By Sam Wroblewski WPRO.com
A lawyer for the Rhode Island GOP has filed a formal complaint with the Board of Elections stating that the Gina Raimondo campaign violated campaign finance laws with their new ad.
The Providence Journal reported Wednesday the Board will now decide whether or not the Democratic candidate for governor’s new ad featuring Senator Jack Reed violated campaign finance laws by exceeding the cap on advertisements.
Rhode Island General Law states that a political party may not make a contribution to a candidate of the same party, including the cost of any preparation and airing of television and/or radio advertisements that exceed $25,000 within a calendar year.
RI GOP Chairman Mark Smiley alleges that the cost of airing the ad is $90,000. RI Democrats have countered saying the inclusion of Senator Reed allows for a larger monetary cap as it falls under federal law.
The RI GOP is calling for the ad to be removed as soon as possible.
