Federal Complaint Filed Against Key Democrat Senator for Illegal Use of Campaign Cash
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A Democrat U.S. senator locked in one of the nation’s tightest reelection campaigns is now the target of a Federal Election Commission complaint for using campaign funds to pay for decades-old personal lawsuits. (RELATED: Raphael Warnock Used Millions in Federal Cash to Dismantle Atlanta Jail)
The National Republican Senatorial Committee filed the complaint against U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) over Warnock’s use of campaign funds to defend himself in a personal lawsuit over allegations that took place 15 years ago.
Atlanta-area resident Melvin Robertson filed the suit against Warnock in 2019, claiming in 2005 and 2008 that Warnock, in his role as a pastor and over a decade before he was elected to the Senate, enlisted homeless people to conspire against him.
The suit was quickly dismissed. Warnock used campaign funds to pay the Elias Law Group, a top Democratic law firm, $66,000 to fight the case, and an additional $1,183 to another law firm.
Elected officials and political candidates can use campaign funds to defend themselves in lawsuits, but only if the lawsuit “arose directly from campaign activity or the candidate’s status as a candidate.”
The NRSC argues Warnock cannot use campaign funds to pay for the suit “because the conduct that gave rise to the lawsuit occurred long before Warnock was a candidate for federal office, the conduct had nothing to do with Warnock’s now-status as a candidate and officeholder.” (RELATED: Are These 5 Senate Seats Likely to Flip in November?)
“If Warnock is using campaign money to pay for a lawsuit that predates his running for office, then by definition it existed irrespective of his candidacy and would be impermissible to use campaign funds on,” Charlie Spies, who previously served as counsel to Mitt Romney’s 2008 presidential campaign and to the Republican National Committee, told Politico.
“Like a true Washington politician, Raphael Warnock is using the trappings of his office to fund his personal lifestyle. Senator Warnock clearly violated FEC rules and used his campaign account on personal expenses,” said NRSC chairman Sen. Rick Scott.
“The NRSC will continue to hold Senator Warnock accountable, not only for his flagrant abuse of his office, but also for his continued support of Joe Biden’s agenda that is crushing Georgia families with record-high gas and grocery prices,” added Scott.
Warnock faces former NFL player and Republican nominee Herschel Walker in a closely-watched November race. Polls show the race is a virtual tie and too close to call.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of American Liberty News.
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