STATE OF MINNESOTA

Office of the Attorney General

TO:

JEANNE OLSON Executive Director Campaign Finance & Public Disclosure Board 190 Centennial Office Bldg. St. Paul, MN 55155

DATE:

February 14, 2003

FROM:

GREGORY P. HUWE Assistant Attorney General 525 Park Street, #200 St. Paul, MN 55103-2106

PHONE:

(651) 297-1223 (Voice) (651) 297-1235 (Fax) (651) 282-2525 (TTY)

SUBJECT:

Status Report of Campaign Finance & Public Disclosure Board Matters

I. Major Cases/Major Issues:

Campaign Finance & Public Disclosure Board vs. Minnesota DFL: Judge Lindman ruled in favor of the DFL in this declaratory judgment action. The Board will be asked to decide whether to appeal the decision, seek a legislative change, or take other action in response to the order. The DFL has also filed a motion for attorney’s fees in the amount of $33,626.57. The motion is scheduled to be heard on February 28.

Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, et al. v. Kelley, et al. This is a First Amendment challenge to various provisions of Chapter 10A, filed in United States District Court. Plaintiffs served an amended complaint on November 15, 2002, and the State served its Answer on December 4. We are preparing motion papers and a brief in anticipation of cross-motions for summary judgment.

Pioneer Press Data Practices Act Request. On January 24, the attorney for the Pioneer Press was informed that the Board will not release confidential investigative data to the newspaper. To date, there has been no further communication from the newspaper.

II. Enforcement Matters:

For the status of other enforcement matters that have been referred to the Attorney General’s Office, please see the enclosed chart.

AG: #805957-v1