Oh, Baby: Eric Swalwell’s Post-Election Nanny Payments May Have Violated Campaign Finance Rules, Watchdog Says

California Rep. Eric Swalwell (D.), may have broken campaign finance rules using campaign donations to pay his children’s babysitters after Election Day. This is according to an ethics watchdog.

Federal Election Commission disclosures indicate that Swalwell paid approximately $17,000 to babysitters during the year. This was from Nov. 14, 2022 through the end. A post-election payment of $7,841 was made to Swalwells’ regular Californian nanny. A Washington Free Beacon Review of California’s average income Nanny rates The payment would have paid for 320 hours of child care, or 13 full days. Kendra Arnold, Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust executive director, said that while candidates are permitted to use campaign funds for child care, it is illegal to do so after an election.

“It would be a violation if he used campaign funds to pay for child care after the election if they were not directly caused by campaign activity,” Arnold said that his group is currently preparing an FEC complaint about Swalwell’s spending.

Swalwell’s spending on campaign campaigns has not landed him in serious trouble before. The Democrat will be in office in 2021. came under fire Use donor funds for a “private piggy bank.” Swalwell spent more than $17,000 on child care for a relative, spent $20,000 at Bay Area Ritz-Carlton, where his wife used work, and put tens of thousands into non-campaign-related expenses. “catering” “refreshments” Exclusive clubs and restaurants Swalwell responded that the charge was not applicable. Designed to distract He is his opponent. “plot the next insurrection,” And he praised them. “pro-family” He was able to use donations for the care of his children through a policy.

Swalwell’s extravagant travels to foreign countries have also been criticized. In 2020, the Democrat and his wife participated in a $20,000 trip to Qatar that was funded by the U.S.Qatar Business Council. Swalwell rode naked on a camel through the desert. Swalwells were also able to enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip in Germany that year. Hotel for $611 per night.

FEC allows lawmakers to use donated funds for child care while they’re on the campaign trail. This is provided that the spouse of a lawmaker is not available to look after their children. Last July, The commission stated Swalwell Could do the exact sameSo long as the costs are tied to his electioneering. “because the expenses would not exist irrespective of congressman Swalwell’s campaign.” The FEC didn’t approve the request of the congressman to use the money for children.