2-6-14 campaign finance-investigations

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin's elections board says campaigns involved in criminal investigations can't use campaign funds to pay for their defense.  The Government Accountability Board opinion distinguishes investigations that involve civil and criminal matters from one that is "purely a criminal one."  It says in cases that are purely criminal, politicians must pay for their defense from specially designated funds.  They can use campaign funds to pay legal fees for their campaigns.  The opinion comes amid a secret investigation reportedly focused on potential illegal coordination between conservative groups and Republican campaigns during recalls targeting Gov. Scott Walker and state lawmakers.