3 strange things GOP Rep. Duncan Hunter paid for with campaign funds
The House Ethics Committee released its report of its investigation into alleged misuse of campaign funds from Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), who pleaded guilty last week and announced he will resign from Congress "after the holidays." Some of the expenses aren't exactly shocking — for example, a $9,200 trip to Italy sounds like your standard ethics violation. But he also used the funds for some stranger, smaller-scale purchases. Here are three that stood out:
1. A galaxy far, far away — Hunter's campaign committee reported two disbursements from 2015 totaling $229.44 for what was described as food and drink at Star Trader, which is a store at Disneyland selling Star Wars-themed merchandise. The committee noted that it was unlikely that all that money was spent on sustenance (though maybe he really enjoys blue milk), and any other purchases likely weren't a good use of campaign cash.
From the OCE report on Duncan Hunter. "...it was
unlikely that any Star Wars-themed items purchased were legitimate campaign expenses."
Indeed. pic.twitter.com/Z0z6XT8FAu— Carrie Levine (@levinecarrie) December 9, 2019
2. Pay-per-view — Hunter apparently didn't want to miss out on any entertainment. The report found that the congressman used more than $3,100 to pay for cable, internet, NFL Red Zone, and pay-per-view UFC fights and movies. It's not clear if any of the Star Wars films were included.
Duncan Hunter used over $3,100 in campaign money on cable and internet service, including UFC fights, NFL Red Zone, and various pay-per-view movies, according to the OCE report.
— Chris Marquette (@ChrisMarquette_) December 9, 2019
3. Flying rabbits — Last, but not least, Hunter was found to have spent $625 to fly his pet rabbit, Cadbury, around. Apparently, Hunter didn't enjoy his time away from Cadbury — the rabbit was kept in Hunter's congressional office and would accompany him and his children on their travels.
Former Staffer A explained that the rabbit “was an office pet that Duncan had brought back with him from San Diego” and that it had a cage in the congressional office. The rabbit accompanied Rep. Hunter and his children on flights at the campaign committee’s expense.
— Chris Marquette (@ChrisMarquette_) December 9, 2019