Independent gubernatorial candidate Anthony Pollina’s campaign will review a hard copy of the Vermont pre-campaign finance reform law from 1997 tonight after learning several days ago from the secretary of state’s office it may have to return approximately $28,000 in campaign contributions due to his switch from the Progressive Party.

After reviewing Pollina’s July 31 campaign finance report, the Elections Director at the secretary of state’s office, Kathy DeWolfe, notified the campaign last week that some of his contributors exceeded the limit of what an individual can donate to an independent candidate.

Unless a complaint is filed with the attorney general’s office against Pollina there will be no ramifications if he does not return the money to supporters said Assistant Attorney General Mike McShane.

“No one has complained about it,” he said. “In the past campaigns have collected more than contribution limits allowed.”

Pollina’s campaign manager said she was not sure whether or not the money would be given back.

“The campaign is about full disclosure and honesty,” Pollina campaign manager Meg Brook said. “We will be complying with the law. I can’t tell you if we will be returning the money to the people or not. The law is not actually clear. We have tried to clearly understand the intent of the law.”

When the Pollina campaign was alerted by the secretary of state’s office last week it was a surprise to everyone, Brook said.

Under state law, candidates running in a political party can receive donations up to $1,000 per person for each election, possibly raising up to $2,000 for the primary and the general election.

Independents do not participate in a primary and therefore are only allowed to accept donations up to $1,000 per individual in the general election.

According to the campaign approximately 34 individuals exceeded the contribution limit of $1,000 while Pollina was campaigning under the Progressive party. Pollina, whose campaign said he hadn’t intended to change parties, switched to be an independent last month as part of a strategic decision Brook said.

Refunding the money to his supporters could jeopardize the campaign’s financial standing. The campaign has less than $23,000 cash on hand according to a July 31 finance report Pollina submitted.

Brook made no mention of the campaign facing financial hardships if the money was returned but she said it would be logistically challenging.

“It’s the most frustrating because it takes time away from the heart of the campaign and what Vermonters want,” Brook said. “The biggest impact it will have on the campaign is diverting time resources from educating voters and having events where they want to learn about new opportunities.”

Brook said the ambiguity of the interpretation of the law is an opportunity to point out to people the disadvantages of a two party system. She hopes this issue will excite Vermonters so they will make a stand about it.

“The laws are written through the lens to further that system and narrow the debate,” she said.