Laws: Cases and Codes : U.S. Code : Title 2 : Section 439a


   
U.S. Code as of: 01/3/05
Section 439a. Use of contributed amounts for certain purposes

    (a) Permitted uses
      A contribution accepted by a candidate, and any other donation
    received by an individual as support for activities of the
    individual as a holder of Federal office, may be used by the
    candidate or individual - 
        (1) for otherwise authorized expenditures in connection with
      the campaign for Federal office of the candidate or individual;
        (2) for ordinary and necessary expenses incurred in connection
      with duties of the individual as a holder of Federal office;
        (3) for contributions to an organization described in section
      170(c) of title 26;
        (4) for transfers, without limitation, to a national, State, or
      local committee of a political party;
        (5) for donations to State and local candidates subject to the
      provisions of State law; or
        (6) for any other lawful purpose unless prohibited by
      subsection (b) of this section.
    (b) Prohibited use
      (1) In general
        A contribution or donation described in subsection (a) of this
      section shall not be converted by any person to personal use.
      (2) Conversion
        For the purposes of paragraph (1), a contribution or donation
      shall be considered to be converted to personal use if the
      contribution or amount is used to fulfill any commitment,
      obligation, or expense of a person that would exist irrespective
      of the candidate's election campaign or individual's duties as a
      holder of Federal office, including - 
          (A) a home mortgage, rent, or utility payment;
          (B) a clothing purchase;
          (C) a noncampaign-related automobile expense;
          (D) a country club membership;
          (E) a vacation or other noncampaign-related trip;
          (F) a household food item;
          (G) a tuition payment;
          (H) admission to a sporting event, concert, theater, or other
        form of entertainment not associated with an election campaign;
        and
          (I) dues, fees, and other payments to a health club or
        recreational facility.



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