KGMI News
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Since the election, more than a dozen state lawmakers have used surplus campaign money on clothes, flights, meals, charities and office decor.
The Northwest News Network and The Seattle Times found that Ferndale Republican State Senator Doug Ericksen is among lawmakers who have spent thousands in unused campaign donations on a range of purchases.
Ericksen has spent thousands on airfare, hotels and restaurants as he splits his time between the senate and a temporary job with the Trump administration.
The Times says campaign finance rules govern how lawmakers can use unspent donations once an election is over.
Among the choices, they can hold it for a future campaign, donate it to political parties or charities, or cover unreimbursed expenses related to their duties as elected officials.
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