COLUMBIA - Sen. Tommy Moore, D-Clearwater, was accused Thursday of violating campaign finance laws in his bid to unseat Gov. Mark Sanford, and his campaign has admitted the error.

Katon Dawson, head of the South Carolina Republican Party, said Mr. Moore has received $4,000 more than is legally allowed from a political party.

Tim Shock, Mr. Moore's campaign manager, agreed and said the $4,000 was sent early Thursday to the Children's Trust Fund, as the law requires.

State campaign finance laws say parties can give candidates in statewide races up to $50,000 per election cycle.

The current cycle ends with the June primary.

Mr. Moore received $50,000 from the South Carolina Senate Democratic Caucus on Dec. 30. But the Democratic parties in McCormick and Edgefield counties had already given $4,000.

Mr. Shock blamed the error on the fact that the Moore campaign received the $50,000 contribution a few days after the official Dec. 30 posting date.