April 12, 2005

Denver, CO- Republican House Leader Tom Delay has found himself in the middle of a severe campaign finance scandal.  While most of the focus has been on his fundraising techniques, Delay has now been scrutinized for using his campaign funds to pay two family members.

According to the New York Times, Delay has paid his wife and daughter over $500,000.00 since 2001.  These payments were classified as “payroll” or “campaign management” on the financial reports disclosed by the Delay campaign committee.

Former Congressman and potential Republican gubernatorial candidate, Scott McInnis has been criticized for similar behavior.  According to financial discloser statements of the Friends of Scott McGinnis campaign fund, McInnis’s wife has been paid a monthly salary since 2001.

Financial statements show the Lori McInnis received over $66,000.00 in payroll payments between 2001 and 2002.  In 2003, Mrs. McInnis reportedly earned over $37,000.00 in salary.  The expense is not detailed but simply states that these payments are for wages.

More disturbing is the fact that Lori McInnis was paid a salary even after Scott McInnis decided not to run for re-election for Congressional District 3, a seat now held by Democratic Congressman John Salazar.

Records indicate that Lori McInnis received an addition $37,000.00 in salary during 2004 for her husband’s campaign fund, despite the fact that her husband was not actually campaigning for any office during that time.

“Elected officials should be held accountable for their campaign expenses.  Individuals donate money to elect a candidate or promote a specific issue,” said Pat Waak, Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party.  “There is no room for misuse of campaign funds by any candidate.”

Delay and McInnis are both exploiting a loop- hole in campaign finance rules.  It is legal to hire and pay family members using campaign funds.  According to Democracy 21, a campaign watchdog group, this practice is an effort to skim the system.

In the case of Scott McInnis the rules specifically prohibit candidates from using campaign funds for personal use.  Contributions left over after the end of his candidacy should have been used to pay for expenses to shut down his campaign office, for official duties of the candidate and charitable contributions and political contributions.

The salary for Lori McInnis and additional travel and food expenses do not fit into the specified approved post campaign expenses.

“It appears that Republicans are walking a fine line when it comes to legal and ethical questions of campaign finances,” said Joelle Martinez, Colorado Democratic Communications Director.