On December 6, 1996, the Ohio Elections Commission (“commission”) found that appellant Lesiak, as secretary for Polish–Americans, Inc., had violated
R.C. 3517.09(A) by soliciting “suggested donations” from political candidates attending a June 26, 1997 “candidates night,” an event at which candidates could speak to members of Polish–Americans, Inc., after which the members would choose the political candidates they would endorse during the election campaign. The “suggested donations” were to be used to cover costs, including “pre-election advertising to be paid by [Polish Americans, Inc.] for our endorsed candidates.” (Appellee's trial court brief, March 24, 1997, at 2.)