Campaign flier could hurt 2 nonprofits' status [View All]

http://www.startribune.com/587/story/693521.html


"Two affiliated Minnesota groups that oppose same-sex marriage could face the loss of their nonprofit tax status and postage privileges for sending voters a politically-tinged mailing during a hotly contested legislative primary election, but the groups say their actions were legal.

Washington, D.C.-based Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington filed complaints Thursday with federal authorities over a "Special Primary Edition" of the Pro-Family News, published by the Minnesota Family Council and the Minnesota Family Institute.

The mailing, sent to voters in the Brainerd area, reported the support of openly gay state Sen. Paul Koering, R-Fort Ripley, for same-sex civil unions and his election opponent's opposition. It added: "GOP primary voters have a clear choice between a candidate who supports gay civil unions and one who is committed to protecting marriage."

Koering took 55 percent of the vote Sept. 12 to gain the Republican nomination over Brainerd City Council Member Kevin Goedker."