Omaha, NE.—Omaha Congressman Don Bacon is accused of misusing tax dollars, according to a formal House Ethics complaint obtained exclusively by News Channel Nebraska.
Bacon is under fire for a "smear" campaign and playing politics on his official Congressional Twitter account in "blatant disregard" for longstanding rules, according to both a 3-page letter and statement from the Nebraska Democratic Party.
According to House regulations, Members of Congress are prohibited from using official resources—those paid for by taxpayers— for any political activity. The political games are reserved for, among other things, a Congressman's private Twitter and Facebook accounts.
The complaint specifically cites two Tweets—including the latest one (see it below) from January 22nd— which "shared an article from a conservative newspaper" accusing former Congressman Brad Ashford, who is looking to challenge Bacon in November, of missing votes when Ashford was in Congress.
The House Ethics Committee is also told of a November 18 Tweet (seen below) which says it's time to elect state and local officials who prioritize lower taxes. According to the Tweet, Bacon specifically adds that, "Ashford (a former state senator) in Lincoln for 16 years was part of the problem."
The complaint, signed by NDP Executive Director Eric Aspengren, citing the House Ethics Manual says the misuse of official resources are "a very serious matter" that undermines the credibility of the House of Representatives.
Bacon spokesperson Danielle Jensen tells News Channel Nebraska, “We have not been notified by House Ethics of a complaint and therefore have not been able to review it for comment."
According to the information received by News Channel Nebraska, the complaint has been sent but it is not clear if it has been officially filed.
The Nebraska Democratic Party is urging the Ethics Committee to launch an immediate investigation.
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