Virginia lawmakers face scrutiny over campaign finance review changes

A quiet change in Virginia’s budget proposal could quietly erase a key tool for keeping campaign spending honest. The state’s elections department is currently reviewing campaign finances for top officials including the governor, attorney general, and lieutenant governor—as required by law. But House budget writers tucked a provision into their spending plan to end these mandatory audits for statewide candidates and some legislators. Former state senator Chap Petersen compared the audits to tax checks by the IRS. "You wouldn’t skip reviewing financial records just because someone asked nicely, " he noted. Watchdog groups like Clean Virginia warn this move could weaken transparency at a time when public trust in government is already shaky. "Virginia already has weak campaign rules, " said the group’s governance director. "This isn’t about party lines—it’s about protecting power. "The controversy erupted after January’s random selection process flagged several lawmakers for review, including House Speaker Don Scott and a cabinet member who once served in the House. Neither responded to questions about who pushed to end the audits. Meanwhile, some politicians—even those selected for review—support keeping the checks. Democratic Senator Mike Jones said, "I have nothing to hide. Transparency matters in government. " Republican Delegate Michael Webert agreed but criticized the sneaky way the change was added. "If they want to end audits, fine, " he said. "But do it properly—don’t bury it in a budget bill. " The timing raises eyebrows since three major statewide campaigns are already under review. So far, the lieutenant governor’s office has called for full transparency, while the governor hasn’t commented at all.