Christine O’Donnell accused of using campaign funds for rent

Former Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Christine O’Donnell is denying claims that she used campaign money for personal expenses.

The Federal Election Commission recently filed a lawsuit against O’Donnell claiming that the unsuccessful political contender used at least $20,000 of campaign donations to pay for her rent and utilities in Delaware.

The townhouse in Greenville was temporarily used as O’Donnell’s campaign headquarters while she continued to live in the upper level of the home during her 2010 run for U.S. Senate.

According to the lawsuit, “the use of campaign funds for rent or utility payments for any part of a federal candidate’s personal residence constitutes unlawful personal use.”

The suit also states that O’Donnell “allegedly reimbursed” her campaign.

O’Donnell denied any wrongdoing on her Facebook page.

“I am confident that as we proceed with this legal matter, more evidence of abuse of government power will be exposed. I’m grateful for the opportunity to stand up to Goliath and have the chance to expose what’s really going on,” O’Donnell said.

In that 2010 campaign, O’Donnell upset longtime Delaware Congressman Mike Castle during the Republican primary for the Senate seat formerly held by Vice President Joe Biden. She lost the general election to Sen. Chris Coons following a campaign that drew national attention.