Local News

Ethics report claims Mooney used campaign funds for food, trips

CHARLESTON -- A report from a congressional news outlet revealed Wednesday that 2nd District Congressman Alex Mooney racked up thousands of dollars for food and trips all paid for with campaign donations.

CQ Roll Call revealed the results of a report from the Office of Congressional Ethics in a news story Wednesday claiming that Mooney, a Republican from West Virginia, spent thousands of dollars donated to his political campaign on personal expenses, as well as not properly reporting thousands more in expenses.

"Mooney charged his campaign for numerous meals at restaurants near his home or district office, some of which the OCE said were impermissible, according to the report," wrote reporter Chris Marquette. "The OCE found that at least two trips Mooney made to West Virginia resorts -- one to Canaan Valley Resort and one to Smoke Hole Caverns and Log Cabin Resort -- primarily constituted personal use of campaign funds, the report said."

According to the report, Mooney spent more than $40,000 improperly while paying back the campaign more than $12,000 once the allegations came to light. In the case of the meals, Mooney told investigators he believed the expenses were justified because anytime he entered a restaurant in his district, any conversation with someone in the restaurant became a justifiable campaign expense.

CQ Roll Call obtained the report after the six-member Office of Congressional Ethics voted unanimously in July for the House Ethics Committee to look into its findings. House rules prohibit member of Congress from using campaign funds for personal use, with punishment ranging from admonishment all the way up to expulsion in rare cases.

"Overall, according to the OCE, 'there is reason to believe' lack of proper disclosure 'has had the effect, whether intended or not, of concealing thousands of dollars of personal use,'" Marquette wrote.

Mark Harris, Mooney's campaign spokesperson, released the following statement regarding the CQ Roll Call story:

"The Roll Call article fails to explain key aspects of the leaked Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) report and focuses on inaccurate allegations," Harris said. "Some of these allegations are demonstrably false and are legitimate expenses to local West Virginia businesses. The OCE report specifically rejected many of the partisan allegations, which demonstrated these were perfectly allowed expenses."

"Prior to the OCE inquiry Congressman Mooney adopted multiple new procedures, amended past reports to ensure their accuracy and hired a company to ensure full legal compliance and accurate reporting," Harris continued. "Congressman Mooney is fully cooperating in this matter. The Congressman will clear up this issue and as always fight for the people of West Virginia and their conservative values."