Democrat Ruben Gallego accused of illegal donation solicitation, watchdog claims.
Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) Accused of Unlawfully Soliciting Campaign Contributions
A center-right ethics watchdog has accused Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) of unlawfully “soliciting campaign contributions linked to official action.” The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT) is calling on the Office of Congressional Ethics to investigate whether Gallego violated House rules by promoting legislation while soliciting committee contributions.
Allegations and Complaint
The complaint, filed by FACT, highlights an email sent by Gallego’s reelection campaign. The email specifically mentions Gallego’s introduction of the Excess Urban Heat Mitigation and Extreme Heat Emergency Acts and includes an option to make a committee contribution. FACT’s Executive Director, Kendra Arnold, argues that this type of fundraising undermines public confidence in elected officials and potentially violates ethics rules.
2024 Arizona Senate Election
The complaint arrives as Gallego prepares for the 2024 Arizona Senate election. Independent Senator Kyrsten Sinema may enter the race, alongside Republican candidate Mark Lamb and potential candidate Kari Lake, a former Republican gubernatorial candidate.
Linking Legislation and Fundraising
The fundraising email cited in FACT’s complaint asks the public to contribute $3, $20, or more. Above the donation request, the email urges recipients to add their names in support of the legislation. FACT argues that Gallego’s email improperly connects a specific piece of legislation with a solicitation for campaign donations, violating ethics rules and damaging public confidence in elected officials.
Response and Investigation
The Washington Examiner reached out to Gallego’s campaign for comment, but no response has been provided yet. The Office of Congressional Ethics will launch an investigation if two members of its board request an escalation. Any findings of wrongdoing will then be referred to the House Ethics Committee.
Click here to read more from the Washington Examiner.
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