Friday, August 15, 2003
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal
Christoff lists Moncrief, Stupak as donors in financial disclosure
Contributions paid for anti-McDonald mailers, ex-candidate says
By MICHAEL SQUIRES
REVIEW-JOURNAL
Former City Council candidate Peter "Chris" Christoff lists Las Vegas City Councilwoman Janet Moncrief and Bob Stupak as campaign contributors on his financial disclosure forms filed with the City Clerk's office Thursday.
Christoff said the contributions, totaling $13,640, paid for fliers he sent out in late May attacking then-incumbent Michael McDonald.
Christoff has accused Moncrief of violating campaign laws by paying for mailers sent out under his name in her successful bid to unseat the two-term councilman.
"She's (Moncrief) the one who gave the go ahead on these fliers," Christoff said.
Secretary of State Dean Heller has called on the Nevada Investigations Division to conduct a full investigation into allegations Moncrief violated campaign finance laws.
Christoff said the first flier reflected in his report was mailed May 24. It questioned McDonald's ties to strip club owner Rick Rizzolo and reputed organized crime associate Joey Cusumano.
The second, which Christoff said was sent May 30, offered "9 Good Reasons not to vote for Michael McDonald."
Christoff said Stupak and Moncrief approached him about sending out the two mailers after his loss in the primary. Gaming figure Bob Stupak paid a local print shop directly for both fliers, according to Christoff.
"I didn't receive the money," Christoff said. "Stupak was there and took care of it on both occasions."
Moncrief was present when Stupak paid for the second mailer and directed several volunteers who were present to assist in affixing postage to the flier, Christoff said.
Reached by phone, Stupak wouldn't discuss Christoff's identifying him as a donor. "My comment is have a nice day," he said.
Moncrief declined to comment through a spokeswoman, citing the ongoing investigation.
The state's investigation of Moncrief also probes allegations leveled in April by Jim Ferrence of Paladin Advertising, a campaign consultant to McDonald. Ferrence alleged that Moncrief conspired with Christoff to disguise her role in financing negative campaign mailers, Stupak was financing Moncrief's campaign and the councilwoman was concealing campaign contributions and under-reporting contributions and expenses.
Municipal candidates are required by today to file a report detailing campaign contributions and expenditures between May 23 and July 3.
