State senator files ethics complaint against Common Ground Arkansas; UA law professor says claim ‘has no merit’

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – On the eve of Could primaries, a state senator filed an ethics criticism in opposition to the group Widespread Floor Arkansas, questioning members’ advocacy of candidates with out disclosing donors. The group’s chief referred to as the criticism “baseless,” and a legislation professor questioned its benefit.

State Sen. Trent Garner (R) introduced Monday he filed an ethics criticism in opposition to Widespread Floor Arkansas. The 501c4 group promotes reasonable coverage and candidates in Arkansas. Garner mentioned he thinks the group and its founder, State Sen. Jim Hendren (I), violated election legislation via a number of latest tv and radio commercials aired in Northwest Arkansas.

“Widespread Floor Arkansas is a darkish cash group that’s making an attempt to cover from the folks of Arkansas who their donors are,” Garner mentioned.

Within the criticism, Garner claimed the group wanted to particularly register with the state to advertise candidates if it didn’t wish to launch donors’ names. 

“They blatantly say they assist these candidates,” Garner mentioned. “In case you do this, which means you need to disclose your donors, file and register as an Unbiased Expenditure Committee [group],” Garner mentioned.

Garner and Hendren have been at odds prior to now. The previous filed a criticism in opposition to the latter in 2020 that was later retracted after the Senate Ethics Committee twice dismissed it. Garner mentioned private historical past has nothing to do with the criticism.

“Irrespective of if it’s Jim Hendren or anyone else in Arkansas, it’s vital that we get these particular curiosity teams to comply with the legislation,” Garner mentioned.

In a press release, Hendren denied any wrongdoing.

“Anybody can file a criticism, even a state senator, on baseless grounds. That doesn’t imply any violations have occurred. I’ve not been notified of a criticism by the Ethics Fee, and I don’t reply to Fb allegations made the day earlier than an election.”

A College of Arkansas legislation professor mentioned Monday the criticism is an instance of the contentious nature of state politics.

“None of this has any benefit, however it’s tremendous attention-grabbing for anybody who loves how bizarre and aggressive Arkansas politics may be,” Prof. Matt Bender mentioned.

Bender mentioned by his interpretation of the legislation, Widespread Floor Arkansas didn’t commit something unethical.

“It’s very clear about what they’re making an attempt to do, so no, there received’t be any severe penalties for this,” Bender mentioned. “Organizations like Widespread Floor don’t should listing the individuals who contribute cash to them.”

Bender mentioned the one technique to legally make teams like Widespread Floor disclose their donors could be to cross a legislation via the legislature.

Garner introduced earlier this yr that he is not going to run for reelection. Hendren, previously a Republican who determined to go away the get together, thought-about a gubernatorial run however by no means introduced his candidacy.