Reply #8: Beware of political raffles

[flashl]

Published on July 23, 2008
by Michael Schrimpf

Earlier this month, we told you about a raffle being conducted by Barack Obama's presidential campaign that may violate Minnesota's gambling laws.

Well, it seems that Minnesota is not the only state that restricts the ability of political campaigns to use raffles as fundraisers. Florida Today details a county commission candidate who ran afoul of the law by raising $354 in $1 tickets.

Similarly, "Jason Steele, who is running for the Florida House seat now held by Mitch Needelman, held what his Web site called 'art raffles' for donated artwork in June at the home of an Indialantic town councilwoman. It raised about $7,000."

Florida law only permits raffles that benefit charities and non-profits, to which Steele replied, ""A political candidate is considered a charitable organization, according to my consultants. We ran it up the pole to everyone's mother, brother, sister." Besides, "It really was an art giveaway," Steele said. "I looked at the statute and consulted with my campaign people. An art giveaway is not a raffle. We did not charge any money for the tickets. It was suggested."

Campaign Freedom