Can Senator Vitter Use Campaign Funds for Diapers?
David Vitter has been told he is not allowed to use campaign dollars to pay for his substantial legal fees. No word on whether those same funds can be used to pay for diapers.
The FEC says Senator David Vitter may not use campaign funds to pay legal fees resulting from his connection to Deborah Jeane Palfrey, the D.C. Madam. Yes, it is the height of arrogance to try to pay one’s legal fees with campaign contributions, but Vitter is a Republican, so arrogance is part of the routine. The real questions that should be reported on is whether Vitter is allowed to buy diapers with campaign funds. Shoot, there’s been no ruling as to whether Vitter used campaign funds to pay for Ms. Palfrey’s services.
Those are the important questions, aren’t they? No ruling on those questions as yet. Stay tuned, but don’t hold your breath.
Edit, 3:05 pm, August 21, 2008: I just love the FoxNews headline on this story:
Senator tied to sex ring allowed to use campaign money for legal fees
Sure, they got the sex ring part in there, but make it seem Vitter can pay all his fees with campaign contributions. Nope, not quite. He can use those funds to pay fees associated with responding to Senate Ethics inquiries, but not fees associated with responding to subpoenas.
