How to check campaign coffers

This article provides practical guidance for journalists investigating campaign contributions by examining patterns, timing, and connections between donors and candidates to uncover potential conflicts of interest or improper influence.

Here are some tips to remember when you examine campaign contributions. Check campaign records for patterns. Sort contributions chronologically to spot fundraising events and bundling. Sort by employer to also check for contribution bundling. Sort by last names to find family members and multiple contributions from an individual. As always, stop and ask why? Why are there 50 contributions on the same day?

Why did every executive from Jones & Johnson give? Look for people at corporations who would not normally be giving, like secretaries and assistants. Were they reimbursed or pressured? Look for coincidences. Does the candidate own stock in a corporation whose PAC is contributing? Is there a bill sponsored by that legislator that affects the individual or corporation? Take a look at the paper trail.

Even though looking at computerized campaign finance records is important, some things aren't computerized. Check the disbursements on Schedule B. Track payments to consultants and companies. Check for loans on Schedule C. Look at the detail of debt on Schedule D. Remember this is only a start. The contributions or expenditures point you in the right direction. Rarely are they the whole story. Jackie Duobinis can be reached at (202) 857-0318.