GOP lawmaker used campaign money to fight allegations he improperly used campaign money

Steven Palazzo (R-MS), who represents most of Mississippi, paid a law firm more than $60,000 in December using campaign money in his effort to defend himself against accusations that he improperly spent campaign money, the Clarion Ledger reports.

As the Ledger points out, using campaign funds for a legal defense is not illegal, but the Board of the Office of Congressional Ethics has been investigating Palazzo since August 2020 over evidence he misused campaign funds for his own personal benefit, as well as using his official position to help his brother, Kyle, reenlist in the Navy.

One allegation leveled at Palazzo from the Ethics Office is that he spent $20,000 renovating a home he owned which was valued at $1.3 million. He claimed the house as his campaign headquarters and paid himself $60,000 in rent.

Sky Palma

Before launching DeadState back in 2012, Sky Palma has been blogging about politics, social issues and religion for over a decade. He lives in Los Angeles and also enjoys Brazilian jiu jitsu, chess, music and art.