LaRoque fined for campaign loans

At least when you ask yourself for a loan, you don't have to worry about being rejected:

LaRoque, who is also president and sole shareholder of the LaRoque Management Group Inc. in Kinston, made two loans from his business to his state House campaign committee during the 2008 race worth $53,000.

The business was incorporated in 2004 to make small business loans through two non-profit groups, the East Carolina Development Company Inc. and Piedmont Development Company Inc. The LMG partners with the USDA Rural Development’s Intermediary Relending Program and its Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program.

Just as a bonus, for all of you small-government, tax-hating Libertarians, here's where the money comes from for that "partnering":

How much are the loans?
An intermediary may borrow up to $2 million under its first financing and up to $1 million at a time thereafter. Total aggregate debt is capped at $15 million. In recent years, loans to intermediaries have been capped at $750,000. Ultimate recipients may borrow up to $250,000.

What organizations are eligible to become an intermediary?
Private non-profit corporations, public agencies, Indian groups, and cooperatives with at least 51 percent rural membership aimed at increasing income for producer members or purchasing power for consumer members may apply for intermediary lender status.

Availability of Funds
Each year, Congress provides program funding as called for in the Federal Budget. Fiscal Year funding levels will be made available as soon as possible after the beginning of each Fiscal Year.