Who gave to a candidate for the Arkansas Court of Appeals?  That’s the topic of this story.

The chairman of the Arkansas Ethics Commission said his wife, not he, contributed $100 to Court of Appeals Judge Wendell Griffen’s unsuccessful re-election campaign, although he is listed as the contributor on Griffen’s campaign-finance report.

Commission Chairman Larry W. Ross of Sherwood said his wife, Lillian, and Griffen’s wife, Patricia, are professors at Philander Smith College in Little Rock.

His wife also contributed to Pulaski County Circuit Judge Joyce Williams Warren’s campaign because they have known each other for many years, Ross said.

“Somehow [Griffen’s campaign officials ] didn’t note [the contribution ] as Mrs. Ross and noted it as Larry Ross,” Ross explained. “But on the [accompanying ] note that was written, although I signed the check, it was from her, so obviously it was somehow mishandled.” He’s “well aware” that state law bars Ethics Commission members from contributing to candidates for state and local offices, he said.