Posted on 09/02/2011 5:28:30 AM PDT by markomalley
In a unanimous vote, the Federal Election Commission on Thursday allowed Rep. Garbielle Giffords to use campaign funds to install enhanced security measures at her home.
Giffords’ campaign asked the agency whether she may use campaign funds to defray the installation cost of additional security measures in her Tucson home. Giffords was recently transferred to outpatient rehabilitation, allowing her to return to her family home when not undergoing rehabilitative therapy from the gunshot wound she suffered.
With Giffords’ recovery, the U.S. Capitol Police issued several recommendations to protect the congresswoman’s safety at home. The recommendations included improved exterior lighting, safety locks and a duress alarm button. Collective, the upgrades totaled $2,200.
“We all hope that the alarm is never triggered,” said FEC Commissioner Ellen Weintraub, a Democrat. “This was perhaps the easiest request that we have gotten in the last three years.”
The FEC found that the home security upgrades are a permissible “personal use.” In its advisory opinion, FEC Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly wrote: “The Commission has long recognized that if a candidate ‘can reasonably show that the expenses at issues resulted from campaign or officeholder activities, the Commission will not consider the use to be personal use.’”
The FEC concluded that expenses incurred from an enhanced security system were directly related to Giffords’ duties as a federal officeholder.
Two previous FEC opinions established the precedent of using campaign funds to offset security costs for vulnerable federal officeholders. In these opinions, the FEC concluded that two threatened public representatives could use campaign funds to install or upgrade home security systems.
bump
Just what the criminal class needs: another slush fund.
Washington, DC..March 19, 2013
Congressman "X" resigned last night, shortly after it became public knowledge that videos of him engaging in sex acts with several young females went viral on the internet.
"X" had rigged the bedroom in his Georgetown apartment as a mini movie studio, complete with multiple hidden videocameras and microphones.
"X paid for the equipment, and the installation costs, with funds from his campaign accounts, after he had told the FEC that he was upgrading the security measures in his apartment..
Isn’t the horse kinda outa the barn as far as her personal safety is concerned?
“In other news, today Harry Reid had installed a new swimming pool and three tennis courts on his Gaslight, Nevada ranch. A Reid spokesman stated that the pool and tennis courts provide a direct line of fire by his security staff against tea baggers who have threatened his life on several occasions.”
“Reid’s chief of security, Andy Roddick couldn’t be reached for comment.”
Ollie North, call your office.
“..or officeholder activities..”
So then, the need to fly first class or chartering a plane could be said to result from the fame of being in office. Right?
So could staying in the swankiest, most exlusive lodging, etc.
That’s outrageous!
You betcha.
By that measure, ANYONE that’s been a victim of crime ought to have the federal government pay for added security. Since I was burglarized several years ago, I think the feds should be paying for my alarm system. Maybe I’ll apply today. LOL
So who sits on this “commission”? A bunch of lawyers.
“...improved exterior lighting, safety locks and a duress alarm button.”
As a caregiver, all these items would have been very helpful when I brought my husband home from inpatient rehab after his TBI (traumatic brain injury). Oh not for security from criminals, but for helping me monitor him as he needed round the clock supervision.
Don't forget the protection from the fences that must be built around the pool and tennis courts.
yeah, sorry she got shot, but when is her seat going to be filled by someone capable of representing her district...ie an 'officeholder'...
The Giffords might be closing the barn door after the horse is gone and in hindsight now know that spending campaign funds on security works best when done at campaign events. I think they get a pass on this one, especially with all the crazies out there.
Do you think she will repay the contributors when she sells her house for the added value the lighting and alarm system created?
But she is a (D) used to spending OPM...:^)
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