Hunter Spent More on Legal Fees Than He Raised in All of 2017
California congressman under investigation for questionable campaign spending
Amid an investigation into his spending of campaign cash, California Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter spent more on legal fees than he raised last quarter.
According to California Target Book’s Rob Pyers, who follows campaign finance reports, Hunter raised only $50,000 between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31 last year.
During the same period, he burned through $264,000, with $178,000 spent on legal services.
Uh-oh. Embattled #CA50 incumbent Republican @Rep_Hunter, currently the subject of a criminal investigation, raised just $50,703 in Q4, spent $264,255 (including $178,146 on legal services), is down to $290,904 cash on hand.https://t.co/uI6rvO5Ymx https://t.co/8f7y0TjHSb
— Rob Pyers (@rpyers) January 31, 2018
The spending pattern is a repeat from the previous quarter for Hunter.
For the year, he raised $420,000. But according to a calculation by Pyers, he spent more than $535,000 on legal fees.
Watch: Fundraising Reports Say a Lot About a Campaign
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Hunter is currently under criminal investigation for using campaign money for personal expenses.
Among the expenses, Hunter is said to have used the money to pay for family travel, flights and private school tuition and uniforms.
Perhaps the most infamous headlines came from him reportedly using campaign cash to fly his family’s pet rabbit.
Hunter’s fundraising troubles come as he is facing formidable Democratic challengers in California’s 50th District, usually a reliably Republican stronghold.
Retired Navy SEAL Josh Butner raised $104,000 in the last fundraising quarter and reported $277,000 in cash on hand.
Former Obama administration official Ammar Campa-Najjar raised $176,000 and reported $299,000 in cash on hand at the end of the fourth quarter.
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates the 5oth District race Likely Republican.