Why oh why do the Republicans always beat us? They’re ahead again….41 to 21!!!

It is not illegal for federal candidates to pay family members for political work, as long as they are paid fair market value.

Democrats and Republican members of Congress use millions of dollars in campaign funds to pay fat fees and salaries to family members.

The practice is so widespread that lawmakers dismiss it with a nod and a wink and laugh at legislative attempts to ban payments to family members from campaign funds.

Even Ron Paul, the darling of the Netroots, openly dispenses more than $175,000 in campaign funds to his daughter and other family members.

Federal Election Commission Reports show Republican and Democratic members of Congress diverted $5.1 million in payments were diverted to family members or entities owned by family members in the past six years and that the practice is increasing with each new campaign season.

Of the 72 members of Congress who routinely use campaign funds to fatten the back accounts of spouses, children and other relatives, 41 are Republicans and 21 Democrats.

The 10 firms owned by or employing relatives that got the most campaign funds from Congress members 2001-06:

Member Company paid Relationship Total

Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif. Collins and Day Husband’s company (John Marshall Collins) $285,481

Bob Filner, D-Calif. Campaign Resources Wife’s company (Jane Filner) $249,004

Howard Berman, D-Calif. Berman & D’Agostino Brother’s company (Michael Berman) $195,000

Wm. Lacy Clay, D-Mo. Law Offices of Michelle Clay Sister’s company (Michelle Clay) $139,314

Gary Miller, R-Calif. G. Miller Development Self $124,725

Maxine Waters, D-Calif. Progressive Connections Daughter’s employer (Karen Waters) $111,124

Ric Keller, R-Fla. Hammon & Associates Wife’s employer (Danielle Michel) $74,909

Ralph Hall, R-Texas Hall Law Offices Son’s company (Blakeley Hall) $68,000

Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif. John Marshall Collins P.C. Husband’s company (John Marshall Collins) $62,705

Michael Turner, R-Ohio Turner Marketing Wife’s company (Lori Turner) $51,099

The 10 individual family members who received the most campaign funds from members of Congress 2001-06.:

Member Person Paid Relationship Total

Buck McKeon, R-Calif. Patricia McKeon Wife $263,168

Ralph Hall, R-Texas Jody Hall Daughter-in-law $181,470

Pete Stark, D-Calif. Deborah Stark Wife $176,800

Dana Rohrabacher, R-Calif. Rhonda Rohrabacher Wife $169,009

Ron Paul, R-Texas Lori Pyeatt Daughter $163,890 *

Dan Burton, R-Ind. Danielle Sarkins Daughter $143,900

Collin Peterson, D-Minn. Elliott Peterson Son $127,747

Bart Stupak, D-Mich. Laurie Stupak Wife $125,236 **

Duncan Hunter, R-Calif. Margaret Hunter Daughter-in-law $105,353

Louie Gohmert R-Texas Kathy Gohmert Wife $95,703

* - Ron Paul’s total rises to $175,509 with additional payments to three other family members.

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