Bryant Challenger Appears to Have Illegally Broken Contribution Caps
Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) is facing a challenge from attorney Wesley Kash. Kash appeared to have illegally broken the state’s campaign contribution limits last week.
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Wesley Kash, a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Jefferson County, reported more than $200,000 in contributions this week in his primary campaign against Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro).
The contributions would appear to bust campaign contribution caps in the race for next spring, but it would appear the contributions that blew the caps were made illegally.
Wesley Kash reported $51,000 from Mark Kash, who is the Treasurer of the campaign and appears to be Wesley Kash’s father. When we reached Mark Kash Friday morning, he hung up on us.
The contribution that would have blown the caps came from Phyllis Kash, who is the Chair of Wesley Kash's campaign, for $150,000. Reviews of public records and voter registrations appear to show Phyllis Kash is Wesley Kash's 85-year-old grandmother.
Contributions caps are blown when a candidate self-funds $100,000 or is contributed the amount by a member of their “immediate” family.
The State Board of Elections confirmed Friday morning “immediate” only applies to “spouse, parent and children.”
ISBE says it is looking into the contribution, and will require Kash to return the donation from his grandmother. Caps would remain on, so Kash would also be required to return most of the contribution from his father.
We've attempted to reach Wesley Kash multiple ways this morning and have not been able to reach him. If returned, there is no legal penalty for the contributions.
Bryant declined to comment.
