madison didn't get his, but since he's run for office a few times previously and with Stephen Hintz for a treasurer, you'd think he'd have a handle on things.
Seems like we have one more campaign problem for our district attorney to investigate. Anyone up for filing another complaint against Mr. Madison's campaign missteps?
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, February 24 2006 @ 07:26 PM MST
He has to have spent more than $25 for the requirments to kick in.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, February 24 2006 @ 07:28 PM MST
Are you saying websites need that disclaimer?
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, February 24 2006 @ 07:38 PM MST
I don't believe that is the case because even "in-kind" donations must be reported. But even if you are right, there is still the matter of the abbreviations which are wrong, number one and abbreviated, number two. Naughty Mark. He can never seem to get anything right.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, February 24 2006 @ 08:09 PM MST
Yes in-kind contributions valued at over $25.
You better string up Mr. Monte too because his website has NO disclaimer either.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, February 24 2006 @ 08:12 PM MST
Better check your own facts. By the way, a blog site like Mr. Monte's is free so there is no cost involved. A web site like Mr. Madison's costs for the domain name registration and hosting fees. See the difference. I think ya do.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 06:58 PM MST
Well, according to Mr. Monte's BLOG he has a website too...
This comes directly from Mr. Monte's Blog:
[I have started a campaign website with some background and platform stuff.
http://www.geocities.com/montekvma/monte_for_council.html
Feel free to visit and post any comments, suggestions or complaints here.
Thanks for your support and I hope to see you on Election Day!!
Kent Monte
posted by Kent Monte at 7:37 PM 0 comments]
SO why don't you check your facts? There is no disclaimer on his WEBSITE either.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 07:31 PM MST
Neither his web site or blog site require payment. Both are free. Nice try. Check your own facts.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 10:33 PM MST
So how much did Mr. Madison's website cost?
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 11:32 PM MST
Gee whiz I don't know but he must have found out he needed to fix it because it is changed.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, February 24 2006 @ 08:24 PM MST
Let us be very clear about something. Mark Madison's web site has a disclaimer but it is abbreviated and has the wrong letters at that. This is in violation of state law. Some of his other materials lack a disclaimer. It might behoove you to actually read what is written and you would not end up with egg on your face.
In the case of Kent Monte, a previous poster summed it up by saying there is no money expended on a blog site like his. They are free for the offering to anyone who signs up for one. So it is exempt from the rules.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 08:50 AM MST
yes, it is a minor infraction, I guarantee that the DA and the State
Ellections board would let it slide because it is so minor. So please quit
trying to make apples out of bananas. By the way, A DA that is up for
an election that he is already behind in, most would likely leave case
alome otherwise he may as well be commiting political suicide.. Though
that is his job, he still has latitude to the extent of what validates an
investigation and how far to go with it. I truly do not feel that Mark
Madison should be considered a criminal because someone put the wrong
letter in an abbreviation.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 10:54 AM MST
You are wrong. Despite his running for office, Lennon still has the responsibility of doing the job he now holds. When a complaint has been filed he must investigate. His discretion comes into play as to the punishment should the complaint be found to be valid. I think we can see how wrong you are by the investigation already underway over the WEAC phone message and lack of disclaimer there. How much do you think it would help Lennon's campaign for the media and public to start talking about how he is ignoring complaints? That, on top of several already botched cases and mishandlings, would doom the campaign more than it already is. But a complaint has to be filed first and we don't know that anyone has or will be doing that. You are right that Mark Madison may not be a criminal but that doesn't give him license to break the laws with no penalties. Everyone else follows them and so should he. But maybe you're one of those people who think laws are not there for city councils, council candidates or lobbying groups.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 11:59 AM MST
There are more important things for Lennon to be investigating than a
missplaced letter that is what Im getting to. Should Lennon be
investigating the WEAC ad? YES. There nothing to investigate with
Madison. I do not think that Madison would deliberately change letters!!!!!
But wait maybe MAdison , in a wierd, conspiratorial and mananical way
knew this would drive at least one person mad, to the point that person go
nuts and files a complaint with DA Lennon. What a Nasty Plan!!!!
You are trying to get too much out a little thing. There is nothing corrupt
about a misplaced letter. think what you want to think. You already have
your mind made up the second Madison decided to run. Now you are
struggling to find buttons to push.
How about how Madison is being pushed as pro-corporate progressive,
which incidentally do not go hand in hand. Fighting Bob LaFollette,
Wisconsin true progressive, Fought corporations and won. Madison is no
where near a progressive or even Bob LaFolllette for that matter.
Let's quit nitpicking and talk about issues that represent every taxpayer in
Oshkosh.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 12:15 PM MST
It isn't the letters nimrod. You cannot ABBREVIATE!!! The state elections statutes AND the info candidates get clearly states you must spell out "PAID FOR BY." Instead of blowing things off because your golden boy is under attack, look up the law. Besides breaking it, HE SHOULD KNOW BETTER. HE HAS RUN BEFORE, SO HAS HIS CAMPAIGN TREASURER. HE HAS NO EXCUSE, except stupidity.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 12:25 PM MST
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING - ALL I CAN SAY ABOUT THIS.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 01:39 PM MST
Breaking the law is breaking the law. There is no middle ground. If you speed, you get a ticket. If you run a red light, you get a ticket. You drink and drive, you may go to jail. For every LAW that you break, you will be punished when you are caught. Your golden boy is caught and you are blowing it off. Big shock. If he would have done a little research, he would have and should have known better.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 01:57 PM MST
Since you are so quick to nail him on this, could you suggest a penalty?
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 02:28 PM MST
Those who make the laws also set the penalties. Check with the election laws on line or contact your state lawmakers.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 02:42 PM MST
Lets wait and see if he will explain this to the taxpayers and then make up your mind when you go to the poles in April. I bet he will say this is an oversight on his part and if it is, he is not a good canidate for common council because what alse will be an oversight on his part when he will be responsble for millions of dollars of taxpayers money.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: admin on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 04:01 PM MST
I sent Mark Madison an email yesterday afternoon letting him know this information was out here and asked him if he'd like to look into it and comment on it. To date I have not received a reply from him nor has he apparently responded here. I have been asked to address this with him when he appears on the show in March. If questions about this remain at that time and he has not addressed them, we will pose the question then.
- Cheryl Hentz
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 03:23 PM MST
Since we are on the subject of campaign law violations. I would like to know how it is that the Winnebago County Republican Party can get away with having local businesses advertise in their monthly newsletter? I believe that businesses can not, under any circumstance, supply financial support to candidates or political parties unless they have a registered Political Action Committee. How are the local Republicans able to do this and not be in violation of the law?
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 09:49 PM MST
The Republicans capable of breaking the campaign finance laws? Surely you jest.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 09:55 PM MST
I believe one of the candidates for county board advertises in the Winnebago County Party newsletter.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 02:26 PM MST
Madison's campaign is much ado about nothing. Meanwhile the law is the law.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 05:01 PM MST
I never said it wasnt breaking the code! For the record this "nimrod" is
not supporting Mark Madison but is a realist when it comes down which
battles are worth fighting. this one is not worth fighting. For years,
Many Candidates have used the abbreviation. Instead of sticking to what
the law is, why dont you seek the state Election Board opinion. For the
record, they have more say on this than the DA. They know the election
laws better than any attorney in the state. They will most likely say that
they would prefer candidates to write it but would be satisfied with the
abbreviated form.
Take that anonymous punk!
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 05:28 PM MST
Why seek the election boards opinion. the law is clear. let me make sure i understand your point here. jjust becuase one thing seems less worth fighting than something else or because it is not as serious as something else, we shouldn't expect people to follow the rules and have something done about it when they don't? great concept which then only encourages more things to not be followed in the future. bigger problems always start somewhere.
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 07:09 PM MST
So here is a concept punk,
If you care so much about this, Go after all of the candidates, find their
literature, make examples of all of them. then next year show yourself as
a candidate then lead by example. Lead them them to the righteous path.
Make this your crusade. Do not sit here and *censored* about it, do something.
You do not need our support to bring legal precedent, you just need a lot
of money.
now all I am saying is that the SEB has known about the practice for
decades and has done nothing about. So maybe its about time you
become MUCKRAKER OF OSHKOSH! Maybe we can make that an elected
position.
"nimrod"
Is Mark Madison in Violation of State Election Laws?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 07:16 PM MST
There are plenty of candidates out there who are leading by example. Most of them follow the election laws. That you can't see the problem with those who don't is a shining example of perhaps an even larger problem.
posted by Cheryl Hentz at 2:21 PM
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