To be honest, I think the prosecutor there is cutting him a break if the allegations are true (he is innocent till proven guilty). Based on the allegations, he might have been able to charge him with a felony, which would really damage his political career - even if he's innocent of both.

It sounds like his defense is that he reimbursed the county for the mailing already. If that's the case, it's still bad judgment. I never co-mingled personal funds and committee funds unless I was donating it as an in-kind. With tax money, I wouldn't go near it. That's common sense. It's not my money. Period. This wasn't Dennis's money. It's Cheboygan County's money. Don't leave the opening for attack.

This may have cost him a chance at state rep. He's a tough campaigner, so I won't count him out, but it does not help matters.

I'm a bit sensitive to this stuff. I've treasured different committees and admin funds over the past 10 years. There's a lot of trust involved when given a checkbook. It's real easy to skim off the top if there isn't checks and balances. I
don't do that. It's not my money. Legality aside, it comes down to a matter of trust. That's what was damaged the most on this, and frankly, I expect more from a reformer.