Federal authorities investigate Delaware Republican O’Donnell’s campaign spending

A person with knowledge of a federal campaign-finance investigation says a criminal probe has been opened into whether Delaware Republican Christine O’Donnell broke the law by using campaign money to pay personal expenses.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity to protect the identity of a client who has been questioned in the probe. The case, which has been assigned to two federal prosecutors and two FBI agents in Delaware, has not been brought before a grand jury.

ADVERTISEMENT

O’Donnell, who set a state record by raising more than $7.3 million in an unsuccessful U.S. Senate campaign this year, has been dogged by questions about her finances.

Her former campaign manager did not immediately respond Wednesday to questions.

___

Barakat reported from McLean, Va.

Mochila insert follows…