Here is how former House Speaker Richard Morgan circumvented a new state law intended to prevent lawmakers from pocketing campaign donations:

SEPT. 26, 2006:

Morgan removed $356,273.58 from his campaign account, calling it a "refund for distribution." That money was raised from campaign contributors.

SEPT. 29, 2006:

Morgan removed another $181,565.32 from his campaign account. This was repayment of a $100,000 loan that Morgan had made to his campaign in 1998, plus $81,565.32 in interest on that loan. The interest was paid from campaign donations. He reported that the total amount he received was $533,429.40, which is slightly less than the sums from his contributions, loan and interest.

OCT. 1, 2006:

A state law took effect prohibiting candidates for state and local office from using their campaign contributions for personal use.

OCT. 13, 2006:

Morgan loaned his campaign $50,000.

OCT. 30, 2006:

Morgan deposited $533,429.40 in his campaign account, declaring it a personal loan to his campaign. Since it is considered his money, Morgan is legally free to spend it as he wishes.

JAN. 30, 2007:

Morgan removed $533,429.40 from his campaign account, calling it a loan repayment. He also collected $12,241.10 in interest earned on the loan from his campaign account.

FEB. 16, 2007:

Morgan's campaign account repaid him for the $50,000 loan. He also collected $1,570.10 in interest earned on the loan from his campaign account.

(CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTS)

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