© 2024
Virginia's Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Lawmakers Want to Crack Down on How Campaign Funds Can Be Used

AP Photo / Steve Helber

It’s been several years since former Governor Bob McDonnell was accused of accepting gifts in exchange for official's acts. But, as Michael Pope reports, lawmakers are still trying to close loopholes in the law.

One quirk of Virginia election law is that candidates can spend campaign cash on anything. From plastic surgery to luxury sports cars, there are no limits as long as the candidate is not closing out the account. Republican Delegate Tim Hugo of Fairfax County says this is not a loophole.

“No because I don’t think people are abusing it now. But I think we should go ahead and take care of it. If people have concerns it’s something we can address and I think we should.”

Delegate Marcus Simon, a Democrat from Fairfax County, says the system is ripe for abuse.

“People seem to be spending campaign funds on things they would probably be reimbursed for. So on mileage allowance to and from Richmond when they probably have gotten reimbursed for that, cell phone bills, hotel bills, steak dinners.”

And it’s an issue that has growing bipartisan support. Simon’s bill already has support on the Democratic side. And Republican candidate Ed Gillespie raised the issue during his campaign for governor.

This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.

Michael Pope is an author and journalist who lives in Old Town Alexandria.