DOVER, Del. (AP) - The Federal Election Commission has filed a lawsuit against former U.S. Senate candidate Christine O'Donnell, accusing her of using at least $20,000 in campaign donations for rent and utility payments at a Delaware townhouse where she lived and worked.
The lawsuit, filed Monday, names O'Donnell, her campaign committee and committee treasurer Matt Moran as defendants.
Federal authorities ask that O'Donnell, a tea-party favorite, pay back an amount equal to the converted funds and for the defendants to pay civil penalties.
The allegations involve rent and utility payments at the Greenville townhouse that served as O'Donnell's headquarters in the 2010 Senate campaign. Authorities say O'Donnell lived upstairs for at least 10 months.
O'Donnell denied the allegations Tuesday and accused the FEC of harassing her. Moran didn't immediately respond to phone and email messages.
