Turner also said Klepinger failed to post the legally-required disclosure on his campaign website, www.klepinger2016.com. Federal election law requires “clear and conspicuous” placement of a disclaimer on campaign communications.
Turner’s campaign also said that Klepinger used public information about donors to Turner’s campaign to solicit donations for his own campaign.
As evidence, they cite a July 18, 2014, letter that Klepinger sent out reading, in part, “My name is Robert Klepinger and I am running as a Democrat in Ohio’s 10th Congressional District. I am running against Republican Mike Turner. From what he has publicly disclosed, you have donated to his political campaign and I was hoping you could donate to my campaign also.”
The FEC has yet to receive and process the complaint, according to a spokeswoman. Klepinger, reached my phone, said he didn’t know it was forbidden to solicit donations from Turner’s donors. He said he got the information off a website, www.opensecrets.org, that collects informations about donors.
“I didn’t intentionally step on anybody’s toes,” he said. “I’m an amateur at this. I didn’t know that wasn’t allowed.”
He said he sent that letter during his first bid for Congress. This time, he’s only solicited money from family and friends. He has yet to raise the $5,000 required to file campaign finance reports.
“Hey, as far as I’m concerned, complain about me,” he said. “Get me in the newspaper, get me in the press. Get my name out there, Mike. If you want to make a complaint about a guy who didn’t raise $5,000 let’s have it.”
Klepinger said he is a high school teacher who ran in order to do his civic duty. He has no campaign manager, and a friend’s son is his treasurer.
“I’m thinking this is more publicity for me, to be honest with you,” he said.
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