The Minneapolis Star Tribune just reported Washington politician Collin Peterson’s campaign has paid his son more than $400,000 in salary and reimbursements since 2000. As recently as January 2013, Elliot Peterson, a Tennessee resident who serves as his father’s campaign treasurer, has made nearly $60,000 in “the family business.” Under federal law, there are restrictions on nepotism in official congressional offices, but the practice is permitted under federal election laws. An ethics group has even called Peterson’s arrangement with his son “egregious.” Peterson turned a blind eye to the criticism, saying:
“He does a good job. We’re lucky to have him.”