D.C. Council Chairman Kwame Brown's campaign ethics problems are prompting criticism and even calls for a federal investigation into his campaign finances.
On the Kojo Nnamdi Politics Hour Friday, candidates running for a vacant seat on the D.C. Council were all critical of Brown and his campaign ethics issues. Patrick Mara called for a federal criminal probe.
This week, the city's Office of Campaign Finance and Ethics issued a scathing report on Brown's 2008 campaign for the council, saying he failed to properly report or account for about $300,000 in campaign contributions and expenses -- much of which went to a firm controlled by his brother.
The chairman has apologized and promised reforms, but interim Councilman Sekou Biddle -- chosen with Brown's help and running to retain the seat -- wants more disclosure but not Brown's resignation.
Former Council member Vincent Orange said Brown faces heavy ethics fines but wouldn't say whether he thought Brown should resign.
Adams Morgan activist Bryan Weaver said the council needs to enact and follow tougher ethics laws no matter what Brown does.
Brown was not available for comment Friday. He has said in the past he will use professional accountants to handle his future campaign reports rather than relying on volunteers.
