The Minnesota campaign finance board decided although Stillwater consultant Mike Campbell's work might have looked like lobbying, he is not a lobbyist.
In the face of a complaint from prominent area blogger Karl Bremer about Campbell's work, the board said Campbell did not need to register with the board because he didn't actually talk to public officials about his agenda.
"What may be confusing to the general public is that tracking legislation, providing research, and providing advice on actions that a client might take to further a legislative or administrative agenda are all actions that support lobbying efforts. But without direct communication with public or local officials, or communication in which the public is urged to contact public officials on an issue, the definition of lobbying is not met, and registration and disclosure under Chapter 10A is not required," the board said.
Read the full decision here:
In heated western Minn. GOP congressional primary, outsiders challenging incumbent
Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame: A class-by-class list of all members
This retired journalist changed professional wrestling from Mankato
