Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Ohio Republicans may have misdirected federal campaign funds

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Secretary of State's office sent a letter to the state's Republican Party this week about campaign money that was misdirected, according to a 10TV.com report Tuesday.

In a letter to the party, Campaign Finance Administrator J. Curtis Mayhew said candidates for state office received nearly $500,000 that was meant only for Federal candidates.

The letter states that the party cannot give money to state candidates in this way.

"A state or county political party shall not disburse moneys from any account other than a state candidate fund to make contributions to a state candidate fund," the letter reads.

The letter also says the party must "refund these contributions."

A spokesman for the Republican Party disagreed, saying, "We're seeking a legal option. We feel federal funds can be spent on a statewide race."

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