Ruh-roh

A reported $4,000 contribution from State Superintendent of Public Instruction June Atkinson's campaign to the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People is drawing scrutiny from state elections officials.

The contribution is listed on the Durham Committee's financial disclosure for the fourth quarter of 2008, but doesn't appear on the Atkinson campaign's. Officials from the State Board of Elections have asked the Durham Committee's treasurer, Keith Bishop, for a copy of the check.

The donation is of interest for more than just the accounting discrepancy.

Atkinson was participating in an experimental public-finance program funded in part with taxpayer money. Its rules bar aid recipients from channeling that money to other candidates or groups except for true "campaign-related" expenses like the purchase of advertising.

The article goes on to note that Atkinson has provided documentation showing the check in question was for $400, not $4000, and was to cover postage and mailing expenses. Presumably for a mailing that DCABP did on Atkinson's behalf. Let's hope Mr. Gronberg at the Herald Sun is able to keep an eye on how this plays out.