By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-911353.mp3
LANSING, MI –
The Michigan Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether local prosecutors can enforce state campaign spending laws.
AUDIO:
Grand Traverse County Prosecutor Alan Schneider wants to investigate the role played by Meijer Incorporated in funding a 2007 recall campaign directed against township officials who opposed a new retail complex. Meijer says it can't be charged because it reached a deal with elections officials in the Secretary of State's office. The retail chain says the law is designed to encourage violators to settle complaints without going to court.
But prosecutor Schneider says it's up to him to decide whether to pursue charges -- just as he would if there were a murder or a robbery in his county.
"It's just as important that county prosecutors prosecute campaign finance criminal provisions as any other law, as far as I'm concerned."
The Michigan Court of Appeals agreed with Schneider. The Michigan case could be influenced by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allows corporations to spend money on elections.