The Born Fighting PAC’s mission is to promote political candidates whose platforms support “greater accountability” and a stronger “national security posture."
Webb’s wife and daughter were noted in Federal Election Commission reports as two of the biggest receivers.
Together they garnered about $100,000, accounting for nearly 10 percent of the PAC’s total donations. Some of these contributions were marked for “administrative consulting services” and “website services reimbursement.” Close to half of that amount was disbursed in 2014.
A little more than $200,000 was provided to political candidates and groups, according to the FEC.
"If you trust my vision and are able to help, I can pledge to you that I will do my best to help bring greater fairness and a more sensible foreign policy to our country," Webb wrote in a letter he posted on the PAC’s website. "Your contribution will not be wasted."
The scrutiny surrounding Webb’s political action committee could very well cast a shadow on his 2016 presidential bid. The former senator is often discussed as a strong rival to Hillary Clinton.
There has been no confirmation that these reports have affected Webb’s decision to run.
Webb’s spokesperson has defended the expenses that were provided to the former senator’s wife and daughter as a necessity to his campaign. The spokesperson told CNN in an email that payments to Webb’s wife have increased this year to revamp Webb’s website and launch his 2016 presidential exploratory committee page.
He added that these expenses are well “within the law” and “much lower” than typical compensation.
"The activities of the PAC increased in 2014 when Jim Webb decided to re-enter the political discussions of our country,” the spokesperson said.
While the PAC was created at the end of 2006 with a clear mission to support political candidates, it actually stopped providing funds to political action groups and candidates in 2010. Only 20% were spent for it’s the committee’s stated mission throughout the years, according to FEC reports cited by Business Insider.
In comparison to other leadership PACs, a source told Business Insider that these committees usually contribute “40 to 60 percent of the money they receive” to candidates and groups.
