Kirk Says Bush Campaign Trips Used Tax Funds

Democratic Party Chairman Paul Kirk today accused Vice President George Bush of improperly using taxpayers’ money to finance campaign travel and possibly exceeding legal spending limits.

In a letter to White House counsel A. B. Culvahouse, Kirk said evidence “strongly suggests” improper spending. Kirk told reporters in Atlanta that the Democratic Party may file a complaint with the Federal Election Commission, which enforces federal election laws.

“The only thing that matches the hypocrisy of the Republican Party of the 1980s claiming (to be) the party of fiscal conservatism is the Republican Party of the 1980s preaching about law and order,” Kirk said.

Kirk said Bush may have used tax money improperly to pay for some campaign expenses.

Spending Limit

But, he said, even if the Bush campaign reimburses the government for trips the vice president made, including appearances in Louisville, Ky., and Columbus, Ohio, he would question whether the campaign has exceeded the spending limit for the pre-convention period.

In the letter, delivered today, Kirk said Bush “is conserving his limited remaining resources” by not reimbursing the federal government for the use of Air Force Two and other vice presidential perks during two June political trips.

Bush campaign spokesman Mark Goodin said the two trips cited by Kirk will be paid for fully by the Bush campaign.

“It was a campaign expenditure,” Goodin said. “The bill hasn’t been paid, but when it’s paid the campaign will pay it.” He said the determination that the trips were campaign trips was made well in advance of Kirk’s letter.

In Washington, Bush campaign chairman Lee Atwater said Kirk’s statements “are totally without merit and are obviously designed to distract public attention from the real issues.”