Did Bunning and the KRP Break Campaign Finance Laws?

Ben Carter over at Bluegrass Roots is onto something, and I think it's got legs. In fact, it may (note may) have enough legs to give us a new junior Senator. At the very least, it's another example of both Jim Bunning's inability to control his mouth, and some politicians inability to play by the rules.

You should jump to Ben's article and read the whole thing, but here's the gist of it ...

Jim Bunning said recently that the Kentucky Republican Party owed him $30,000. He went on to say that the money was a donation he made to the party for use in the 2008 election. So far, so good -- candidates give gifts from their funds to other candidates and to the party, and within certain guidelines it's all legal.

BUT -- he went on to say that the money was for two particular races. And that's where things get sticky.

Ben dug up the FEC reports, and it's obvious that the $30K that Bunning threw to the KRP went right back out the door to the candidates he mentioned. In fact, it all went to one candidate -- Jack Westwood.

Here's the deal: you can't give money to the state party, from a federal campaign, for them to pass through to a state race. You can't use the state party as a way to circumvent election law, giving them the money but directing where it is to go. IANAL, but my understanding is that these are pretty clear violations of election law. In fact, these are some of the same things that got Tom Delay in trouble.

Ben points out that Jack Conway should look into this. I agree -- and not because it's Republicans doing it. Because it's wrong.

Comments

[Bruce]

Thanks to Ben Carter for digging this up. And, if you read his article, you'll also see Kathy Groob's response. Here's hoping Jack looks into it.