A report from the Chicago Tribune claims the Illinois Democratic Party filed a complaint with the state board of elections alleging that AM 560 The Answer morning host Dan Proft failed to disclose $1.2 million in contributions to his political action committee.
People Who Play By The Rules — the PAC formed and operated by Proft — spent tens of millions to prop up Republican governor candidate Darren Bailey in the 2022 Illinois governor race.
The complaint filed by the Illinois Democrats alleges that Proft committed “one of his most egregious” violations by failing to share the committee’s financial records.
“Mr. Proft is keenly aware of the disclosure requirements found in the (law),” the complaint read. “He has served as the chair and treasurer of several political committees spanning more than a decade and has been the subject of multiple matters before this board. And yet, Mr. Proft appears to have again completely disregarded the (law).”
The campaign finance reports shown by the committee show a deficit of $1.2 million, claiming it spent $18.6 million while only raising $17.4 million.
“While a PAC can incur more in obligated expenditures than it receives in contributions (as long as it properly discloses the debt), it cannot expend more funds than it receives in contributions unless it has received a loan or other receipts,” the complaint continued.
According to the Tribune, Illinois state election law requires campaign finance records to include the names and mailing addresses of everyone who contributes more than $150, with contributions of $1,000 or more requiring a report within five days.
The newest charge is the latest in a string filed against Proft. Just before the 2022 election, the state Democratic Party alleged the PAC operated by Proft violated election laws by coordinating directly with Bailey. Proft is also accused of sending items through the mail that mimicked newspapers that included material labeled as “disinformation” about incumbent Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
