McClathcy: Hawley campaign paid attorneys to screen Mizzou emails for public release

06.25.2018 / By LINDSAY WISE
McClathcy: Hawley campaign paid attorneys to screen Mizzou emails for public release

"Any expense that would not exist if this person wasn’t running for office is a permissible use of campaign funds," said Paul S. Ryan, vice president for policy and litigation at Common Cause, a government watchdog group. "It’s kind of a good thing that Hawley’s using campaign funds that are subject to limits and disclosure to pay for these political expenses," Ryan said. Some politicians, including President Donald Trump, have used funds not subject to disclosure or contribution limits to raise money for legal bills, he said.

Campaign finance experts said Hawley’s use of his Senate campaign funds in this case appeared to be permissible under federal law.

“Any expense that would not exist if this person wasn’t running for office is a permissible use of campaign funds,” said Paul S. Ryan, vice president for policy and litigation at Common Cause, a government watchdog group.

“It’s kind of a good thing that Hawley’s using campaign funds that are subject to limits and disclosure to pay for these political expenses,” Ryan said. Some politicians, including President Donald Trump, have used funds not subject to disclosure or contribution limits to raise money for legal bills, he said.

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