Madison - Nineteen well-heeled contributors to campaigns for state offices violated campaign finance laws in the last half of 2001 by exceeding the annual $10,000 limit on contributions, according to the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.

The 19 donors represent more than a threefold increase over the six individuals who exceeded the legal limit on donations in a calendar year during the previous reporting period that covered the first six months of 2001. (Previous report.)

A WDC analysis of records filed at the State Elections Board by the candidates and committees that received the contributions also showed that four contributors continued to donate money to candidates in the last six months of 2001, after WDC publicly identified them last September as having already exceeded the $10,000 limit in the first six months of last year.

A review of campaign committee files revealed no correspondence, amended reports or other indications that the board has taken action against those who violated the $10,000 contribution threshold during the first six months of 2001.

"The number of individuals violating the law tripled in the last half of the year, and that should come as no surprise given the Elections Board's track record of inaction. The board's refusal to enforce the law is breeding contempt for it," said WDC executive director Mike McCabe.

The latest batch (see table) of those who exceeded the annual contribution limit made donations ranging from $10,025 to $14,900. Topping the list was Stephen Marcus of Milwaukee, chairman and president of the Marcus Corp. which owns a chain of movie theaters and hotels. Campaign records show Marcus contributed $1,950 in the last half of 2001 on top of the $12,950 in the first six months of 2001.

The others who violated the limit in the first half of the year but continued to make contributions were Milwaukee real estate developer Julilly Kohler who donated $10,500 in the first half of 2001 and $500 in the second half of the year; Menasha homemaker Sandra Mills who contributed $10,625 in the first half of 2001 and $250 in the last half; and Madison auto dealer Ron Thorstad who donated $10,300 in the first half of last year and $250 in the last six months of 2001.

In addition to Marcus and Kohler, seven other contributors substantially exceeded the $10,000 limit - by giving $11,000 or more last year. They were Milwaukee developer Gary Grunau, $12,700; Hayward timber company owner William Johnson, $12,500; John Bowles, a Milwaukee construction company owner, $12,100; Madison liquor distributor Marvin Levy, $11,800; Wisconsin Rapids resident Edith Nash, $11,700; Frank Hastings, president of a Madison construction company, $11,400; and De Pere auto dealer Edwin Van Boxtel, $11,300.

Rounding out the list were Elkhorn construction executive Richard Mann, $10,906; Mills, $10,875; Mequon financial analyst Ted Kellner, $10,850; Milwaukee liquor distributor James Alevizos, $10,650; Thorstad, $10,550; retired Iola publisher Chester Krause, $10,500; Milwaukee resident Lynde Uihlein, $10,350; Racine construction company owner William Cape, $10,150; Miller Brewing executive Patricia McKeithan, $10,025; and Whitewater business executive David Kachel, $10,025.

Copies of the pages from the candidate and committee campaign finance reports that substantiate the contributors' donations summarized in Table 1 are available from WDC upon request.