Oregon lawmakers caught funneling campaign funds to the NRA -- and even Democrats are doing it

In a twist on the financial relationship between the NRA and politicians, OregonLive reveals that some state lawmakers are using campaign funds to pay for NRA memberships, make donations to the gun group and participate in raffles that help finance the NRA's efforts.

While many lawmakers throughout the country are under fire for taking money from the NRA in light of the shooting in Parkland, Florida that took 17 lives, some Oregon legislators are reciprocating by giving cash back.

According to the report, 16 Democratic, Republican and nonpartisan state and county-level officeholders have used campaign funds on National Rifle Association "memberships, event and banquet tickets, auction items, artwork and other memorabilia."

Of note is Democrat Rep. Brad Witt (Clatskanie) who took $1,000 from the NRA and spent more than $4,200 in campaign cash on the NRA, in the form of buying event tickets worth more than $2,000 and donating $1,860 to the group.

The report goes on to state that other state lawmakers have used funds to pay for entry to NRA events, purchase tables at banquets hosted by the gun group, acquire memorabilia, and even purchase NRA-branded Christmas cards.

According to OregonLive, the use of campaign funds is tightly scrutinized by the FEC, and that funds are supposed to be used by  a candidate to get elected or on allowable officeholder expenses. Lawmakers may not spend funds on personal items or expenses, entertainment, admissions to country clubs and health spas, or memberships unrelated to officeholder duties. The funds can be used for political events.

You can see the list of lawmakers who are spending campaign cash on the NRA here.