Section 351.3.6. Legitimate campaign expenses.

All Iowa election campaign funds shall be used only for legitimate campaign expenses. “General election” as used in these rules shall be the same as defined in Iowa Code section 39.3.

       3.6(1) General election candidates. Any expenditure that expressly advocates the nomination, election, or defeat of a candidate during the general election or a special election that does not involve two or more candidates from the same political party.

       3.6(2) Party staff. Party staff and general election campaign staff salaries, fringe benefits and applicable payroll taxes, including travel expenses, lodging, and food for party staff and general election campaign candidates and staff. Each staff person must be listed by name, the amount paid as net salary, fringe benefits, applicable payroll taxes and the amount paid for expenses.

       3.6(3) Party activities. Travel expenses, lodging and food for public officials who promote party activities or travel with general election candidates in campaign activities.

       3.6(4) Building costs. Building costs, utilities, and maintenance for the office locations of the state political parties or general election candidates.

       3.6(5) Office expenses. Expenses of the office operations of the political parties, including printing and copying charges, postage costs, telephone charges, computer services, bank charges, election records, parking costs and miscellaneous office supplies used during the general election.

       3.6(6) Candidate recruitment. Party expenses for the initial recruitment of candidates for public office by the political parties are allowed.

       3.6(7) Expenses by volunteers. Expenses for volunteer activities, meeting costs, and fundraising costs during the general election.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code Supplement sections 68A.605 and 68A.606.