A window display at the downtown Butch Blum clothing store is devoted to the school board campaign of candidate Kay Smith-Blum, one of the store's owners.

Along with a sign that states: "Vote for Kay Smith-Blum," quotes from supporters hang above five well-dressed mannequins. It's not the first time Butch Blum has had a civic theme in its window display -- one last year encouraged people to vote in the presidential campaign -- but it's the first time the store has supported a particular candidate.

Since she's the one running, Smith-Blum says she felt it was OK for the store to choose sides.

Might the prominent display on busy Fifth Avenue count as a campaign contribution?

According to Lori Anderson of the state's Public Disclosure Commission, it does not. When businesses or homeowners allow campaign signs to be displayed on their property, that doesn't count as a contribution, she said.

The only exception is if a business has charged other candidates to display their materials.