Oregon Public Broadcasting

An appellate court has upheld the conviction of Portland businessman Tom Moyer on charges that he illegally bundled campaign contributions. April Baer reports Moyer has lost a round in court, but the battle may not be over.

Tom Moyer is the founder of a successful property management company.

The firm manages some recognizable buildings in the Portland skyline, and also employs his granddaughter, Vanessa Sturgeon.

State investigators believe that in 2003, Moyer was behind two campaign donations made by Sturgeon, and Moyer's executive assistant.

The gifts totaled $4500. Don Hamilton, spokesman for Oregon's Secretary of State, says the case is unusual.

Don Hamilton: "Most people who make contributions to campaigns scrupulously follow the law, and make sure the person making the contribution, is the one identified on the legally required forms."

Defendants claimed that the manner in which campaign finance records are kept is an unlawful restraint of their political expression.

The case is likely to be appealed to the Oregon Supreme Court.