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FEDERAL ELECTION COM,\1ISSION

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REPORT OF TilE AUDIT DIVISION

ON TilE

MISSOURI REPUBLICAN HOST CO~1ITTEE, INC.

I. Background

A. Overview

This report covers the post-convention audit of the

Missouri Republican Host Committee, Inc. ("the Committee"),

undertaken by the Audit Division of the Federal Election Commission

to determine whether there has been compliance with the provisions

of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended ("the Act").

The audit was conducted pursuant to Section 438(a) (8) of Title 2,

United states Code, which authorizes the Commission to make from

time to time audits with respect to reports and statements filed

under the provisions of the Act.

The Committee filed for incorporation on February 16,

1976, for the purpose of planning, organizing and administering

various welcoming activities for the delegates, guests, and media

representatives to the Republican National Convention held in

Kansas City, Missouri in August, 1976. The Committee is a host

committee as defined in Section l20.2(h) of the Commission's

Regulations. The Committee maintains its records in Kansas City,

Missouri.

The audit covered the period January 1, 1976, throu~h

December 31, 1976. 1/ During this period, the Committee reported

a beginning cash balance of $-0-, total receipts of $162,115.17,

total expenditures of $129,332.29, and a closing cash balance of

$32,782.88.

This audit report is based on documents and working

papers supporting each of its factual st~tcmcnts. They form

part of the record upon which the Commission b~sed its decisions

on the matters in this report, and were available to Commissioners

and appropriate staff for review.

!/ See Section II for present status of Committee.
B. Key Personnel

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The principal officers of the Committee at the time of

the audit were Mr. Richard Berkley, President/Treasurer, and

Ms. Georganne Hedges, Executive Vice President.

C. Scope

The audit included such tests as verification of reported

receipts and expenditures and individual transactions: review of

required supporlinq documentation, analysis of Committee debts

and obligations, Lo ensure compliance with the provisions of section

9008 of Title 26 of the United States Code (Payments for Presidential

Nominationg Conventions), and such other audit procedures as deemed

necessary under the circumstances.

II. Present Status of the Committee

At the present time the Committee is filing reports with the

Commission. According to reports filed, a portion ($25,250.00)

of its positive cash residue on 12/31/76 was distributed to various

civic and charitable organizations in the Kansas City area. Upon

final settlement of all outstanding obligations the Committee has

indicated it will give its remaining balance to local charities and

terminate.

III. Host Committee Contributions

Sections 121.7, 121.8 and 121.9 of the Commission's negulations

set specific guidelines for host committees in the areas of in-kind

contributions as well as donations from local businesses and labor

organizations.

The contribution and expenditure reviews conducted during the

audit included tests to ensure compliance with these provisions ot

the Regulations. No transfers were made to the Republican National

Committee or the l\rrangements Committee o[ the Republican National

Committee for the 1976 Republican National Convention by this

Conunit tee.

Our review disclosed that the activity of the Committee

was in material compliance with the requirements of tho

Commission's Rules and Regulations.
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IV. Auditor's Statement

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It is the opinion of the Audit staff, based upon examination

of the reports and statements filed and the records presented, that

the reports and statements of the Missouri Republican Host Committee, Inc. fairly present the financial activities of the Co~~ittce

for the period covered by the audit. No material problems in

complying with the Federal Election Campaign Act, and specifically

Section 9008 of Title 26 of the united States Code, were discovered

during the courfiC of the audit.

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