PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A Rhode Island political candidate who resigned before taking his seat in the state legislature over a nonexistent campaign mailer is facing new allegations of financial wrongdoing.
The Providence Journal reports that a state Board of Elections audit found that Bristol Democrat Laufton Ascencao spent $13,900 of the Sierra Club’s money on political causes. Ascencao was the environmental group’s chapter treasurer.
The board says $9,300 of the group’s money went toward Ascencao’s successful campaign for the House. The remaining $4,600 went toward rent and expenses for the Rhode Island Working Families Party, for which Ascencao was a lobbyist.
The board says Ascencao also misreported campaign contributions and failed to account for campaign spending.
The findings were sent to the attorney general’s office.
A working number for Ascencao could not be found.
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Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.providencejournal.com
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