The Wisconsin Democracy Campaign today called attention to 14 individuals, including three so-called “payday lenders,” who ran afoul of state finance laws by exceeding the annual limit on contributions to Wisconsin candidates and political committees in 2008.

Last month WDC issued a report showing record donations by owners of payday loan outlets aimed at persuading lawmakers to derail legislation curbing the legalized loan sharking the industry engages in.

Identifying violators proved more challenging this year because of the failings of the state’s new online reporting system for campaign finances. Five donations totaling $2,350 made by four of the contributors were missing on the system. WDC found them by double checking other electronic and paper filings by candidates and political committees. This is not the first time the Democracy Campaign has spelled out problems with the new system. At the beginning of September WDC presented testimony on the system’s shortcomings to an Assembly committee.