3.2.5.1. Contributions
The rule applies to contributions made to candidates, elected officials, and their offices. If an individual or office can influence the outcome of the hiring of a dealer or municipal advisor, contributions will trigger the ban. The official must be someone who has the authority to influence whether municipal securities or advisory business is directed toward the dealer or advisor. A contribution to a municipal official or entity that does not have the influence to direct business toward the firm will not trigger the ban.
Note that applicable contributions by MA third-party solicitors or their associated persons will trigger the ban on a municipal advisor that engaged the solicitor MA. If the solicitor MA was engaged by a dealer, the contribution will trigger the ban on the securities dealer.
