The Minnesota DFL Party has filed a complaint against a Republican legislator, alleging illegal use of campaign money to pay a speeding ticket.
The complaint to the Office of Administrative Hearings targets Rep. Ernie Leidiger, a Republican from Mayer.
The freshman legislator was ticketed for driving 74 mph in a 55 mph zone and then reimbursed himself for the $178 fine from his campaign, labeling it a "transportation" cost.
"Rep. Leidiger and the Republican Party in Minnesota continue to prove they are unwilling to play by the rules and run honest campaigns," said DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin. "Failing to comply with state laws and crossing ethical lines is unacceptable behavior for our elected officials."
Leidiger told the Star Tribune this week he didn't see the reimbursement as a problem and that nobody had complained. He said he donates more than $1,000 to his own campaign, so paying the ticket should not be a problem.
"To me," he said. "It seems appropriate."
Leidiger serves on the House Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Finance Committee.
The legislator's campaign-paid speeding ticket was first reported by the Brick City Blog.
