Watchdog asks FEC to probe Zinke campaign accounts

A watchdog group is alleging an RV transaction conducted by Ryan Zinke’s congressional campaign could be illegal and has asked the Federal Election Commission to investigate the Interior secretary’s old campaign accounts.

In a 20-page complaint filed Monday, the Campaign Legal Center said the FEC should consider whether Zinke violated campaign finance laws during his campaigns for Congress.

The group pointed to the campaign’s April 2016 purchase of an RV from Zinke’s wife, totaling $59,100, and additional spending for repairs and upkeep. The campaign reported in June that it had sold a 2004 RV to a family friend for $25,000.

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The Campaign Legal Center said that transaction means the campaign could have violated finance laws barring campaigns from using funds for personal benefit, either by purchasing a vehicle from Zinke’s wife for above market value or selling it to a family friend for below market value.

The group also asked the FEC to probe whether Zinke used other campaign funds for personal gain, pointing to spending on catering, transportation and hotel stays in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Montana and New York City.

It also alleged reported transfers between joint fundraising committees and Zinke’s congressional account could have allowed donors to give Zinke more money than federal contribution limits allow.

An Interior Department spokeswoman has declined to comment and the treasurer of Zinke’s congressional campaign did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Zinke was a Republican member of Congress from Montana for two years before he became President Trump’s Interior secretary in March.

The FEC complaint comes as federal offices probe Zinke’s use of private airplanes while at the Interior Department.

It also follows a week where Zinke faced scrutiny over a small electric company from his hometown landing a no-bid $300 million contract to restore power in Puerto Rico.