GOP calls on Vida Miller to return illegal campaign contributions from medical transportation firm

Miller forced to return illegal contributions from HMO in August

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 20, 2010

GEORGETOWN--The Georgetown County Republican Party on Wednesday called on Democratic state Rep. Vida Miller to return campaign contributions from a Georgetown based medical transportation firm that violate limits set by state law.

This after Miller had to return campaign contributions in August from a Charleston based HMO that also exceeded lawful limits.

"Rep. Miller appears to be a serial violator of state campaign finance laws in accepting multiple illegal campaign contributions from special interests. Rep. Miller cannot be above the law. We call on her to obey the law and return the money as soon as possible," Georgetown County Republican Party Chairman Tom Swatzel said.

According to campaign finance reports filed by Miller with the state Ethics Commission for the current election cycle, she accepted a total of $2,000 in financial contributions, $1,000 in April 2009 and $1,000 in September 2010, from TransMed, LLC, a Georgetown based company that does medical transports.

The contribution limit for individuals and businesses is $1,000 for an election cycle.

"Should Rep. Miller refuse to promptly return the money, the Georgetown GOP is prepared to file a complaint with the House Ethics Committee," Swatzel said.

In August Miller was forced to return a $500 contribution that violated state limits from Select Health of SC, a Charleston based HMO owned by AmeriHealth Mercy, a national managed healthcare company.

Miller is running against Republican Kevin Ryan on November 2nd for the House District-108 seat.

Click here for August Georgetown Times article