Second campaign report due today

The second set of campaign contribution and expenditure reports required of candidates for public office in the Nov. 5 election is due by 5 p.m. today.

The reports are required not only of candidates seeking office, but political action committees, ballot advocacy groups and political parties as well.

Those candidates and groups dealing with just one county can file their reports in that county. Issues and offices covering more than one jurisdiction must file with the Secretary of State's Office.

Secretary of State Dean Heller said substantial penalties for failing to file the reports could be imposed. The fines are $25 each day for the first seven days and $50 each day if the report is eight to 15 days late.

After that, each day increases the fine by $100 to a maximum of $5,000 for each of the three reports required in an election cycle.

The first report was due Aug. 27. All but a few candidates have now filed those reports. The notable exceptions are a dozen members of the Independent American Party who maintain that requiring the reports would violate their constitutional rights.

The third report is filed to wrap up a candidate's fund-raising and spending activities. It is due by Jan. 15.