AK-1: Don Young Spends Over $1 Million in Campaign Funds on Legal Defense

It was no secret that Don Young was diverting his campaign contributors' money to defend against encroaching bribery and campaign finance scandals. But now his campaign manager is caught up in the act:

The Alaska Republican spent more than $35,000 between October 2007 and April on lawyers for longtime campaign manager Steven Dougherty. That's more than Dougherty himself made during that period and nearly as much as the campaign spent on political polling, according to campaign finance reports.

The payments, which are legal under federal law as long as they are associated with the candidate's official duties, are another indication of how the FBI investigation has become a drag on the congressman. Instead of coasting to a 19th term, Young is shelling out money to pay his bills and Dougherty's even as he faces a well-funded opponent in August's Republican primary.

Here's just some of what he's defending against: 

The FBI is investigating Young's fundraising practices. The campaign tried last year to reimburse former VECO president Bill Allen $37,626 for years of expenses associated the annual pig roast fundraiser. When the check was never cashed, the campaign sent the money to the U.S. Treasury.

Authorities are also investigating an unrelated earmark for a Florida highway interchange sought by a developer who gave Young campaign contributions.

Young perfectly represents the nexus of corruption and earmarks. We can't get rid of him fast enough.

Declare the Republican Party's independence from corruption and pork by supporting Sean Parnell.