WASHINGTON (AP) - A Nevada man has complained to the Federal Election Commission that his former employer forced him to donate to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's re-election campaign, and later reimbursed him.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal first reported Randy Spitzmesser of Henderson, Nev., filed the FEC complaint. He alleges Tate Snyder Kimsey Architects coerced him into making a $1,000 donation and later added the amount to an expense check.
Federal election law bars a company from reimbursing employees for campaign contributions.
FEC officials would only confirm that the firm and Reid are named in the complaint, but would not provide any other details.
Reid campaign spokesman Brandon Hall said 20 donors from a February fundraiser have been contacted to ensure their donations were proper. So far, half have responded affirmatively - that they gave voluntarily and that the money was their own.
Hall said the allegations of wrongdoing are against the firm. He also said the $1,000 contribution in dispute was discarded when the campaign sent a $1,000 check to the U.S. Treasury.
The architectural firm referred questions to an attorney, C. Stanley Hunterton of Las Vegas who did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Partners in the firm are longtime donors to Reid's election campaigns.