Entenza fined $500 for donation from lobbyist

Democrat Matt Entenza has been fined $500 for taking campaign cash from a lobbyist when the Minnesota Legislature was in session in February.

The state Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board says Entenza's gubernatorial campaign voluntarily reported last month that he took $500 from lobbyist Lee Anderson. A campaign official told the board the violation was unintentional and the money was later returned.

The board found no probable cause of an intentional violation. Anderson was also fined $500.

State law prohibits candidates for governor from taking contributions from registered lobbyists during the regular legislative session.

Entenza has faced campaign finance issues before, including a 2006 fine of more than $28,000 accepting donations above state limits while running for attorney general.