December 04, 2006

"Double filer is within the law"

"Investigations in San Bernardino and Riverside counties have concluded that Keith McCarter violated no laws when he filed for candidacy for different offices in the November election.

McCarter was under investigation by the San Bernardino County district attorney's office at the time of the Nov. 7 election, when he appeared on ballots as a candidate for the Riverside Community College District's Board of Trustees and a candidate for the Fontana City Council. In the end, McCarter lost in both races.

San Bernardino County Deputy District Attorney John Goritz said McCarter met the "minimum requirement to run for office in Fontana," which meant being registered in Fontana at the time he sought office. Therefore, Goritz said, he broke no laws in San Bernardino County.

Earlier, Ingrid Wyatt, spokeswoman for the Riverside County district attorney's office, said McCarter would not be prosecuted there.

"After review of the material, it appears no crime was committed in Riverside County," she said.

McCarter praised the investigators for their professionalism.

"It was a simple misunderstanding," he said.

"When someone seeks to engage in activities within the public arena, they should take affirmative steps to make sure the I's are dotted and the T's are crossed when it comes to public actions and activities," he said. "In future campaigns, I will seek to avoid similar misunderstandings."

Secretary of State Bruce McPherson's office declined to investigate the matter after the election, leaving it to local authorities."

The story is here.

Posted by Randy Riddle at December 4, 2006 10:18 AM