Boston Law Firm Accused Of Reimbursing Partners For Campaign Contributions

BOSTON (CBS) - The watchdog group Campaign Legal Center is asking the Federal Election Commission to look into $1.6 million in campaign contributions by partners of the Thornton Law Firm of Boston.

The firm allegedly skirted federal limits by reimbursing employees who donated as individuals.

Watch: CBS News Report

The donations were made primarily to Democrats, including Hillary Clinton, Elizabeth Warren and Mayor Marty Walsh, over the past five years.

According to the Thornton law firm's documents leaked by whistleblowers, partners received bonuses matching the amount they gave to political campaigns. (Image credit: CBS News)

The Boston Globe and the Center for Responsive Politics first reported that the firm offset donations from its partners with bonuses.

Walsh, Clinton and many others have said they are returning the donations or giving the money to the U.S. Treasury, based on the report.

Once the Federal Election Commission reviews the complaint it can recommend a formal investigation, which, according to a spokesman for the Campaign Legal Center, could take years.

An attorney for the Thornton Law Firm told WBZ NewsRadio 1030 it has complied with all applicable laws and regulations and that the donations were made by the equity partners with their personal money.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Lana Jones reports