WASHINGTON (AP) — A draft opinion by the Federal Election Commission suggests it probably won't go along with a request from Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein's re-election campaign to would allow her to replace millions of dollars in embezzled campaign contributions by going back to many of her original donors.
The FEC is likely to take a final vote on her request Thursday.
Feinstein's campaign treasurer, Kinde Durkee, pleaded guilty last week to defrauding numerous California politicians of at least $7 million. Feinstein was the hardest hit, losing an estimated $4.5 million.
The senator had hoped that her supporters could contribute again without the original donation being counted against federal caps.
But an advisory opinion Friday said any contributions deposited in a bank account or cashed must be counted against the cap.
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