California’s Fair Political Practices Commission is taking more time than expected as it decides what to do with a complaint filed against Attorney General Rob Bonta’s campaign. The complaint was filed shortly after KCRA 3 first reported that Bonta used nearly half a million dollars in campaign funds to pay for private attorneys to represent him as a witness in a federal bribery investigation.Rafael Ruthchild, the person who filed the complaint in November, argued the manner in which the funds were used “conflicts with the FPPC manual,” and called on the commission to investigate and determine how much of the money may have violated campaign finance rules. In a letter to Bonta dated Nov. 19, the FPPC stated “within 14 days” it would decide if it would investigate the allegations, refer the complaint to another government agency, take no action because the FPPC does not have jurisdiction, or take no action because the complaint does not warrant further action. Tuesday marked 14 business days since the FPPC sent the letter. Shery Yang, a spokesperson for the FPPC, told KCRA 3 that the FPPC’s enforcement division can extend the time frame if necessary. However, Yang did not provide a reason for the delay. Dan Newman, Bonta’s campaign adviser, has called the complaint “a silly political stunt without merit.” The update comes as Bonta considers a run for governor. Several sources unauthorized to publicly disclose Bonta’s plans told KCRA 3 he called potential supporters and allies late last week and into the weekend to say he is preparing to run. Bonta has repeatedly said he is encouraged by the support but has had “nothing to share.” KCRA 3 Political Director Ashley Zavala reports in-depth coverage of top California politics and policy issues. She is also the host of “California Politics 360.” Get informed each Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on KCRA 3.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

California’s Fair Political Practices Commission is taking more time than expected as it decides what to do with a complaint filed against Attorney General Rob Bonta’s campaign.

The complaint was filed shortly after KCRA 3 first reported that Bonta used nearly half a million dollars in campaign funds to pay for private attorneys to represent him as a witness in a federal bribery investigation.

Rafael Ruthchild, the person who filed the complaint in November, argued the manner in which the funds were used “conflicts with the FPPC manual,” and called on the commission to investigate and determine how much of the money may have violated campaign finance rules.

In a letter to Bonta dated Nov. 19, the FPPC stated “within 14 days” it would decide if it would investigate the allegations, refer the complaint to another government agency, take no action because the FPPC does not have jurisdiction, or take no action because the complaint does not warrant further action.

Tuesday marked 14 business days since the FPPC sent the letter.

Shery Yang, a spokesperson for the FPPC, told KCRA 3 that the FPPC’s enforcement division can extend the time frame if necessary. However, Yang did not provide a reason for the delay.

Dan Newman, Bonta’s campaign adviser, has called the complaint “a silly political stunt without merit.”

The update comes as Bonta considers a run for governor.

Several sources unauthorized to publicly disclose Bonta’s plans told KCRA 3 he called potential supporters and allies late last week and into the weekend to say he is preparing to run.

Bonta has repeatedly said he is encouraged by the support but has had “nothing to share.”

KCRA 3 Political Director Ashley Zavala reports in-depth coverage of top California politics and policy issues. She is also the host of “California Politics 360.” Get informed each Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on KCRA 3.

See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel