Reid to refund his campaign $16K for ‘holiday gifts’

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is asking Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to explain the listing of more than $16,000 in holiday gifts in a campaign filing, according to a report. 

Ralston Reports, run by Nevada journalist Jon Ralston, reported Tuesday that 2016 campaign money was used on presents for supporters. 

Ralston said he learned the gifts were actually purchased by Reid’s granddaughter, Ryan Elisabeth Reid, who sells jewelry in Berkeley, Calif.

She bought the gifts — using the campaign’s money — for Reid’s donors and backers, the report says.

{mosads}The filing only identified her as Ryan Elisabeth, and Ralston said he later figured out she was Reid’s relative.

In a letter, the FEC said Reid’s campaign must explain $11,370 and $5,416 expenditures by April 25.

“Itemized disbursements must include a brief statement or description of why each disbursement was made,” the letter read.

Friends of Reid’s representative Chris Anderson told Ralston, “The campaign complied with all FEC rules.”

In a statement provided to The Hill, Reid said he would reimburse the campaign for the expenditure. 

“I thought it would be nice to give supporters and staff thank-you gifts that had a personal connection and a Searchlight connection, but I have decided to reimburse the campaign for the amount of the expenditure.”

Reid is not up for reelection until 2016 but already began planning for another campaign in October.

Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval (R) has been floated as a possible GOP challenger to Reid that year. 

— This story was updated at 8:00 p.m.