Optometrists "On The Stand"

Former state Rep. Michael Decker received handfuls of $100 checks from optometrists and used some for his political campaign and some for his personal use, according to testimony today as the State Board of Elections opened hearings on possible campaign abuses.

The optometrists testified that they gave incomplete checks for $100 or less to middlemen with the political action committee. Those checks eventually were cashed by Decker or deposited into his campaign. State law requires that donations to a candidate of more than $100 be publicly disclosed. In addition, contributions to a political action committee of more than $100 must also be disclosed.

A half dozen optometrists testified that they gave 10 or 12 checks for $100 or less to be handed out as others saw fit. But public disclosure reports do not show that any of those who testified made contributions. Decker, who sat in the audience and chewed on his fingernails, would not comment.

The hearings opened this morning with House Speaker Jim Black, whose campaign receipts are expected to be a part of later testimony, seated in front of the elections board, flanked by two of his lawyers.

Eric Raynor, an optometrist from Benson, told election board members that he provided 12 signed checks for $100 each to the state optometric political action committee but left blank the payee line and the date. Evidence shows that at least five of the checks went to Decker's campaign or to him personally. The final check didn't clear the bank until a year later.

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