WINONA, Minn. – State Representative Gene Pelowski said that there was nothing illegal intended in irregularities in how his campaign fund were used. The misspending was an error, the senior Winona legislator said. At issue is almost $4,000 that went from the Pelowski Volunteer Committee for living expenses, rent and furniture. Pelowski said he will pay back the funds, as well as a $1,000 fine. The illegal personal purchases, he said, were isolated instances. Also, he said that his future campaign treasurers will be schooled on restrictions on using campaign funds. The investigation into Pelowski’s use of funds was launched in April.
Earlier: Accusation: Veteran legislator misused $4,000
Pelowski, a Democrat, was first elected in 1986 from District 28A. He is unopposed for an 18th term. Pelowski is a retired high school government teacher. He is an adjunct political science prof at Winona State University.