Assemblyman Accused of 35 Campaign Rule Violations

Assemblyman Willard H. Murray Jr. (D-Paramount) was accused Monday by the Fair Political Practices Commission of 35 violations of campaign regulations in connection with a political slate mailer organization.

Murray faces a maximum $70,000 fine, based on $2,000 per violation, if found guilty on all charges, according to the FPPC, the state’s political watchdog agency.

The Southern California lawmaker was the treasurer of the United Democratic Campaign Committee in Los Angeles during 1988 and 1989 when the alleged violations occurred.

They included charges of failure to submit to the FPPC slate mailer organization campaign statements, failure to inform voters that the mailers do not constitute an official party endorsement, failure to state clearly a return address on mailer envelopes, and failure to report 17 payments totaling about $150,000 that were received after the reporting deadline.

In a statement released by his office, Murray said: “This is a matter that I hope to resolve with the FPPC as quickly as possible. Right now, my legal counsel is working with the commission to respond to accusations they have raised.”

Slate mailer organizations send out mass mailings endorsing candidates.

A trial on the FPPC accusations will be held before an administrative law judge. Then, a final determination will be made by the five-member commission.