Candidate Compensation

I find myself in the unique position of coming to the defense of 5th congressional candidate Jeff Hartline. Jeff has spent the last few weeks getting hammered by people over immigration, energy policy, legal issues, and most recently the salary he receives from his campaign. I agree that the majority of these issues need to be looked at and vetted in a constructive and professional manner. To a large degree that has not happened, The Hartline campaigned has been maligned by a lot of people who have no real interest in the truth only smear campaigns in an effort to knock him down the proverbial peg or two.

I want to address the issue of a candidate taking a salary from their campaign. While this tactic is relatively new it is not unheard of and it is not illegal. Many candidates that do not have the deep pockets of wealthy candidates must either work a secular job or receive monies from their campaigns. I asked the Hartline campaign why he was taking a salary and it was relayed to me like this “Jeff needs to focus solely on his race and he would not be able to do that worried about how he would pay the bills during the campaign.”

I, as a campaign manager would advise him to do the same thing. When someone commits to running they need to focus solely on running and not be worried about the income. I would advise an income that mirrors the previous year’s tax return. There have been questions about the amount ($4000 according to the campaign) that is being paid monthly. I questioned this to the campaign and I am told that that amount maintains prior years status and does not represent a pay boost for him.

Finally, I believe the majority of the uproar coming from other campaigns has to do with the fact that Jeff has been able to raise $250,000 and can afford to pay himself a salary. The other campaigns come nowhere near that figure.

I believe a candidate needs to be vetted on issues and any perceived shenanigans but this is not anything illegal or unethical and people need to go back to the issues at hand and stop slinging the mud.


NOTE: I am working to get Jeff on Political Straight Talk Radio to interview him.