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Morning Business: Spending on Security

The Federal Election Commission ruled last month that Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.) will be allowed to spend campaign funds on a home security system.

[IMGCAP(1)]“The Commission concludes that because the need for enhanced security at your home is due to threats to you and your wife stemming from your role as a Member of Congress and a candidate, the use of campaign funds to pay for such upgrades does not constitute personal use of campaign funds, and is permissible,— the FEC wrote in a May 7 report.

The Californian requested the FEC review in April, citing a series of events that began in October 2008 when an unnamed individual wrote a threatening letter to the lawmaker, repeatedly trespassed at the Galleglys’ California home, violated a subsequent restraining order and has served jail time for related arrests.

According to the FEC report, the Capitol Police estimate “security upgrades— to the home would cost $6,000 to $7,500.

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