Democratic Group Accuses Rudy Of Money-Laundering Around California Initiative
This is interesting: A Democratic group in California has filed complaints with the U.S. Justice Department and the Federal Election Commission alleging that the Rudy campaign has engaged in money laundering and violating campaign finance laws surrounding the now-dead California ballot initiative.
The complaint alleges that Rudy established a "front" group through billionaire friend Paul Singer, a Rudy friend and campaign adviser who was also the sole donor to a group devoted to overturning California election laws in a way that would help the Republican nominee.
The group filing the complaints, called Californians for Fair Election Reform, appears real: It's got well-known political consultant Chris Lehane as its chief spokesman.
Because Singer ended up being the only donor to the ballot cause, the ballot initiative raises questions about whether the Rudy campaign illegally coordinated with Singer's independent committee, according to the complaints. The complaints also charge that Singer took steps to conceal his identity as backer of the original effort to change California election law.
"As an agent of Giuliani's, Singer would be prohibited from soliciting or directing a contribution in excess of $2,300," said the lawyer working with the group that filed the complaints. "We'd like the FEC to determine what Giuliani knew, when he knew it, what conversations he and Singer had about the contribution and how TIA was created. Whose idea was it? How did it come about?"
The Giuliani campaign denies any coordination with the group. More here.
Comments (20)
donviti wrote on October 2, 2007 11:07 AM:absolute power baby
Pete wrote on October 2, 2007 11:28 AM:The Daily News story says Singer is a "policy adviser and regional finance director for Giuliani." I'd like to know more about his role in the Giuliani campaign.
Also Rudy's claim that he would have a 50/50 shot at winning CA anyway is completely disingenuous, and is certainly not supported by any polling. Even Rudy cannot be so delusional as to believe that he has a shot at winning CA in a general election.
MC Rove wrote on October 2, 2007 11:28 AM:Bet you thought I was "spending time with my family."
Riiiiight.
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When is somebody going to file a complaint with the FEC concerning Fox Entertainment's free propoganda and political advertising provided for the repukes? Sounds to me like all Fox expenses should be considered campaign contributions to the repukes. How is this allowed to happen?
MarcNYC wrote on October 2, 2007 11:57 AM:I would be kind of funny if someone came up with a Complaint setting out how this converts the Rudy campaign into to a RICO organization. Slapping a RICO tag, no matter how frivolous, on defendants was one of his favorite tricks as US Attorney.
jeffgee wrote on October 2, 2007 12:06 PM:More evidence that Rudy would continue GOP vote theft refined under the Cheney/Rove/Bush regime. By any means necessary.
Republicans can't win without cheating.
Pete...Guiliani thinks he is the 4th most famous person in the USA. Sure he thinks he can win California. The man is delusional...and dangerous.
Josh wrote on October 3, 2007 5:45 PM:This will get shoved under the carpet just like everything else. Ron Paul is our only chance at taking back this country.
delos wrote on October 3, 2007 9:34 PM:Ron Paul?
You should take a longer, closer, slower look @ Dr. Paul.
20cc0 wrote on October 4, 2007 2:04 AM:I'd expect comments like that on TPM, Delos.
The fact is that Ron Paul is the only one who can save America...
From Hillary.
Hank wrote on October 4, 2007 2:06 AM:I took a long close look at the consitution, and decided that the government has gone well beyond the controls it puts on them, so I'm voting for Ron Paul!
No one else is pushing limited government, and bring the troops back, so what other choice is there except socialists and wantabes?
2008 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION WEEKLY POLL
Results posted Tuesday evening at Midnight.
dave wrote on October 4, 2007 2:45 AM:Ron Paul is exactly what we need in America right now.
Jason wrote on October 4, 2007 2:53 AM:It's stories like this that make me want to work for Ron Paul
Brian Peppers wrote on October 4, 2007 3:08 AM:I think your ma should take a longer, slower, closer look @ Ron Paul
Frank wrote on October 4, 2007 9:57 AM:You can take all the long hard looks at Ron Paul. He's not perfect, but once you take a look at all the other candidates and puke in your mouth a little, he's the only one worth voting for.
No one is perfect, but after the Bush years we need a man who is willing to turn this country back towards Liberty. Ron Paul is that man.
Ron Paul 2008!
Brent Allen wrote on October 4, 2007 1:04 PM:Ron Paul is the only legitmate candidate out there. He is an honest man with a 100% proven track record as a politician.
A constitutionalist to the core he is the only chance that America has.
Anonymous wrote on October 4, 2007 7:58 PM:Giuliani is scum. He is a criminal of epic proportions. If anybody is stupid enough to vote for him, may the lord have mercy on their souls... wait aren't I an athiest?
Lothario wrote on October 4, 2007 7:59 PM:Giuliani is scum. He is a criminal of epic proportions. If anybody is stupid enough to vote for him, may the lord have mercy on their souls... wait aren't I an athiest?
luke wrote on October 19, 2007 1:51 AM:Ron Paul will win. Here's why:
With Congress rating at 11%, there is a "Doctor in the House"! He will cure America's IMPERIALIST & other SICK policies - nearly 4000 troops killed in Iraq; 10's of thousands of wounded & those with PTSD; 1,000,000+ Iraqi civilian killed; 4,000,000 Iraqi refugees; US borders overrun; rapidly depreciating $$$; collapsing housing market, etc. DR. RON PAUL (10 term Congressman) will cure America's ills. Consider his living of FAMILY VALUES - 50 years SAME wife; delivered 4000+ babies; 3 of 5 children are MD's, 2 brothers are Ministers; believes in and works for the JUST WAR doctrine etc. Go to Google or www.ronpaul.meetup.com to read about his prescription for US.
He has never voted to raise taxes.
He has never voted for an unbalanced budget.
He has never voted for a federal restriction on gun ownership.
He has never voted to raise congressional pay.
He has never taken a government-paid junket.
He has never voted to increase the power of the executive branch.
He voted against the Patriot Act.
He voted against regulating the Internet.
He voted against the Iraq war.
He does not participate in the lucrative congressional pension program.
He returns a portion of his annual congressional office budget to the U.S. treasury every year.
