Federal candidates are restricted, and in some cases forbidden, from using campaign money for private and corporate jets, according to new Federal Election Commission rules.

The rationale behind the new rules is that those who provide lawmakers with private air travel have undue influence over public policy.

Money from a House campaign or a congressional member's political action committee cannot be used to travel on noncommercial flights -- unless the aircraft is government or family-owned, according to the rules, which were passed on a 4-2 vote to coincide with provisions of the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007. 

Presidential, vice presidential and Senate campaigns must pay "charter rates" for such flights, which cost significantly more than such campaigns usually pay.

Before now, candidates could use corporate jets from organizations that lobbied them and only pay the cost of a first-class or coach plane ticket.

FEC Chairman Steven Walther, who occupies a Democratic seat on the FEC, broke a tie among commissioners by supporting the Republican-backed rules.

"If we deadlocked on this, it would not be providing guidance in the area," he said.