It's good to be one of Republican Sen. Richard Burr's family members.
WASHINGTON North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr’s political committees have paid nearly $200,000 over the last 16 years to his in-laws and a firm employing his son for office rent and administrative services.
The previously undisclosed arrangements appear to be legal, but they could provide campaign fodder for Burr’s Democratic challenger, Deborah Ross.
A spokeswoman for Burr’s Senate office declined to comment on the payments.
From 2011 through 2014, Burr’s campaign reported renting office space for $600 to $625 per month—for a total of $29,550—from the Brand Intelligence Group, an internet marketing research startup. Burr’s son, Tyler, was listed as a vice president in corporate filings until last year.
Why yes, yes they could provide campaign fodder. He also has a PAC, the Next Century Fund, that employs his sister-in-law, Mary Fauth as treasurer. She's earned $88,724, at the rate of $464.10 per month since 2000. Her husband, Gerald W. Fauth III, is New Century Fund's landlord. He has been paid $400 a month in rent and utilities, totaling $75,600 since 2000. Oh, and he's a lobbyist, apparently founding G.W. Fauth & Associates, Inc., which is "a transportation consulting firm specializing in economic, regulatory, public policy and legislative issues." So that's particularly handy for all involved.
But hey, Burr got rich while in the Senate (and made sure his votes have kept him that way) so why not spread the wealth around to his nearest and dearest? Because, after all, why else would a Republican decide on a career in "public service"?
Can you pitch in with $3 to help Deborah Ross win in North Carolina?