The Madison County Election Board has upheld a complaint regarding financial report filings by the Lincoln Club, requiring corrections.
Typically, both the Lincoln Club and the Democratic Party haven’t itemized contributions during events like golf outings and annual campaigns. But according to state law, any donation of $100 or more must include the donor’s name, address, amount, and the date received.
On Wednesday, the Election Board backed Callahan’s complaint and gave Russ Willis, the chairman of the Madison County Republican Party, five days to fix the finance reports for 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Tim Lanane, the Democrat on the board, stated that the issue was pretty clear.
Callahan’s attorney, Laureen White, mentioned that the complaint was against all Lincoln Club officers. She suggested that if the board finds a violation, it should be referred to a special prosecutor. Madison County Clerk Linda Smith, also on the board, agreed that the Lincoln Club should have a chance to correct the reports.
Willis defended the Lincoln Club, saying they’ve been reporting their finances this way for 25 years without any issues. He insisted there was no intention to hide anything and acknowledged that they should have itemized donations over $100 when it was pointed out to them.
The complaint highlighted significant contributions over the years, including $14,820 for the Lincoln Club dinner in 2024 and $8,240 in 2023. The amounts from previous years were also noted, showing a pattern of large donations. White didn’t comment after the board’s decision, leaving the situation a bit up in the air.
