FEC: Coleman can use campaign cash

WASHINGTON, June 25 (UPI) -- U.S. elections officials said Thursday former Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., may use campaign funds to defend himself in an investigation.

The Federal Elections Commission said the campaign cash can be used to defend Coleman, who denies any wrongdoing, against complaints a supporter bought him clothing. The funds may be used in connection with any FBI investigation into allegations the supporter tried to funnel $100,000 to Coleman, the St. Paul (Minn.) Pioneer Press reported.

Coleman was a U.S. senator from Minnesota until January. He ran for re-election in 2008 against Democrat Al Franken but the result of the vote remains in dispute and Coleman's term had expired.

FEC spokesman Christian Hiland said the vote was 4-2 to free up the cash, but Coleman is banned from using the funds "to pay for legal services ... unrelated to Senator Coleman's campaign or duties as a federal officeholder," the newspaper reported.

The FEC decision allows Coleman access to millions in campaign donations, the report said.

The Pioneer Press said sources told the newspaper the FBI had begun an inquiry, but the FBI declined comment.