Rep. Rick Boucher (D-VA) Spends Campaign Money on Cars and Ski Trips with Donors

The Washington Examiner ^ | 10/19/10 | David Freddoso

[Outside da Box]

Boucher's leadership PAC, the Committee for Southwest Virginia, has spent something north of $40,000 this cycle for lodging, catering, airfare and car rental for what appear to be late-winter jaunts to the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa in Avon, Colo.

There appear to have been two trips, apparently fundraisers, taken in early 2009 and 2010. (Boucher's campaign spokeswoman did not respond to my inquiries in time for publication.)

The combined hotel bill at the Westin is $36,000. Catering from Chef De Cuisine Epicurean Services, the Juniper Restaurant in nearby Edwards, and Vail Catering Concepts, cost $4,100.

Politicians use leadership PACs to expand their power base by doling out money to congressional colleagues and challengers. According to Federal Election Commission records, Boucher's PAC has spent more on Colorado hotel rooms than it has helping his fellow Democrats weather the electoral storms of 2009 and 2010.

[Lazlo in PA]

Rather see the Rats spending their campaign cash on employing resort workers than on electing Pelosi robots.

Keep up the good work out there Dims.

[CPT Clay]

This will never see the light of day in the district.

Media will dutifully Spike it, just like Wilson the wifebeater in OH 06.