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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (June 5, 2000)
UNL Regent candidate Ferlic blows past spending limits ■ The former heart surgeon claims he had no intention of staying under the $25,000 primary spending limit. By KateGrafel Staff writer UNL Regent candidate Randy Ferlic gave a 1992 elec tion spending law its first test in the May 8 primary. Ferlic, who will run against two-term incumbent Rosemary Skrupa for the Omaha’fc District 8 seat in November, exceeded the voluntary campaign spending limit stipulated by the Nebraska Campaign Finance Limitation act. The statute established a $50,000 limit for the entire elec tion, and half of that - $25,000 - can be spent on the primary. When Ferlic, a retired heart ^pgeon, filed for candidacy, he said he had no intention of stay ing under the $25,000 primary limit. He reported to the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission an esti mate of $70,000. Records show Ferlic actually spent a little ritore than $40,000. “I picked a number,” Ferlic said. “I never really expected to spend ($70,000).” According to the law, which took effect in 1996, the opposi tion to any regent candidate who spends over the voluntary limit is entitled to public funds, provided the opposing candidate spends a minimum of $12,500. If $12,500 is spent, the candidate is entitled to the difference between the established spending limit and the highest spending estimate - in this case, $45,000. Once Ferlic spent 40 percent of his estimate - $28,000 - Skrupa, a consumer protection lawyer, and a third candidate, Gary Thompson, were eligible to apply for the assistance. But neither Skrupa, who won 57 percent of the primary vote, nor Thompson, whose 20 percent fell just behind Ferlic’s 23 per cent, spent the minimum required. While Skrupa said she didn’t originally plan on spending $12,500, she submitted a cam paign statement to the NADC that reported expenditures over die qualifying amount. But NADC Director Frank Daley denied Skrupa’s applica tion for public funds after deter mining that a $2,000 payment for advertising on KFAB radio never went through. Ferlic reported his highest costs also came in advertising, but in die Omaha World-Herald. He also $5,900 on campaign consulting and $2,400 on radio advertising. Nearly all of Ferlic Is funding came from individual contributors, many of whom reside outside District 8. Skrupa and her husband Frank funded her entire cam paign. Trucks, vans, a workshop and storage space rented for the purpose of placing signs amounted to nearly $9,000. Skrupa is a 12-year veteran of the seat. Skrupa said her goals as a member of the Board of Regents include better transference cred its between NU campuses, an affordable, quality education and a lower dropout rate. Ferlic said he hopes to encourage more national recog nition of NU faculty and research, to develop a program in water law and to more actively recruit non-traditional students. Both candidates must submit revised campaign statements before the Nov. 9 general elec tion. Ferlic can modify his spending estimate, and Skrupa will have the opportunity to reap ply for public hinds. Welcome Back Students!** Look Your Best With Distinctive Clothing, Sportswear and Shoes! Bring this ad in for rv 15% off k Regularly Priced L Merchandise ■ Sony, Not Valid lor B Dr. Martens, Lucky, Fragrance, ^ with any other offers, ■ or Prior Purchases. m Expire^^^O i«tn & Y Lincoln 132nd & Center Omaha SALE ON NOW! j RfClCMC Back / Pick us up e Thursday or want to experience some of the finer things of journalism? WORK FOR THE DN UNL’s No. 1 source for news, sports, commentary and , entertainment, (plus, you get paid) Here’s how to find out more: 1. You’re on a tour, so stop on down. We’re in the base ment of the Nebraska Union. 2. Ring our bell at 472-2588 over the summer for a chataroo. 3. If you’re interested in the adverstising biz, call 472-2589. 4. If you want to be a columnist, call 472-1765. 5. Stop by our booth at Big Red Welcome. 6. Or just stop down, we in the Union, in the basement. Tuesday Evenings 430—730 pan. June & July* 13th&R Streets
