PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon attorney general’s office has released a recording of an political party official telling a political operative that candidates have to contribute money to participate in the party’s nominating process.
The official is Sal Peralta of the Independent Party, which was formed in 2007 and has grown to more than 50,000 members.
Peralta said later he “misspoke” and sent an e-mail that says candidates don’t have to donate money to get a nomination.
State law forbids offering a political nomination in exchange for money. Attorney General John Kroger has decided not to press charges.
