Increases maximum in-kind contributions from unions, membership organizations

Portland mayoral candidate Charlie Hales has modified his voluntary campaign contribution limitations to accept larger in-kind contributions from membership organizations, such as labor unions.

Hales had previously limited his cash and in-kind contributions to $600 and he is not accepting any out-of-state contributions. But in a Monday, Oct. 15, letter to opponent Jefferson Smith, Hales said he is lifting the limitation on in-kind contributions from membership organizations. From now on, they can contribute in-kind contributions up to $50 per member.

Hales told the Portland Tribune he made the decision after hearing from labor unions that support him who wanted to do more for his campaign. They argued that their members make contributions through the unions.

Hales said he has received no promises of specific in-kind contributions, but expects they could come from the United Food & Commercial Workers, the Service Employees International Union, the Carpenters Union and others.

"The goal of the limitation was to reduce the influence of wealthy individuals and large corporations. The unions came to me and said it was also limited their individual members, which is not what we wanted," Hales said.

Hales said he sent Smith the letter so he could do the same.

Smith is voluntarily limiting his cash and in-kind contributions to $1,000, including contributions from out of state. He is not changing the limits.

"We are keepiing our campaign promises," said Smith campaign manager Henry Kraemer.