Republican presidential hopeful Herman Cain faced questions Monday on financial ties between his campaign and a private charity run by two of his top aides.
Citing internal financial documents, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that a Wisconsin tax-exempt charity called Prosperity USA footed the bill for about $40,000 worth of iPads, chartered airplanes and other expenses as Cain’s campaign got off the ground early this year. Prosperity USA was founded by Mark Block, Cain’s chief of staff, and Linda Hansen, deputy chief of staff.
Expenses totaling $37,372 are listed in the group’s records as “due from FOH,” Friends of Herman Cain, his campaign committee, the newspaper said. It is not clear whether Cain repaid the alleged debts, which are not listed in personal or campaign disclosures.
Such payments are forbidden under federal tax and election laws because nonprofit charities are not allowed to donate money or services to political campaigns, according to election-law experts.
Cain told Fox News Channel that neither he nor his staff were aware of the allegations. The Washington Post
