BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Former U.S. Sen. Larry Craig is being sued by federal election regulators who say he misused some $217,000 in campaign funds for his legal defense after a 2007 Minnesota airport bathroom sex sting.

Federal Election Commission officials say in a complaint filed in U.S. District Court on Monday that the Idaho Republican should repay the money.

The FEC contends Craig's campaign paid $139,952 to Sutherland, Asbill and Brennan in Washington, D.C., and $77,032 to Kelly & Jacobson in Minnesota for legal services related to his guilty plea to disorderly conduct.

The FEC says the money was converted to personal use because his defense wasn't campaign-related.

The commission is also seeking penalties of up to $6,500 from Craig and his treasurer.

A call to Craig's lobbying firm, New West Strategies in Washington, D.C., wasn't returned.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved)

More From AM 1240 WJON