Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Ex-LV council hopeful changes finance reports

Former Las Vegas City Council candidate Peter "Chris" Christoff filed two amended campaign finance reports Tuesday to reflect the cost of attack fliers he claimed responsibility for in the campaign but since has said were paid for by Councilwoman Janet Moncrief and Bob Stupak.

On the first report, covering the period before March 27, Christoff deleted $4,160 in expenditures. In his original report, he reported the money was spent on two mailers targeting then-incumbent Michael McDonald.

Christoff now alleges that Moncrief paid for those fliers and that they were sent under the name of a fictitious political action committee.

"My report ... now accurately reflects that I had nothing to do with sending either of the mailers," Christoff said.

In changing his second report, for March 28 through May 22, Christoff lists $5,634 in donations from Moncrief and former casino owner Bob Stupak. Christoff said the figure reflects the cost of mailing fliers he sent attacking McDonald.

Christoff said the fliers, which bore his name, were paid for by Stupak and Moncrief. Christoff said the printer would call him when they were ready and hand him cash to cover postage.

Christoff reported $13,640 in donations from Stupak and Moncrief on his third and final financial disclosure form filed with the city clerk's office Aug. 14.

Secretary of State Dean Heller has called on the Nevada Division of Investigations to conduct an investigation into allegations Moncrief violated campaign finance laws.

Moncrief didn't return a call for comment.