EAO 433

A contribution to a judge to defray expenses incurred in defending himself against charges of judicial misconduct is an “officeholder contribution” for purposes of title 15 of the Election Code. A judge may use surplus political contributions to defray expenses incurred in defending himself against charges of judicial misconduct. A permissible officeholder contribution under title 15 of the Election Code is a permissible benefit under section 36.08 of the Penal Code. There is an exception to the requirement to report certain gifts on a personal financial disclosure statement for a gift reported as required under title 15 of the Election Code.