coleman062609
On the homepage
Scanners
Out There
Gas lines
Club Outdoors
Home | Politically Connected | State Politics
FEC: Coleman can tap funds for his legal bills
He can use the money to pay for expenses related to two campaign lawsuits.
Print this story
E-mail this story
Save to del.icio.us
Share on Facebook
Share on DiggMore from State Politics
The Federal Election Commission voted Thursday to allow Norm Coleman to use campaign funds to pay for legal bills associated with two lawsuits alleging that a supporter tried to maneuver money to the former senator's family.
The suits, filed in Texas and Delaware, allege that financier Nasser Kazeminy steered at least $75,000 through a Twin Cities insurance company employing Coleman's wife.
Coleman is not a party to the lawsuits, which involve a Texas company, and he has denied any wrongdoing.
Coleman also received permission to use campaign funds to respond to complaints filed with the Senate Ethics Committee that stemmed from the lawsuits.
On Thursday, the FEC decided between two draft opinions and, in a 4-2 vote, opted for the more expansive one. This version allows Coleman to use campaign cash to represent himself in the lawsuits, in which he could be a potential witness, and for all costs associated with monitoring them. Both versions allowed him to pay for the legal costs of responding to media inquiries.
Ben Ginsberg, an attorney for Coleman, said in an interview shortly after the ruling that Coleman sought to use campaign funds because the lawsuits are directly linked to his role in Washington.
"The legal test is, would he have had these bills if he were not in office?" Ginsberg said. "And the answer ... is that this was all wrapped up in his being in office and being a candidate."
The Minnesota DFL has previously opposed Coleman's request because donors "believed that they were donating to his campaign, not to help defend him from his personal legal problems."
Ginsberg said he was pleased with the ruling, which he called consistent with the FEC's past decisions on the matter.
Commissioners emphasized during the hearing that their decision does not authorize Coleman to use recount funds for expenses linked to the lawsuits.
The vote also authorizes Coleman to use campaign funds to respond to a possible FBI investigation prompted by a 2008 request from a liberal group.
It remains unclear whether the FBI has contacted Coleman.
Recent State Politics stories
Unallotment appeal put on legal fast track - June 25, 2009
Unallotment appeal put on legal fast track - Gov. Tim Pawlenty's lawyers got a judge's green light, and funding was restored to a state nutrition program. More
- Bill helps consumers against debt buyers
- Senate passes $1 billion bonding bill
- Pawlenty makes his case to keep budget-cutting powers
- $78.5M to stop carp invasion
- Pawlenty: Keep sex offenders in prison
- Pawlenty hints at stadium solution
- What do politicians call a gorilla? Anything but
- Pawlenty plays courier for Texas donor
- Pawlenty's final deer opener in Little Falls
- Pawlenty: Don't touch my budget power
Current state office holders
Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.
- Lt. Governor: Carol Molnau
- Secretary of State: Mark Ritchie
- Attorney General: Lori Swanson
- State Auditor: Rebecca Otto
Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.
StarTribune.com: Steals + Deals & Classifieds
Open positions!
A new career awaits. Look through thousands of listings to find your new job. Start now!
Save $$ Every Time You Shop Online
Learn how. More than 10,000 discount codes listed in one source.
Win tickets to The Midnight Movie Society's screening of cult-classic film "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" at Red Stag Supperclub.Vita.mn and DJ Jake Rudh present the first meeting of The Midnight Movie Society at Red Stag Supperclub on Feb. 19, with drinking, dancing and a midnight screening of cult-classic film, "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls." |
Comment on this story | Read all 31 comments | Hide reader comments