Friday, May 22, 2009
Ware's campaign expenses under review
General Assembly 2011
Among the major issues: The state's continuing efforts to provide services with fewer dollars and Gov. McDonnell's plan to privatize liquor stores. Session ends Feb. 26.
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Del. Onzlee Ware, who has represented the 11th District in the Houses of Delegates since 2003, is facing new challenges from his opponent in the June 9 Democratic primary.
An official with the state board of elections confirmed Thursday his office is examining Ware's campaign expenditure reports after Martin Jeffrey's campaign questioned Ware's use of campaign funds in recent years.
Jeffrey contends that Ware may have inappropriately used campaign money for personal expenses, that he failed to fully document spending, and that he didn't provide complete addresses of those who were paid from the campaign account.
David Allen, campaign finance manager for the state board, said his small office -- which employs four people counting himself -- would need about a week to look into the allegations.
He said it's not unusual for candidates to need to refile expense reports to correct errors, which, "98 percent of the time are unintentional."
Ware could not be reached for comment Thursday.
Jeffrey also has a complaint pending with Roanoke Commonwealth's Attorney Donald Caldwell alleging irregularities with Ware's paperwork to certify his candidacy for the June 9 ballot. Ware previously has denied that.
Allen said state campaign financing laws tend not to be very specific about what spending is appropriate.
But he said the system is transparent in that "the public can call up the Web site (www.sbe.virginia.gov), look at the reports and see where a candidate is paying money to this or that and make an informed decision on whether to support that candidate or not."
