Buchanan accuser cuts deal with FEC that clears congressman

A former business partner admits that he, not U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, was responsible for improperly reimbursing employees  for contributions they made to Buchanan's campaigns.

Under a consent judgement announced Tuesday, a federal court in Jacksonville found that Sam Kazran committed “non-knowing and non-willful” violations when he reimbursed employees of a Jacksonville car dealership he co-owned with Buchanan a total of $67,900 for contributions they made to Buchanan’s congressional campaigns in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

As part of the settlement, Kazran will pay the FEC civil penalties totaling $11,000.

“Defendant Kazran does not admit liability but has entered into this consent judgement to avoid the costs and risks of further litigation,” the consent judgement states.

Read more, including a comment from Buchanan's attorney, here.