Not a story you hear everyday, but NC State Senator Kathy Harrington found an error and reported it to the State Board of Elections.  In a day when many have a hard time trusting their elected officials, its nice to know that some acknowledge errors when they happen and take action to correct them.  See the story below from the Gaston Gazette.

 A Gaston County state senator turned over $3,000 in campaign cash to the state last month after determining it was a prohibited contribution.

Sen. Kathy Harrington’s campaign self-reported the violation and agreed to give up $3,000 of an $8,000 contribution the Gaston Anesthesia Associates PAC gave to her re-election committee.

State law prohibits political action committees from donating more than $5,000 to a candidate in one election.

The Gaston Anesthesia Associates political action committee made two $4,000 contributions to Harrington’s campaign, one coming in November 2013 and the other in April 2014.

“As soon as the error was realized, my campaign notified the State Board of Elections and complied with campaign finance laws which require the overage be sent to the State Board of Elections,” Harrington said.

Harrington’s campaign turned over the $3,000 in September.

Joe Patton with the State Board of Elections confirmed that Harrington’s campaign self-reported the violation. The $3,000 goes to the state’s Civil Penalties and Forfeiture fund, which eventually goes to public education, Patton said.

 Gaston Anesthesia Associates did not return calls left with the office this week.

Harrington, a Republican, represents the portion of Gaston County in the 43rd Senate District. She does not face opposition in November’s election.