DENVER—Colorado Republican Rep. Doug Lamborn paid his wife more than $37,000 to work on his campaign, drawing criticism from political watchdogs who say it may be legal, but it should not be acceptable.
The payments amount to about $38 an hour for Jean Lamborn’s work on her husband’s campaign for a fifth term. The payments began in 2011.
Lamborn’s spokeswoman, Catherine Mortensen, said Jean Lamborn is a critical member of her husband’s team and is one of the most effective campaigners.
“Mrs. Lamborn’s efforts have been highly successful. The campaign has not yet been able to find anyone as effective as Mrs. Lamborn,” Mortensen said.
The fourth-term congressman would not grant an interview to explain his spending, the Denver Post reported Wednesday ( ).
The Federal Election Commission allows campaign funds to go to family members if the person is providing a “bona fide” service and the payments reflect the fair market value for those services.
However, members of Congress are prohibited from employing spouses in their official congressional offices, and critics say the same rules should apply to campaigns.
“The issue of nepotism is a real issue. Congress doesn’t allow it, and most companies don’t allow it,” said Melanie Sloan at the D.C.-based Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.
FEC reports show Jean Lamborn collected money for salary, accounting and advertising.
She was paid $14,586 on Nov. 5, 2012, the day before Election Day, for salary and then had other checks that ranged from $896 to $3,668 between February 2011 and May 2013.
Denver-based political consultant Eric Sondermann said members of Congress from safe districts, like Lamborn, who represents El Paso and surrounding counties that lean heavily Republican, can usually spend their campaign funds with few questions asked.
“It may not be illegal, but it’s certainly in the margins. It’s not like (Jean Lamborn) has some rare skill that can’t be found in the marketplace. I’m sure there are plenty of qualified bookkeepers in his district who would appreciate the extra income,” Sondermann said.
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Information from: The Denver Post,
