Zimmerman: 142K on hand in a state rep race? Most of that was undoubtedly raised when he was running for County Council, whose contribution limit is double that for state rep. He's not allowed to keep contributions exceeding $300, so he probably has a bunch of money he needs to return, and he'd better do it PDQ. (When you're in Lazaroff's former law firm, you'd better dot your i's and cross your t's on campaign finance.)

Following the link to Jake's report, his campaign included an addenda about this issue. They have apparently requested an opinion from the Ethics Commission, and will take action when the commission issues a ruling.

They have to seek a ruling? Geez, the obvious right thing to do is to give back donations to the extent they exceed $300. They're just stalling so they can keep the dough long enough to earn interest on it a while longer. If the Commission OKs this, then it will become a standard sham for candidates to announce for a $1200 office (e.g., any statewide, countywide or (in the case of St Louis) citywide office), collect dough, and then switch to a $600 or $300 office at the last minute. This is the kind of thing that gives politics a bad name.

Oracle, on the surface I agree with many of your comments. It seems obvious that he would have to return any amount over $300 that was donated. But I don't know exactly what they have asked for a ruling on. There could be confusion over whether the entire contribution has to be returned, or only the amount over $300. For example, does Jake have to send back all of the $400, $500, and $600 checks he received and ask the contributors for $300 instead? Or can he simply keep the $300 and refund the excess? If there's any question about that, I can understand why he would want to wait for a ruling. As for the interest earned on the excess contributions - who knows? That may end up being part of the ruling, too.