Illinois Senate Leader Dodges Big Fine in Campaign Cash Mix-Up

In a surprising turn of events, Illinois Senate President Don Harmon won't have to pay a huge $9. 8 million fine. This fine was for breaking campaign finance rules during the 2024 election. The State Board of Elections couldn't agree on the fine, so it didn't go through. The fine came after reports showed Harmon's campaign took in way more money than allowed. The rules say once a candidate puts in over $100, 000 of their own money, there are no limits on donations. But the board said Harmon's campaign took in about $4 million too much after the 2024 primary. Harmon's team said the rules should have let him keep raising unlimited money until the 2026 election. They argued that the law doesn't clearly define an "election cycle. " Harmon's lawyer said stopping the unlimited donations in the middle of his term wasn't fair. The board's chair, Laura Donahue, said the deadlock means there's no clear rule on how long these donation limits last. She thinks the legislature needs to step in and clarify the rules. But Harmon isn't completely off the hook. A conservative group has filed a new complaint against him. They want to make sure campaign finance laws are followed correctly.