FEC greenlights Rep. Good’s recount fund request

The Federal Election Commission Thursday to approve Rep. Bob Good’s (R-Va.) request to use general election funds to seed his recount fund following his contentious Republican primary loss in Virginia’s 5th Congressional District.

But in order to use the funds to cover recount expenses, he must first ask the donors for their approval.

“Good for Congress may seek permission from its general election contributors to redesignate their contributions from the general election to its recount fund, and then redesignate funds from those contributors who grant such permission,” the commission wrote in the draft advisory opinion approved 5-1 by the commission.

Good, chair of the House Freedom Caucus, said he would pursue a recount and a “full investigation” after narrowly losing to state Sen. John McGuire earlier this month. A recount has been scheduled for Aug. 1.

Former President Trump endorsed McGuire in the race, citing Good’s endorsement of Flordai Gov. Ron DeSantis in the presidential GOP primary, although Good quickly endorsed Trump when DeSantis dropped out. 

Good exhausted most of the funds in his primary election coffer during the heated contest, according to the advisory opinion request submitted earlier this month, and asked the commission for permission to dip into funds designated for the general election. 

Individual contributions are limited to $3,300 per election, and candidates must retain separate pots for primary and general election contributions, as they are considered separate elections.

The Good campaign reported $211,195 in cash on hand as of June 30, and nearly $68,230 in debt and loans owed by the committee.

The Hill has contacted a spokesperson for the Good campaign for comment.