South Carolina Lieutenant Governor's campaign spending under review
July 11, 2011
- "Computer equipment:" $3,056.30
- "Supplies:" $799.20
- "Travel:" $114.00
- A review of your post-election spending by the Attorney General: Priceless
- "Computer equipment:" $3,056.30
Columbia, South Carolina: Back in February 2011, the South Carolina Ethics Commission began reviewing Lieutenant Governor Ken Ard's post-election spending.[1] When the investigation concluded, he was cited with 107 ethics violations. Earlier this month he settled with the commission by paying a hefty fine, covering the cost of the investigation, and reimbursing his campaign for over $12,121 in unauthorized expenditures.[2]
The commission's report also noted that Ard misled investigators about purchases made with campaign funds on more than one occasion.[3] The report caught the attention of Attorney General Alan Wilson and prompted his office to review Ard's case to determine whether or not criminal charges are warranted.
In the wake of the commission's report and subsequent review, many South Carolina Democrats are lobbying for Ard's resignation, and the website QuitKen.com is urging voters to submit their names in support of Ard's exit from office. Ard, it seems, has other ideas. In a statement, he responded to the criticism, stating "I have consistently strived to be a good steward of every dollar entrusted to me during my time in public service. I look forward to moving past this and continuing my work for the people of South Carolina in the office of Lieutenant Governor."[4]
See also
Footnotes
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- ↑ WIS News 10, "Ethics commission reviewing Lt. Gov's post-election spending," Feb 2, 2011
- ↑ Talking Points Memo, "SC Attorney General may investigate Lt. Gov who spent campaign cash on a PlayStation," July 8, 2011
- ↑ The Island Packet, "Criminal inquiry justified in Ard's ethics violations," July 7, 2011
- ↑ WLTX.com, "Democrats call for Lt. Gov. Ken Ard to resign," July 6, 2011
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