Republican Christine O'Donnell has returned nearly $20,000 in campaign contributions, according to a report filed with the Federal Election Commission.
O'Donnell, a Tea Party favorite who lost the Delaware Senate race, refunded $19,713 in November and December, reports Nicole Gaudiano of the Gannett Washington Bureau. Campaign-finance reports that show activity through Dec. 31, 2010, were due Monday.
O'Donnell's lawyer, Cleta Mitchell, said O'Donnell refunded money to contributors who requested a refund or whose contributions exceeded the limit of $2,400 for individuals for a primary or a general election. Refunding money is a common practice in federal campaigns.
In all, O'Donnell has refunded more than $56,000 -- a fraction of the $7.3 million she raised for her campaign, Nicole reports.
O'Donnell is reportedly being investigated by federal authorities for allegedly using campaign funds to pay personal bills, such as her rent. She has denied the allegations, saying they are politically motivated.
Democrat Chris Coons defeated O'Donnell and is serving the remaining two years of Vice President Biden's term in the U.S. Senate.
By Catalina Camia, USA TODAY
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