MANCHESTER, NH – The following public apology was posted on Congressman Frank Guinta’s “Guinta for Congress” website Sunday following a series of media reports about alleged campaign finance irregularities involving donations made by the former mayor of Manchester to his campaign prior to his 2014 election to Congress, including this six-word indictment by the Union Leader.
Dear friends,
As many of you know, nearly five years ago, a complaint was filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) relative to the source of funds I loaned my 2010 campaign. I said then, as I maintain today, that I made an error on the first financial disclosure report and the funds I loaned the campaign were mine. I recognize the difficulty of this situation, and to all those expressing their concerns and frustration, I apologize.
Since the FEC complaint I have worked diligently to resolve this issue. Even when out of public office, I made proactive efforts to resolve the matter. It was only after I was elected in 2014 that the FEC contacted me to finally resolve the issue.
Here are the facts:
I readily shared documents with the FEC such as bank statements and property sales receipts over a 40-year period that proves my personal contribution to the family account in question. With over 40 years of time, and through appreciation, interest, investments and more, I was personally responsible for funds exceeding the amount I loaned the 2010 campaign. Did my parents issue checks? Yes. Due to my status as a minor in the early years, my parent’s names were at the top of the account. Was it their money? No. Documents prove the funds were mine.
I have sought opportunities to openly share this information with the media (NH-1, WMUR, the Union Leader, WGIR), and I have attended many public events to be accessible and accountable to the people of New Hampshire. I understand and share with you the frustration of this process, and I am sorry for my error that caused it.
As an elected official and public figure, I fully appreciate the honor and duty of being held to a higher standard. I hope you know that I have always taken my role seriously.
As one might expect, this has been deeply personal and difficult for my family, but they stand by the truth and support my decision to settle the case and bring closure to the issue. We have been through challenges before and we have always looked people in the eye and told the truth.
I continue to try and set the record straight:
• I have always acknowledged the initial error I made. As you may remember, I immediately amended the disclosure report to account for my error.
• I have always said the funds I loaned my 2010 campaign were mine. I have provided financial documents that prove this point.
• I have always intended to repay the loan and my committee will file the appropriate amendment to reflect the recent FEC settlement.
Many of you have reached out in support and I appreciate your words of encouragement. It is my privilege to work for such hard-working Granite Staters. If you’d like to discuss this or any other issue, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
Thank you,
Frank Guinta
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