Fixit: The state reimburses some political donations

Q Is it true that the state will reimburse me for money I donate to the DFL Party? How does that work and where does the money come from?"

A Yes, and the same is true for the Republican, Independence and Green parties. And you can get money back when you contribute to certain candidates.

The money comes from the state's general fund, basically where tax money ends up. The refund limit is $50 a year for individuals; $100 for married couples filing jointly.

In 2006, the total refunds made for contributions to political parties from the general fund was $3,252,822, according to the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board.

Breaking it down by party:

DFL: $904,399

Green: $11,207

Independence: $14,495

Republican: $2,322,721

Refund data going back to 2000 show the Republicans exceeding a $2 million payout every year. The DFL was well below that, breaking the $1 million mark once, in 2004. The Green and Independence Party payouts are typically less than $30,000. Records show that more Republican contributors take advantage of the program than do other party contributors.

Under Minnesota's Contribution Refund Program, the major and minor parties can issue political contribution refund receipts to Minnesota voters, explained Gary Goldsmith, executive director of the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board. (Based on election results, the DFL and Republican parties currently are major parties; the Green and Independence parties are minor parties.)

Candidates for state legislative and constitutional offices who sign an agreement to abide by voluntary campaign spending limits are eligible without regard to party affiliation.

To get money back, Minnesota voters file a special form with the state's Department of Revenue.

Goldsmith said there are other ways candidates and political parties can get money from Minnesota's system of public subsidy for elections. Direct payments to qualified candidates and state party units (for campaign expenditures) come from monies dedicated by the taxpayer checkoff on income and property tax returns, and partly by a statutory appropriation.

To look at amounts paid out since 1995, go to: www.cfboard. state.mn.us/campfin/pcrprog. html.)

Send your questions to Fixit in care of the Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488 or e-mail fixit@startribune.com.