Eric Swalwell used campaign funds to purchase Super Bowl tickets and spent $50,000 on NFL event tickets
Rep. Eric Swalwell Spends Campaign Funds on Super Bowl Tickets
California Democrat Rep. Eric Swalwell, known for using his campaign war chest as a “personal piggy bank,” according to watchdog group American Accountability Foundation, made headlines for his extravagant spending habits. Recent records reveal that Swalwell spent campaign funds at the Super Bowl and paid a whopping $50,000 to NFL teams for “event tickets.”
Swalwell, a die-hard San Francisco 49ers fan, attended the highly anticipated game in Las Vegas on Feb. 11, accompanied by his wife. Unfortunately, his beloved team lost to the Kansas City Chiefs. Swalwell expressed his disappointment in a social media post from the game, stating, “Not the outcome we wanted.”
Swalwell’s extravagant attendance at the Super Bowl raises eyebrows, considering his well-known financial struggles. How was he able to afford tickets that cost at least $10,000 each? This lavish spending only adds fuel to the accusations that Swalwell has been using campaign money to fund his luxurious lifestyle. In fact, a conservative watchdog group filed a complaint against Swalwell, alleging that he illegally used campaign funds for personal expenses, including $20,000 for luxury hotel stays. Furthermore, Swalwell’s campaign paid a staggering $1,700 for his stay at the prestigious Burj al Arab, a five-star hotel in Dubai.
Interestingly, Swalwell may have even used campaign money to pay for a babysitter while he and his wife enjoyed the Super Bowl. The campaign reimbursed Swalwell $540 for child care on Feb. 12, just a day after the game.
Swalwell, who gained notoriety for his connection with a Chinese spy named Fang Fang, has a history of using campaign money for babysitter expenses. In fact, he has requested approval from the FEC to use campaign funds to pay babysitters during his overseas trips for congressional business. Last year, an ethics watchdog accused Swalwell of misusing campaign funds after he spent $17,000 on babysitters following the 2022 election.
While it remains unclear whether Swalwell used campaign money to purchase Super Bowl tickets, records indicate that his campaign paid $21,626 to the San Francisco 49ers for “event tickets” on Feb. 6. Additionally, Swalwell’s campaign reimbursed San Francisco 49ers co-owner Gideon Yu $962 for “event tickets” on Feb. 8.
During the game, Swalwell made two payments of $51 for food and drinks at Allegiant Stadium, where the Super Bowl took place. It seems that Swalwell also took the opportunity to do some campaigning, as he met with members of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association PAC.
Aside from the Super Bowl, Swalwell’s campaign spent tens of thousands of dollars on event tickets for various fundraisers. The Las Vegas Raiders received nearly $31,000 for a fundraising event, and Swalwell’s campaign paid $1,560 for “event tickets” to Lincoln Financial Field, where the 49ers played against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Furthermore, Swalwell’s campaign made substantial payments to Ticketmaster, Comcast NBCUniversal, and Paramount Global for event tickets, totaling over $56,000.
How does Swalwell justify his use of campaign funds for Super Bowl tickets
Ore, Swalwell has been criticized for his excessive use of campaign funds for personal purposes, such as dining at expensive restaurants and purchasing high-end clothing.
This latest revelation regarding Swalwell’s use of campaign funds for Super Bowl tickets underscores the need for increased transparency and accountability in the use of political donations. Campaign funds are meant to be used for legitimate campaign expenses, such as advertising, travel, and staffing. They should not be used as a personal piggy bank for extravagant and unnecessary expenditures.
The American Accountability Foundation, a watchdog group dedicated to promoting honesty and integrity in government, has called for a thorough investigation into Swalwell’s spending habits. They argue that if Swalwell indeed used campaign funds for personal purposes, it would constitute a violation of federal campaign finance laws.
Swalwell, on the other hand, has defended his spending, claiming that the Super Bowl tickets were purchased as a way to engage with constituents and promote his political agenda. He argues that attending high-profile events allows him to connect with voters and advocate for the issues that matter to them.
However, many remain skeptical of Swalwell’s explanation. The exorbitant cost of Super Bowl tickets, combined with his track record of using campaign funds for personal expenses, raises serious questions about his financial ethics.
The Swalwell case highlights the need for stricter regulations and enforcement in campaign finance laws. It is essential that politicians are held accountable for how they use and allocate campaign funds. Transparency should be paramount, and any instances of misuse or misappropriation should be thoroughly investigated and addressed.
In conclusion, Rep. Eric Swalwell’s use of campaign funds for Super Bowl tickets raises significant concerns about his financial ethics. The allegations against him should be thoroughly investigated, and if found guilty of any wrongdoing, appropriate action should be taken. It is time to demand greater transparency and accountability in how politicians spend campaign funds, ensuring that they are solely used for legitimate campaign purposes and not for personal extravagance.
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