Last week, the Providence Journal reported that House Finance Chairman Marvin Abney reported a $50,000 loan to his congressional campaign from John Brooks. Loans of this nature are illegal under federal law. Abney was appointed by House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi to his position as House Finance Chairman.
Republican Party of R.I. Chairman Joe Powers has the following comments:
“Today the Rhode Island Republican Party filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission over the illegal $50,000 loan to Abney’s campaign. It is strange how House Speakers repeatedly appoint persons to the House Finance Committee who have trouble managing money. Ray Gallison served as its chairman before he was convicted of various financial related crimes. Ken Marshall served as its vice chairman before being fined for misuse of campaign funds. Carlos Tobon served on the committee before he was fined for failing to disclose his unpaid debts. Now Abney serves as the committee’s chairman although he accepted an illegal campaign loan.”
“Shekarchi should ask Abney to step down as House Finance Chairman because of Abney’s illegal loan, just like he asked Tobon to resign when Tobon failed to disclose his unpaid debts. But, Shekarchi won’t because Shekarchi himself is under an ethics investigation.”
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