GOP questions whether Skelton's campaign manager is still being paid by taxpayers

In a news release issued today, the Missouri Republican Party questions the status of Fourth District Congressman Ike Skelton's campaign manager:

Ike Skelton is in the political fight of his life—but it appears that he has allowed his campaign manager to continue drawing a full-time salary, courtesy of United States taxpayers, from his official office. In June, it seems that Jason Rauch was being paid by Skelton’s congressional office while also playing a prominent role in Skleton’s campaign—and it may be continuing.


“The fact that Ike Skelton would allow his campaign manager to draw a taxpayer-funded salary while working on his campaign is irresponsible, and it shows that Skelton has been in Washington way too long,” said Lloyd Smith, Executive Director of the Missouri Republican Party. “Skelton and his campaign manager are gaming the system, and Missourians are fed up with this kind of waste of tax dollars.”

According to public records obtained by Legistorm, Rauch was paid $13,775 (equaling a $55,100 yearly salary) between April 1 and June 30, 2010—the most recent period available. But during that time, documents show that Rauch was also working for Skelton’s campaign while he was apparently still employed by Skelton’s official office.

On June 29, Rauch was listed as the “Campaign Manager” on a press release that has been published on Skelton’s campaign website. In addition, Skelton’s 2nd Quarter fundraising report filed with the Federal Election Commission shows that Rauch received $1100.62 in salary and expense reimbursements during the month of June.

It seems unlikely that the campaign manager of an incumbent Democrat in the midst of one of the most contentious elections in the country would be able to work the 40 hours per week required to continue drawing a full time salary from Skelton’s official office.