Text: CAMPAIGN FINANCE BOARD PRECEDENT: Former DFL 49B Rep. Jerry Newton, a one-term House member defeated by GOP Rep. Branden Petersen in 2010, was able to cut a precedent-setting deal with the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board. Newton's campaign committee inadvertently failed to return $300 in excess contributions in time to avoid triggering a violation that resulted in Newton owing a $300 civil penalty to the board. Newton, who will not be running again, negotiated to get his fine reduced. In an agreement released Tuesday, the board agreed to accept only the $154 remaining in Newton's campaign treasury. Newton, for his part, must terminate his campaign committee and repay the rest of the $300 if he runs for office in the next four years. In the past three years, the Campaign Finance Board has handled over 20 conciliation agreements per year. The staff was careful to stress to board members that this variance to the civil fine could open the door to prospective negotiations with other violators in the future.