Rowan News

The North Carolina Republican Party is calling a Democratic candidate for State Senate "dishonest" and "unfit for office" after raising allegations that he purchased rental property with a VA home loan. 

The candidate, J.D. Wooten is a military veteran, WXII reported on July 25. The news organization contacted the VA loan program about Wooten's alleged actions. The organization told the news outlet that the loans are meant for purchasing a primary residence, but that the primary location isn't prevented from being a rental property as long as certain procedures are followed. 

"To prevent abuse of the program, borrowers are required to use these loans for primary residences only, not rental, investment, or vacation homes," the Republican Party said in a July 30 news release. In his interview with WXII, JD Wooten, a lawyer, admitted to violating the terms of the VA home loan and not meeting the residency requirements."

Wooten did tell WXII that he did not meet the requirement, however, the outlet also reported that his attorney, who handled the loan, said in a statement "JD has complied with the terms of his loan and has not in any way breached the terms of his agreement with his lender."

The GOP claimed that Wooten is now trying to cover his tracks only after being caught violating the VA loan terms. 

“J.D. Wooten’s VA loan fraud cover-up demonstrates that he is dishonest and unfit for office,” NC GOP Spokesman Tim Wigginton said in the press release. “Wooten admitted that he failed to live up to the terms of his VA loan. Now he is trying to cover it up.”

Wooten is running for the District 24 seat against Republican Amy Galey.