Friday, August 03, 2007

Senator, Aide May Have Run Afoul of Law

WASHINGTON - A Senate aide who handled Sen. Ted Stevens' personal bills did not report any payments from his personal funds, raising questions about whether the two violated gift restrictions or federal law.

Barbara Flanders, a financial clerk at the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, is cooperating in a corruption investigation of the lawmaker. The Associated Press reported Tuesday that Flanders is cooperating in the probe of Stevens' dealings with a wealthy Alaska contractor.

In her public financial disclosure form for 2006, Flanders checked the "No" box when asked whether she or her spouse had earned income of more than $200 beyond her Senate salary.

Income received from Stevens, R-Alaska, would be reportable under Senate rules.

If she was not paid for the personal work, it could be considered a gift that Stevens would have to report on his annual disclosure forms. He has not reported gifts from Flanders, a longtime aide who also has worked in the senator's personal office.

Flanders did not return calls seeking her comment......

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