Rep. Andrews Calls Fundraising Watchdog Group's Complaint 'Baseless'
By David Madden, KYW Newsradio 1060
WASHINGTON, D.C. (CBS) -- A Washington-based watchdog group has filed a complaint against South Jersey congressman Rob Andrews, claiming that he has diverted thousands of dollars from his campaign to his personal use.
The group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, went to the Federal Election Commission with its concerns, according to CREW executive director Melanie Sloan.
"He took his family on a trip to Scotland for a wedding. He helped pay for the cost of his daughter's graduation party from high school, and he has used the money to help advance his other daughter's singing and acting career," Sloan says.
Sloan figures that adds up to more than $30,000 in allegedly misappropriated funds.
Andrews, in an e-mailed statement, labels the complaint "baseless." He's refunding about $10,000 from the Scotland trip and insists that all personal aspects of any political expenditures are routinely reimbursed, and reported, as required by law.
