Watchdog Asks US Govt to Investigate George Santos

Improve the News Foundation -

Facts

  • On Monday, the Campaign Legal Center (CLC), a campaign watchdog group, filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) accusing newly-elected Rep. George Santos (R-NY) of illegally using campaign funds to pay personal expenses and concealing the source of approximately $700K.
  • In a statement, the Center claimed Santos’ 2022 campaign committee engaged in a “straw donor scheme,” which illegally transferred funds from unknown individuals or groups to Santos’ campaign disguised as the candidate’s income. The scheme allegedly utilized a consulting firm, Devolder, LLC.
  • The CLC questions how Santos was able to lend his campaign $705K despite only being worth $55K per his 2020 financial disclosure reports. The group suggested that corporations or foreign nationals could have been the source of the money.
  • In addition to the CLC’s complaint, Santos is being investigated by federal prosecutors in New York for potential campaign finance violations. Brazilian law enforcement is also reinstating fraud charges against Santos related to a stolen checkbook in 2008.
  • In addition, one of Santos’ campaign staffers has been accused of impersonating GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy’s chief of staff in order to solicit donations from wealthy GOP donors. Santos’ lawyers said the staffer, Sam Miele, was “let go about a year ago.”
  • Representatives Ritchie Torres (D-NY) and Dan Goldman (D-NY) have filed a House Ethics Committee complaint against Santos for failing to properly disclose and complete financial reports. They cite Santos’ well-publicized scandal regarding lies he told about his resume and background.

Sources: CNN, FOX News, CBS, and CNBC.

Narratives

  • Democratic narrative, as provided by Salon. Santos’ lies have crossed the line from unethical to criminal, and he must be investigated by the Federal Election Commission. It's miraculous how a failed congressional candidate with only $50K in 2020 was able to loan his 2022 campaign $705K. All signs point to a violation of campaign finance laws.
  • Republican narrative, as provided by FOX News. Democrats have absolutely no leg to stand on when it comes to campaign finance violations and shady money-switching hands. They took millions of dollars from former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried, who has led one of the most notorious cons in American history. Democrats are the ones who need to be investigated, and their fixation on Rep. Santos is ironic at best.