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MANKATO--The location of GOP Rep. Jim Hagedorn's campaign headquarters is in questions and charges with federal election law violations.
According to a story published by Politico, Hagedorn listed Suite 007 of Brett's Building at 11 Civic Center Plaza as his campaign's headquarters with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) since 2013, however, election spending records show no payments were made for use of this space. This has led to allegations Hagedorn has been using the space rent-free for seven years.
In response to the Politico story, a Facebook post from Hagedorn on Friday stated his campaign used "11 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 007" as a P.O. Box address and no physical location is tied to that address. In the comment sections of the post, Hagedorn further stated he does not have a campaign office.
Despite this claim, older campaign messaging did list 11 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 007 as a Hagedorn Campaign Office. A meet and greet event advertised on Eventbrite listed Hagedorn's Campaign office as Suite 7 and was the physical location for the meeting.
Hagedorn's Facebook admitted to using unfurnished space in the basement of Brett's Building from March 2018 through November 7, 2018, but said the owner was paid $100 and this was listed in the FEC report.
Politico responded that FEC files had no record of this fee is paid and $100 for the use of the space over nine months is below market rate value. Campaigns are required to pay a fair-market rate for rental space. If space is donated, the campaign would need to disclose this as an in-kind contribution. The building is owned by Gordon Awsumb who has contributed cash donation to Hagedorn's campaign, but no in-kind donations are listed with the FEC