Recent mailers and newspaper ads listing Ronnie Lewis and Tommy Ervin as their sponsors appear to be clear violations of Texas Ethics Commission rules and could subject both to serious fines.
At the bottom of a recently mailed postcard and at the bottom of signs placed around town supporting a slate of candidates the disclaimer “Paid political ad by Ronnie Lewis, who is supported by True Republicans from all over Ector County” is listed. Likewise, at least two newspaper ads bearing the picture of Tommy Ervin – who resigned his seat on the Ector County Utility District board after Ector County District Attorney Dusty Gallivan threatened to file removal charges against him as Texas law prohibits convicted felons from serving in elected office – list the disclaimer “Paid political ad by Tommy Ervin, who is supported by True Republicans from all over Ector County”. Ervin continues to claim he received a gubernatorial pardon but after many years of questions surrounding his claim has continued to fail to provide any evidence of such a pardon.
In both cases such endorsements would require the filing of the proper paperwork with the Texas Ethics Commission including the appointment of a treasurer and reports showing all contributions made to and expenses paid for by the organization.
In Texas, political action committees (PACs) that fail to file the required paperwork with the Texas Ethics Commission, including treasurer reports and financial disclosure statements, can face administrative penalties. If a report is late, the PAC may be subject to fines, and failure to pay or respond to late notices can lead to further consequences. These include referral to the Office of the Attorney General for enforcement, public listing as a delinquent filer, and potential criminal prosecution for severe violations.
In an effort to protect the voting public and to ensure that candidates file the required state and local disclosures, Odessa Headlines regularly reviews candidate’s filings and has reported these apparent violations to the Texas Ethics Commission for review. Odessa Headlines will continue to update this story as additional details become available.