Minnesota GOP leader to earn cut of large donations

Minnesota's Republican Party chair will collect bonuses tied to fundraising.

The party's executive committee voted 11-3 Thursday night for a bonus structure that will give GOP Chair Jennifer Carnahan a 10 percent commission on major donations, subject to a cap. The incentive plan provides her a cut on contributions above $5,000 and limits the award to $58,000 per year, according to the party.

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The incentive is meant to recognize the extra work involved in securing those large donations, said party executive director Matthew Pagano.

"It's tied directly to her performance as a fundraiser, which is the number one job of the state party chair in any party. It's a merit-based, based on performance," Pagano said. "It's not like a flat salary, which has been a lot larger at a flat rate for prior chairs."

Carnahan, who was elected to the job in April, earns a base salary of $67,000 per year. That is less than some prior chairs have earned but close to the amount Carnahan requested she be paid when she sought the job in a contested race last year.

Minnesota's DFL Party Chair Ken Martin earns more than $100,000 per year but doesn't get commissions.