We have a new development in the campaign finance hijinks of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and campaign manager turned chief of staff Saikat Chakrabarti. As noted yesterday, the two are named in an FEC complaint that ties the two directly to a PAC that is alleged to have also financed Ocasio-Cortez’ primary campaign.
That appears to be the sticking point.
If Ocasio-Cortez controlled the PAC without disclosing it, while it funneled money to her campaign, that’s a very big illegal deal.
“If the facts as alleged are true, and a candidate had control over a PAC that was working to get that candidate elected, then that candidate is potentially in very big trouble and may have engaged in multiple violations of federal campaign finance law, including receiving excessive contributions,” former Republican FEC commissioner Hans von Spakovsky told The Daily Caller News Foundation.
Jail time is an option for that sort of violation. And while she should get the typical Democrat deference, AOC hasn’t exactly endeared herself to leadership in the House. Folks who might give her some air cover.
She’s been little more than a thorn in their side and a PR nightmare. If Pelosi and company have grown weary of having to address her antics already, she won’t find the support most Democrats would typically get when a scandal like this breaks.
What Should She Expect?
I can’t see the Neiman Marxist will getting time in the pokey.
The two of them will get a hefty fine at best that they can pay off from their illegally distributed and mismanaged gains. Call it a political-life-lesson. But before that happens will Pelosi and the gang try to leverage her with the possibility of putting in a good word to keep her out of jail?
Everything is about leverage. I can’t image Leadership wouldn’t take the opportunity to try and get her under control.
I’d like to see them try and I’d like to see her scream to the press about it.
That would be fun to watch.
