Uncovering the Campaign Finance Woes of Tania Fernandes Anderson

Violation of State Campaign Finance Law Provisions

Tania Fernandes Anderson was found to have violated multiple state campaign finance law provisions over the past year. This was identified during a "routine analysis" of her campaign committee's finance reports from November 2023 through September 2024. The Office of Campaign and Political Finance took notice and initiated actions.

One of the key violations was the late disclosure of certain deposits. All contributions over $50 must be itemized in campaign finance reports, but her committee failed to file some reports in a timely manner. Approximately $32,900 out of a total of $34,500 deposited between November 2023 and August 2024 was not disclosed on time. It was only after numerous communications from OCPF staff that the required deposit reports were e-filed.

Excess Contributions to the Campaign Committee

Individual contributions are limited to $1,000 in the aggregate during any calendar year. In 2023, her committee received $1,500 in excess contributions from two people. In 2024, one person made an excess contribution of $250. To resolve this matter, the committee purged $1,750 to the state in September.

Another aspect was the contribution from the campaign committee of state Sen. Liza Miranda. In 2023, Fernandes Anderson's committee received two $100 contributions from Miranda's committee, which is prohibited by state law as one candidate's committee can't contribute more than $100 in the aggregate per calendar year. OCPF determined that a $100 excess contribution was received, and it was resolved by refunding Miranda's committee in April.

Clarification of Expenditures

Fernandes Anderson's committee was also found to have clarified certain expenditures too late. OCPF asked the committee to clarify 46 expenditures totaling $14,400. It was only after multiple letters, phone calls, and emails that the committee finally clarified the expenditures by appending bank reports.

Despite these violations, the OCPF determined that no further action is required from Fernandes Anderson as her committee has taken appropriate remedial actions. However, Campbell warned that further instances of noncompliance may result in referral to the Attorney General.