US News

Senator’s a party party pooper

WASHINGTON — The national presidential conventions could lose some taxpayer subsidies under a bill that would bar the use of federal election funds for campaign-related events and parties.

Republican Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma introduced a bill yesterday to prohibit use of money from the $3 box that tax filers check on returns. Republicans and Democrats split that money, garnering $18.3 million each.

Coburn’s legislation would affect only conventions that occur after the end of this year — but he called on both parties to return this year’s funds.

“With the languishing recovery and unsustainable debt, there is no justification for spending public funds on booze, balloons and confetti,” Coburn said.

The two committees hosting this summer’s conventions say the money is essential to democracy.