Fla. rep failed to explain thousands in expenses

[RandySF]

MIAMI (AP) — Freshman U.S. Rep. David Rivera, who is facing a state criminal investigation of his finances, paid himself more than $60,000 in unexplained campaign reimbursements over the eight years he served in the state legislature, an Associated Press examination of his records shows.

Serving as his own campaign treasurer, the Miami Republican didn't report any details for more than a third of the roughly $160,000 in expenses for which he reimbursed himself, other than simply calling them campaign expenses, according to the records.

The AP review also shows his total reimbursements far exceeded those claimed by 12 other top Florida state legislators who served with him. Those lawmakers — both Democrats and Republicans — usually gave at least some explanation of how the money had been spent, as required by Florida law. Rivera denies wrongdoing.

The AP's examination of Rivera's campaign records show that:
— In 2002, Rivera lent his campaign $45,000, for which he was reimbursed. He listed about $10,000 more in reimbursement for travel and office supplies.

— In 2004, Rivera lent the campaign nothing but received more than $10,000 in campaign reimbursements, detailing none of his expenses.

— In 2006, Rivera took $24,932 in reimbursements in regular increments throughout the campaign. But on Nov. 2, just days before the election, Rivera loaned that exact amount back to the campaign. It would seem unnecessary to give back money at the last minute for legitimate expenses.

— In 2008, Rivera's campaign made eight reimbursements to him for $29,433, of which only $5,000 was explained, as thank-you gifts to supporters.

— In 2010, Rivera dropped a planned state Senate bid to run for an open congressional seat. His state campaign reimbursed him for $38,608, about $15,000 going to repay a loan he'd made to the campaign and to cover travel expenses. The remaining $23,000 was simply listed as campaign reimbursements.


http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j4sa1sGuZlt-Zgmy05-wSV6hKWCg?docId=cf91cdc012634cd596581e72d9cbe59d

[WhiteTara]

1. I hope they dump his a** in jail

for a long time.

[valerief]

2. Florida will make that thief a US Senator someday. nt

[FLyellowdog]

3. Or governor. nt

[onethatcares]

4. why are you guys being so cynical?

I mean, I'm sure he has a good reason for this episode, maybe he should call Jim Norman and ask him for an excuse.

[Politicalboi]

5. How's that old saying in Tennessee

And Texas. "Fool me once shame on you, fool me again, we won't get fooled again". LOL! Why after 2004 was this ass able to take anymore money without explaining the past reimbursements. Of course I am sure he will someday stand right aside of Darrell Issa in the Congress. Republicans are ABOVE the law.