Visclosky Defense to Use Campaign Cash

A Hoosier congressman may use campaign donations for legal fees in federal and congressional corruption investigations, the Federal Election Commission said Friday in a draft advisory opinion.

The commission will vote Wednesday; people who want to object have until noon Monday to respond.

Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-1st, asked for permission to tap into the nearly $910,000 in his re-election account to pay for legal fees and expenses stemming from a Justice Department investigation into whether a defunct lobbying firm, PMA Group, made illegal campaign contributions to Visclosky and two other House Democrats.

Read more: (Sylvia A. Smith, “Campaign cash OK for Defense,” The Journal Gazette, 6/13/09)