CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - Republican Bryant “Corky” Messner on Monday signed an amended version of a “Clean Elections Agreement” offered by U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen to discourage outside spending by “dark money” groups that crossed out much of her language and added a provision that the campaigns agree not to accept contributions from California-based individuals or groups.
Shaheen, a Democrat seeking a third term, sent the letter to Messner last week outlining the agreement, which includes a provision targeting nonprofit groups that don’t have to disclose their donors, commonly referred to as “dark money.” She wanted Messner to agree to donate 50% of the cost of any outside ads run in his favor to a charity agreed upon by both candidates.
That part was crossed out in Messner’s version. Regarding the California provision, Messner’s campaign manager, Mike Biundo, who has referred to Shaheen’s letter as a stunt, accused her of accepting special interest help from there.
Shaheen’s campaign manager, Harrell Kirstein, called the response “phony” and “watered down.”
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