(1) For the purposes of Title 13, chapters 35 and 37, MCA, and these rules, the term "contribution" as defined in 13-1-101, MCA, includes, but is not limited to:

(a) Each contribution as listed in 13-37-229, MCA;

(b) The purchase of tickets or admissions to, or advertisements in journals or programs for testimonial or fund raising events, including, but not limited to dinners, luncheons, cocktail parties, and rallies held to support or oppose a candidate, issue, or political committee;

(c) A candidate's own money used on behalf of his or her candidacy, except as provided in 13-1-101(6) (b) (iv) and (10) (b) (ii) , MCA; and

(d) An in-kind contribution, as defined in (2) of this rule.

(2) The term "in-kind contribution" means the furnishing of services, property, or rights without charge or at a charge which is less than fair market value to a candidate or political committee for the purpose of supporting or opposing any candidate, ballot issue or political committee, except as provided in 13-1-101(6) (a) (iii) and (6) (b) (i) , MCA.

(a) An "in-kind contribution", includes, but is not limited to:

(i) Forgiveness of any loan to or debt of a candidate or political committee;

(ii) Payment of a loan or other debt by a third person;

(iii) An expenditure made at the behest of a candidate or political committee as specified in ARM 44.10.517;

(iv) A "coordinated expenditure" as defined in ARM 44.10.323(4) ; and

(v) The cost of distributing, republishing or reproducing campaign material (print or broadcast) produced or prepared by a candidate or political committee unless the distribution, republication or reproduction costs are a communication by a membership organization or corporation under 13-1-101(6) (b) (iii) or (10) (b) (iv) , MCA.

(3) The fact that the public office being sought by the individual is not known by the contributor or has not yet been determined by the potential candidate at the time that the contribution is made or the fact that a candidate and/or issue being supported or opposed by a political committee is not known by the contributor or has not yet been determined by a political committee at the time that the contribution is made has no effect on the determination or reporting of that contribution.