Virginia allows lawmakers to use campaign donations for fancy hotels and dinners, and other personal uses. A study in 2016 showed lawmakers also used the funds for things like country club memberships, gas and phones. Remember too that corporations and individuals in Virginia are allowed to contribute as much money as they want to candidates. (Is it just me, or does this all sound like a perfect setup for bribery? No wonder Dominion seems to always get what it wants.)
Some members of the legislature want to change that and restrict the use of campaign funds, but that’s not about to happen. Last week 2 bills were presented in a House subcommittee by Republican Del. Mike Cherry (Colonial Heights) and Democrat Del. Marcus Simon (Fairfax) to limit the personal use of campaign funds. Both bills were defeated.
Read more about it here.
