CLC alleges André Jacque used straw donors in 8th CD race

GREEN BAY, WI – (WGBW & WISS) – The Campaign Legal Center (CLC) filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) this week alleging State Senator André Jacque used a straw donor scheme to transfer money from his state campaign committee “Jacque for Senate” to his “Jacque for Wisconsin” campaign fund for the 8th Congressional District. 

WisPolitics first reported in July, that André Jacque, a Republican from De Pere, wrote checks from his state account to other GOP lawmakers. Those lawmakers then sent donations to Jacque’s federal campaign for the 8th Congressional District, usually for the same amount. WisPolitics also reported that Jacques returned donations to those who had given to his state account before the same donors gave similar-sized donations to his 8th CD bid.

The Complaint

The CLC claims the transactions violate a ban on candidates directing or transferring soft money in connection with a federal election. They also claim they violate a prohibition on using straw donors to make donations. The CLC submitted its complaint to the Federal Election Commission on Monday, September 9th. 

The complaint targets, not only Jacque but also several lawmakers or their campaign accounts and a few private donors. Scott Allen of Waukesha, Elijah Behnke of Oconto, Ty Bodden of Hilbert, Janel Brandtjen of Menomonee Falls, Jerry O’Connor of Fond du Lac, and Chuck Wichgers of Muskego are all named in the complaint. 

The complaint asks the FEC for an investigation, and sanctions, including civil penalties to “deter future violations,” and an injunction prohibiting future violations. 

When WisPolitics detailed the contributions in July –Jacque, Allen, and Wichgers denied wrongdoing. 

Jacque was one of three Republicans running for the 8th Congressional District seat vacated by Mike Gallagher. He was defeated in the August primary by Green Bay businessman Tony Wied. 

Wied will face Democrat Kristin Lyerly in the November 5th general election.