University Daily Kansan
Thursday, January 19, 1978
"If we feel that prosecution is warranted, then we will certainly go ahead with prosecution proceedings." Schneider said. "This decision can only be made after we have had time to fully review the report from the commission."
TOPEKA (AP)—Attorney General Curt Schneider said yesterday he had not yet decided whether to prosecute Kansas Senate President Ross Doyen for illegally concealing $1,225 in campaign contributions in 1976.
CALCULATOR
Prosecution of Doyen uncertain
Schneider acknowledged receipt yesterday of a report from the Governmental Ethics Commission detailing how Doyen received nine contributions from groups prior to the 1978 general election but failed to report them until after his reelection.
Doyen yesterday waived his right to a public hearing by signing a statement admitting he broke the law. The statement was released by the judge and an attorney for the ethics commission.
"This case will be treated no differently
mattered handled by this office."
Schneider
HOWEVER, THEERE is no penalty for the specific statute Doyen violated and, therefore, it is unclear if further action will be taken in the case.
"What you have is a finding of fact that there is a violation of the law without a penalty," said Lynn Hellebue, the commission's executive secretary.
Helleiblut suggested the Senate could take action against Doyen, possibly in the form of a censure, but a check with lawmakers would be better. If it was unlikely they would take such action.
State law authorizes the attorney general to go to court to oust any state official who fails to comply with an office, wilfully neglects to perform any duty enjoined upon him or by law or who shall commit any act constituting a criminal proclamation penal statute involving moral turpitude.
Doyen, cornered by reporters yesterday, admitted "I made a mistake" and said he regretted the episode. He said the case should have no bearing on his seeking higher office because he does not intend to run for another office.
DOYEN SPECIFICALLY admitted receiving nine contributions between Aug. 31 and Oct. 12, 1978, but not giving them to his treasurer within five days as prescribed by law. Instead, they were reported after the general election, all after Nov. 15.
As a demonstration of his protest, Hellebust refused to sign the stipulation in which Doyen admitted his guilt. Instead, the commission's attorney signed in his place.
Hellebut made it clear to reporters that he was unhappy the commission had voted against holding a full hearing, saying he felt the commission should have produced "a more complete story."
He said the lack of a penalty provision was "a quirk in the law" which may have been accidental, and declared, "I think that section needs a criminal penalty."
Hellebust said he felt a key reason the commission agreed yesterday to a stipulation was "a desire to avoid further publicity."
ASKED IF he knew additional information that would have come to light bad
Leonard O. Thomas, commission chairman, denied that a desire to avoid further publicity is an important reason the panel permitted Doyen to wave the
sad, "You never know what you'll find out when someone is put on the stand under you."
ANY-TIME
ANY-DAY
NO LIMITS PLEASE
"There was a feeling that what appeared in the complaint was what appeared in the agreement—that there would be no purpose burdened by any further hearing," Thomas said.
will speak and answer questions.
Forum Room—Kansas Union 7:00 p.m.
Tonight
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