FEC Announces Penalties for NRCC, Former Rep. Wynn
The Federal Election Commission is fining the National Republican Congressional Committee $10,000 for accounting errors that occurred during the tenure of its ex-treasurer Christopher Ward. Ward is under investigation for allegedly stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the committee.
According to a settlement released Wednesday, “As a result of Mr. Ward’s actions, the NRCC failed to accurately keep an account of and disclose its cash on hand, disbursements, loan payments and loan balances.”
Details of the agreement do not state precisely how much Ward is accused of embezzling, although the website TalkingPointsMemo.com reported July 22 that he allegedly stole $700,000 but has not been charged with a crime.
Former Rep. Al Wynn, a lobbyist at Dickstein Shapiro, was also cited for violating campaign finance rules, the FEC said.
The Maryland Democrat has been fined $8,000 for not refunding campaign contributions after his 2008 primary election loss to Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Md.). Wynn will also be required to pay an additional $12,000 fine should he ever run again for his seat or another federal office, according to a deal reached by his lawyers and the FEC.