© 2024 Boise State Public Radio
NPR in Idaho
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Federal Election Commission Says Former Idaho Sen. Larry Craig Spent Money Illegally

Larry Craig
Joe Jaszewski
/
The Idaho Statesman

Federal Election Commission lawyers urged a federal judge not to heed U.S. Sen. Larry Craig's contention that regulators are being too hard on him and force him to pay nearly $360,000 in fines and restitution for tapping campaign accounts for his legal defense following his 2007 arrest in an airport bathroom sex sting.

The FEC says the Idaho Republican ignored the U.S. Senate's own warnings not to spend the money.

This battle has gone on more than a year, as the commission seeks to force Craig to repay his campaign.

Craig, meanwhile, contends the proposed penalties are "harsh, unjustified remedies," that he's not financially able to cover the total — and he acted in good faith, having genuinely thought using the money was appropriate.

The FEC announced its filing Friday.

You make stories like this possible.

The biggest portion of Boise State Public Radio's funding comes from readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

Your donation today helps make our local reporting free for our entire community.