FEC sues ex-Sen. Craig over use of campaign cash
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Former U.S. Sen. Larry Craig is being sued by federal election regulators who say he misused some $217,000 in campaign funds for his legal defense after a 2007 Minnesota airport bathroom sex sting.
Federal Election Commission officials say in a complaint filed in U.S. District Court on Monday that the Idaho Republican should repay the money.
The FEC contends Craig's campaign paid $139,952 to Sutherland, Asbill and Brennan in Washington, D.C., and $77,032 to Kelly & Jacobson in Minnesota for legal services related to his guilty plea to disorderly conduct.
The FEC says the money was converted to personal use because his defense wasn't campaign-related.
The commission is also seeking penalties of up to $6,500 from Craig and his treasurer.
A call to Craig's lobbying firm, New West Strategies in Washington, D.C., wasn't returned.
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