The Latest: Lawmaker defends taking family on campaign trip

Indiana Republican candidates for U.S. Senate Marlin Stutzman, right, shakes hands with opponent Todd Young following their debate in Indianapolis, Monday, April 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Indiana Republican candidates for U.S. Senate Marlin Stutzman, right, shakes hands with opponent Todd Young following their debate in Indianapolis, Monday, April 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

By Associated Press April 21, 2016 2 min read

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – The Latest on Indiana Senate candidate Marlin Stutzman’s travel expenses (all times local):

9:35 a.m.

U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman is defending his decision to have his campaign pay for his family to visit California last summer, saying political business was conducted during the six-day trip.

Stutzman’s wife described the event online as a family vacation. Federal Election Commission guidelines forbid using campaign funds for personal expenses.

Over the course of a week, The Associated Press repeatedly asked the campaign to explain the travel. The campaign never answered and only refunded the campaign for trip costs after the AP inquired.