(a)

1. (1) A candidate may:

   1. (A) Use campaign funds to employ people to work for the campaign; and
   2. (B) Pay those employees reasonable wages or expenses, provided payment relates to campaign activity.

2. (2) A candidate or the campaign is allowed to hire employees or contract labor on a temporary basis to assist in such campaign matters as:

   1. (A) Conducting polls;
   2. (B) Providing transportation for electors to the polls;
   3. (C) Posting signs and other forms of political advertising;
   4. (D) Handling mail and telephone solicitation; and
   5. (E) Other tasks related to campaign activity.

(b)

1. (1) A candidate who is unopposed may not use campaign funds to employ family members.

2. (2)

   1. (A) If the candidate has an opponent, he or she may employ members of his or her family as campaign workers, provided the wage paid is reasonable.
   2. (B) What constitutes a reasonable wage is a factual determination subject to review by the Arkansas Ethics Commission.
   3. (C) Excessive wages may be viewed as personal income in violation of Arkansas Code § 7‑6‑203.

(c)

1. (1) In addition to the personal income exceptions noted above, a candidate who has an opponent and who during and before the election takes a leave of absence without pay from his or her primary place of employment shall be authorized to use campaign funds as personal income up to the amount of employment lost as a result of the leave.
2. (2) See 7 CAR § 3-108(a)(1)(C).