The rules for contributions in judicial campaigns are a bit different than other public offices in the State of Ohio . A judicial candidate is not permitted to solicit funds on his or her own behalf. Funds may not be solicited or accepted until 120 days prior to the primary date of the year the candidate runs for office. Funds may be accepted after November 4, 2007. Funds can only be raised in the period when the judge is running for office, which is every six years.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

• What is the limit for individual contributions?
  • Answer - The limit is $1,000 per individual. In the event there is a primary, this limit applies up until the primary. A new limit of $1,000 will apply for the general election. If there is no primary, there is only one limit of $1,000 that applies.
• Are donations by organizations permitted?
  • Answer - Yes. Unlike some other elections, an organization may contribute to the campaign, however corporate checks cannot be accepted. An “organization” for purposes of campaign contributions is defined as:
    • "Any entity or combination of two or more persons, other than a political party, including, but not limited to, a corporation, nonprofit corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, professional association, continuing association, estate, trust, business trust, political action committee as defined in section 3517.01 of the Revised Code, law firm, organization affiliated with a political party, labor organization, campaign committee of another candidate for political office, or caucus campaign committee".
• Who do we send contributions to and where?
  • Answer - Contributions should be made payable to “Committee to Retain Judge Timothy Cannon” and sent to Paul Malchesky, Treasurer, 41 East Erie St., Painesville, Ohio 44077.
• What will be the total cost of the campaign?
  • Answer - That is difficult to determine.  However, the expense to conduct a campaign over a five county area is very significant. The committee could benefit from any contribution individuals or organizations are able to make.
• Can contributions be sent at any time or do they have to be sent during an event, such as a fund raiser?
  • Answer - Contributions can be sent at any time after November 4, 2007, as long as the contribution does not exceed the limits set forth above. They do not need to be made in conjunction with a fund raiser.