Here’s a look at a popular political slush fund — the leadership PACs established by people like Sens. John Boozman and Tom Cotton to raise money from special interests in luxury settings, sometimes for spending on political races, sometimes just for high living.

Here’s a report by KARK/Fox 16 on spending by Cotton and Boozman.

Advertisement

Over the last two years, Sen. Boozman dropped more than $40,000 during two weekend fundraisers at The Breakers.

Over the same period, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) spent more than $12,000 for donor events at swanky D.C. restaurants.

He has a hold for the Ritz Carlton in Saint Thomas, where he plans to hold a fundraiser next year.

The leadership PACs have critics.

“The rules on the books say Leadership PAC money can be spent for almost anything,” says Michael Beckel with Issue One.

Beckel’s organization, Issue One, conducted a nationwide study that found lawmakers around the country use the money for everything from overseas trips and golf memberships to luxury hotels and fancy restaurants.

Ellen Weintraub is the Vice Chair of the Federal Elections Commission. She has spent years trying to rein in spending by Leadership PACs.

“I don’t think their intent is to subsidize the lifestyle of the people who are receiving the money,” says Weintraub.

But they have defenders like former FEC Commissioner Hans Von Spakovsky, a right-winger and leader of the Republican Party’s vote suppression strategy. You gotta spend money to raise money, he said. Plus, all that money is just free speech, he says. If only poor folks had some of that speech so they could cozy up to Tom and John at The Breakers or Ritz Carlton.

Advertisement

Help to Keep Great Journalism Alive in Arkansas

Join the fight for truth and become a subscriber of the Arkansas Times. We've been battling powerful forces for 50 years through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, our readers value great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing and supporting our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage. Together, we can continue to hold the powerful accountable and bring important stories to light. Subscribe now or donate for as little as $1 and be a part of the Arkansas Times community.

Previous article Your tax dollars NOT at work in Fort Smith Next article A kind word for Jeff Long in light of Urban Meyer