Campaign of former Democratic Md. congressman settles FEC case over excessive contributions

Former Md. congressman’s campaign settles FEC case

WASHINGTON — A former Maryland congressman’s campaign has settled a case over excessive campaign donations.

The Federal Election Commission said Wednesday that former Democratic Rep. Albert Wynn’s campaign and treasurer have agreed to pay an $8,000 civil fine.

Wynn lost his primary in 2008. The FEC says his campaign had already raised $115,100 for that fall’s election, and didn’t give donors the money back as it should have.

The FEC says that normally it seeks higher fines in such cases, but that commissioners realize the campaign is defunct and broke.

The commission says that if Wynn seeks federal office again, his campaign must pay $12,000 more in civil penalties and refund the $115,100 in donations or give that amount to the government.