The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is investigating Todd Long, Republican candidate in the race for Florida’s 9th District, for the theft of campaign funds involving the printing of his book, The Conservative Comeback: How to Win the Battle for the Soul of America. Orange County Democratic Party filed a complaint with the FEC on September 4, 2012 detailing how Long illegally used $44,499.99 in campaign funds to print copies of a book. The complaint says Long was responsible for that cost personally but used campaign funds instead.
It is illegal for a candidate to use campaign funds to “fulfill any commitment, obligation, or expense of a person that would exist irrespective of the candidate’s campaign …” 2 U.S.C. § 439a(b)(2). Long, not his campaign committee, entered into the book contract with the publisher, Strang Communications. Therefore Long’s obligations would exist regardless of his candidacy.
Long argues he was justified to use campaign funds because the book is campaign-related, and lays out his platform if elected. However, the complaint states nowhere on the book is there the legally-required disclaimer explaining that the book was paid for by Todd Long’s campaign.
“There are only two possible explanations, and both of them are illegal. He either stole campaign money, or intentionally excluded the disclaimer on campaign material as required by law. In either case, Todd Long is guilty. Long’s enormous personal debts of more than $1 million may make him desperate, but they certainly are no excuse for this gross misconduct. Todd Long has defrauded his supporters and contributors, and they should ask for their money back,” said Grayson for Congress campaign manager Mitch Emerson.
Former Congressman Alan Grayson is the favorite in Florida’s heavily Democratic 9th District, which encompasses Orange, Osceola and Polk counties.
More bull from Grayson. Don’t believe a word he says or anything that come from his campaign
I believe the article. It’s public information and Todd Long himself authenticated the claim by admitting to using the campaign funds. His drinking and public intoxication has led people such as myself to question his ability to hold a public office.
Grason is a is a loose cannon . Anyone will be better than him.
Todd Long is not a reliable attorney, how can he be reliable for anything else. He settles cases for clients without their permission, and when questioned he directs you to his secretary whom sends you right back to him. So glad he didn’t win the campaign because we would have been in some real trouble.
Todd Long is a very reliable attorney he handled my case with all my approvals. I never got directed to his secretary I spoke with Todd Long without my entire case. He treated me like a human being that cares for the well being of another human being. Todd Long in my book is a very respectful, caring, concerned human being. It wasnt about the money it was about my well being. Thank you Todd for being a great person.