[Note: Mosts posts that deal with legislation and day-to-day politics will happen over at my other blog—Exile on Jones Street. Since this post was written while Ex was still in development, it'll stay here just to keep the record straight. —The Editor, May 28, 2006]
Hearing this morning by Judiciary I on H1845, one of a series of campaign finance and election reform bills.
Section (b) of this bill spells out some pretty specific language that sheds some light on the types of uses campaign money has been put to;
(b) Prohibited Use. –
(1) In general. – A contribution described in subsection (a) of this section shall not be converted by any individual to personal use.
(2) Conversion. – For purposes of subdivision (1) of this subsection, a contribution shall be considered to be converted to personal use if the contribution or amount is used to fulfill any commitment, obligation, or expense of an individual or other entity that would exist irrespective of the candidate’s election campaign or duties and activities as officeholder, including the following:
a. A home mortgage, rent, or utility payment.
b. A clothing purchase.
c. A noncampaign‑related automobile expense.
d. A country club membership.
e. A vacation or other noncampaign‑related trip.
f. A household food item.
g. A tuition payment.
h. Admission to a sporting event, concert, theater, or other form of entertainment not associated with an election campaign.
i. Dues, fees, and other payments to a health club or recreational facility.
j. A retirement account or other retirement purpose.
Full Title:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to prohibit the use of candidates’ campaign funds for personal purposes unrelated to campaigns and office‑holding duties; and to strengthen reporting requirements to prevent violations, as recommended by the house select committee on ethics and governmental reform.
Today’s House Calendar (pdf)
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