It’s not an election without allegations of soft money, but Rep. Bill Zedler, R-Arlington, is facing a potentially serious claim that he broke not only state campaign finance laws but federal election laws, as well. On Sept. 16, a private complaint was lodged with the Federal Election Commission, claiming that Zedler and two Republican members of the U.S. Congress, Joe Barton and Kay Gran­ger, took part in a Sept. 9 fundraiser for the Friends of Bill Zedler where guests were invited to contribute up to $5,000 – more than double the $2,300 federal limit. Barton and Granger were named on an Aug. 19 flier as hosts for the event. The flier was later changed to remove their names and a disclaimer added, saying their original inclusion was a “layout error.” However, the $5,000 figure was still on there.

This article appears in September 26 • 2008.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.