In wake of political violence, states use campaign cash for personal security |
In wake of political violence, states use campaign cash for personal security
The number of states approving this use of campaign funds has more than doubled since the assassinations of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and activist Charlie Kirk.
A memorial for Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, is seen at the state Capitol in St. Paul, Minnesota, on June 15, 202. | George Walker IV/AP
Since the assassinations of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and Democratic Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, more than 15 states have passed laws or approved rule changes allowing lawmakers to access campaign funds for personal security, a sign of growing concern about political violence in America.
This year alone, Utah, South Dakota, Alabama, Nebraska and Oregon changed policies to allow state lawmakers to use campaign funds for security. More states, including Tennessee, are considering such measures.
“Increased violence … was the driving force behind the legislation,” said GOP Oregon state Sen. David Brock Smith, who voted in favor of the bill the governor signed earlier this month, adding that he’s personally received death threats.