Congressman Lynch's campaign paying for his SUV

BOSTON --U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch has something none of the other members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation has -- a new SUV paid for by his campaign account.

Lynch bought the 2007 Chrysler Aspen two months ago with a $10,000 down payment from his campaign account.

Lynch, who represents the state's 9th congressional district, is also helping pay for the new car with a $2,020 dollar trade-in from a 2002 GMC Envoy he bought under a similar arraignment after winning a 2001 special election called after former congressman Joe Moakley died in office.

Lynch's campaign has also been picking up the $766 monthly payments for the $44,641 sports utility vehicle, including a $6,437 annual insurance premium.

Lynch spokesman Scott Ferson told The Boston Globe that the campaign isn't aware of any federal campaign law barring the arraignment.

The SUV is registered to Lynch and has a "USA 9" license plate.

The fact that Lynch owns the vehicle is unusual. Typically, campaigns lease cars and register them in the name of the campaign.

In 1995, federal regulations on the personal use of campaign vehicles were tightened. The Federal Election Commission has never ruled on an arraignment similar to Lynch's.