Rep. Vance McAllister (R-La.) has refunded campaign contributions made by a former staffer he was caught kissing in a surveillance video, according to the Times-Picayune.
In April, The Ouachita Citizen published a video showing McAllister, who is married, and his district scheduler Melissa Anne Hixon Peacock kissing outside of the Republican's congressional office in Monroe, Louisiana.
His latest campaign filing with the Federal Election Commission shows two refunds of $2,600 each to Melissa Peacock, the former staffer. Also refunded were two $2,600 contributions from Heath Peacock, the woman's husband.
The donations were made in October, 2013, a month before McAllister, a married businessman, won a run-off election to replace Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-Quitman in the 5th Congressional District.
Peacock was taken off the payroll within 24 hours of the tape's release. McAllister did not resign, but did quickly own up to the video, saying he was "very sorry."
"There's no doubt I've fallen short and I'm asking for forgiveness," McAllister said.
Weeks after the video's release, McAllister said he would not run for re-election. He's since had a change of tune, announcing in June he would seek re-election.
“I wanted to make sure everything was good with our family,” McAllister said. “Our family is stronger than ever, so I think the people should decide whether or not I continue to represent them.”
Before You Go
