SF Democrats allege campaign violations by Boudin recall committee

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The San Francisco Democratic Party filed a lawsuit with the state against the campaign to oust District Attorney Chesa Boudin, alleging the recall committee violated campaign laws by improperly featuring its paid spokesperson as an independent critic of the prosecutor.

State law requires that any paid spokesperson who appears in campaign ads be identified as such, “in highly visible font.” However, the recall committee featured its own spokeswoman, Andrea Shorter, in its campaign mailings without disclosing that she was on their payroll, according to the complaint.

“The FPPC should immediately investigate, fine the Committee and force it to comply with the Paid Spokespersons Act,” the complaint states.

Shorter, the spokeswoman for the San Franciscans for Public Safety Supporting the Recall of Chesa Boudin recall committee, earns a salary of $16,000 a month in her role, according to Ethics Commission records. The complaint notes that Shorter is the only person featured in a recent campaign letter, which identifies her as a “victims’ rights advocate” and lists her credentials as working on behalf of women and criminal justice reform.

“I have been fighting for criminal justice reform and victims’ rights in San Francisco for over 20 years,” the mailer says in a quote attributed to Shorter, with a full-page photo of her in the background. “Chesa Boudin’s refusal to do her job is devastating our city.

The sender’s final page states that “lead San Francisco Democrats want criminal justice reform,” which “clearly implies that Shorter is the ‘lead Democrat’ referenced,” the complaint states.

Shorter declined to comment when contacted by The Chronicle.

Keith Baraka, second vice chairman of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee, said the complaint was filed with California’s Fair Political Practices Commission on Wednesday, hoping the commission will investigate the incident. case.

“Here in California, we have very strict transparency and campaign advertising rules that are supported by our local Democratic party,” Baraka said in an interview with The Chronicle. “By breaking these rules, the recall committee is showing it has little respect for a fair election or for the voters.”

The San Francisco Democratic Central Committee passed a resolution opposing the recall.

Boudin, a progressive prosecutor who was elected on vows to reduce the prison population and hold police accountable for wrongdoing, faces a recall election in June led by critics who say his policies have worsened public safety. in San Francisco.

Jay Wierenga, director of communications for the Fair Political Practices Commission, said he could not comment on any investigations or complaints that may have been filed with the commission.

After receiving the complaint, the FPPC will conduct a review to determine if there is sufficient evidence to determine a potential violation. If so, they will open an investigation.

Violations of the Political Reform Act can result in a fine of up to $5,000 per violation.

Julie Edwards, spokeswoman for Boudin’s anti-recall campaign, called the alleged violation “part of a pattern” of recall supporters’ efforts to hide their endorsement of the Republican Party.

“Voters deserve to know who is really behind this effort,” she said.

Megan Cassidy is a staff writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @meganrcassidy

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