Ethics agency says club dues can’t be paid with donations

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The State Ethics Commission cautions that club membership dues are not a legitimate campaign expense.

Commissioners reviewed an advisory opinion Wednesday telling candidates and officeholders they should not use donations to pay membership dues or food expenses at private clubs they join.

Agency attorney Michael Burchstead said it’s OK to use donations to pay for a fundraising event at a private club, but not for ordinary membership costs. He says excuses the club’s used “to see and be seen” and sometimes meet donors are invalid.

He says that’s no different than going to a restaurant and happening to run into a donor.

Commissioners plan to vote on the opinion in January. Burchstead said the opinion would be prospective, which would let anyone currently using donations that way off the hook.