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DECEMBER 6, 2000

The Washington state Republican leader who defended a resolution calling for the termination of "non-republican" tribal governments is under fire by fellow members of his party for his spending habits.

As much as $1.5 million in state GOP funds went unspent this past election cycle. But instead of giving them to candidates or paying for advertising to support GOP campaigns, state Republican Party Chairman Don Benton paid for an office building with $360,000 in cash.

In his defense, Benton says he couldn't find anyone to give the money too. But others say they did ask him for money and that the money could have helped ousted Senator Slade Gorton keep his seat. Gorton was narrowly defeated by Democrat Maria Cantwell.

As a result of the funding flap, Benton may also be ousted as head of the state party. He had come under fire this summer for defending a resolution passed by the party which called for the federal government to terminate tribal governments.

Get the Story:
Angry state Republicans learn campaign money was not being spent (The Seattle Times 12/6)

Relevant Links:
The Washington State Republican Party - www.wsrp.org

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