On Saturday in Topeka treasurer Steve Fitzgerald explained a number of reporting problems facing the Kansas Republican Party:

A number of governmental agencies have had problems with us because of inaccurate and untimely reports.  This stems from poor — or non-existent — record keeping, ignorance of and disregard for regulations, lack of attention and oversight, and a lack of continuity. 

The FEC [Federal Election Commission] audit team came down and spent several days with us … and we’ve been pen pals and telephone buddies ever since.  …

I believe that we are getting close to a final report that they will be putting out some time later in February. …

And to be frank our reports — we can guarantee you – are inaccurate, but the FEC knows that  They understand exactly what the problem is.  They told us they are impressed with our being forthcoming and  forthright with them as we have been.  …

We will color inside the lines as soon as we can figure out where they all are.  …

A similar situation exists with regard to our filings with the Kansas Ethics Commission.  We expect a letter of material errors and omissions to be issued to us in the future. …

In short, we believe we understand the problems.  We’ve been cooperative and forthcoming with all involved.  We have obtained qualified help.  We have the problems in hand, and we intend to resolve them as quickly as possible and prevent them in the future.

See the video of excerpts of Fitzgerald’s statements:

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 Earlier, Fitzgerald told the Kansas Watchdog that the KS GOP had paid all overdue Kansas taxes and unemployment fees to the Kansas Department of Revenue, but had only started the process of payments to the IRS for back due federal taxes.

 At the June 2009 state Republican Party meeting, Fitzgerald gave this report:

Four FEC personnel began an audit in our office last Tuesday and are expected to be with us for approximately two weeks. The audit covers the period 1 Jan 2007 to 31 Dec 2008 and has been triggered by failure to provide information to the FEC as required. …

FEC reporting can be complex. …. There is no evidence of any wrongdoing; however, the state of the records was not good and considerable effort has since gone into establishing the records as well as correcting procedures to prevent a recurrence. …

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Related:

• Divided GOP approves statement, Topeka Capital-Journal, Jan 30, 2010.
• “Tiahrt to Moran:  Attacking my family is “out of bounds”, KC Star prime buzz, Steve Kraske, Jan 30, 2010.
• Federal Election Commission fines Kansas Republican Party $500, Kansas Watchdog, Dec 24, 2009.
• Brownback addresses Republicans in Salina: “We are having a difficult time”, Kansas Meadowlark, June 22, 2009.

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