GOP ‘legal defense’ plan raises disclosure issue

Stefan Passantino is quoted discussing the increase of legal defense funds at the state level, rather than just at the federal level. This concerns some, as the public won’t know who is donating money to these funds or how much, since there is currently no contribution limits. There is debate about the ethics of this type of fund, however, candidates’ parties will often pick up the bill for things like unfounded accusations.

"Both sides of the aisle were using the ethics process as a weapon with some effectiveness," Passantino said. "That is a trend that has become exponentially more prevalent."