Criminal investigators are looking into an allegation that St. Paul mayoral candidate Dai Thao's campaign solicited a bribe.
Thao, who is also a City Council member, met with lobbyist Sarah Clarke and some of her clients in February to discuss the city's potential ban on Styrofoam and other food packaging, an issue that would come before Thao as a council member and on the campaign trail. During that meeting, Thao said he needed "resources to spread his message," Clarke said.
It seemed clear he was asking for a campaign contribution, she said, and they were shocked. After the meeting, Angela Marlow, then Thao's campaign manager, texted her.
"Dai asked me to see if I could get a donation from your clients or yourself for his mayor campaign? My understanding is that they are leaving tomorrow. We will certainly rethink this issue. We are also happy to support Jacob in his mayor run as well," Marlow wrote, referring to Minneapolis mayoral candidate Jacob Frey, who is Clarke's husband.
Clarke replied that it might violate campaign finance laws and any donation could be "misperceived as a bribe under Minnesota Statute." Neither she nor her client would make a contribution to Thao's campaign, she said in the text.
State law prohibits a public officer or employee from requesting benefits or reward with the understanding that it will influence their power or duties.
Thao is one of six people running for the open mayor's seat. The allegations emerged as DFL mayoral candidates were in the midst of ward caucuses, a process that concluded Sunday. Thao came out of the caucuses with the second-most delegates, behind Melvin Carter and ahead of Pat Harris. Both Thao and Carter have said they would abide by the endorsement at the June 17 convention.
Thao fired Marlow Saturday after Fox 9 News reported that they had attempted to solicit a bribe. Afterward, Thao put out a news release saying, "Today, I learned that two months ago my campaign manager solicited an illegal contribution from lobbyists. I had no knowledge of this, did not sanction it and do not condone these actions."