Vice President Kamala Harris's abrupt claim to Biden campaign funds after his withdrawal has elicited criticism and legal scrutiny, as experts question the legality of the maneuver and donors allege deceptive practices.
Throughout her tenure, Vice President Kamala Harris has consistently faced lower approval ratings than President Biden, largely attributed to her role in the administration's criticized border policies. Consequently, it would not have been surprising if Biden had opted to replace her on the ticket with a more capable candidate.
Had Biden taken such action and Harris claimed the right to retain the Biden campaign's funds, her request would have been met with derision. The funds were solicited under the "Biden for President" banner, without Harris's name appearing in the paid-for disclaimers or joint fundraising committee notices.
Harris's Fundraising Switch Raises Legal Questions and Donor Fraud Concerns
Donors were not informed of the possibility that their contributions could be diverted to Harris, potentially due to her unpopularity or the original intent to exclude her. Regardless, Harris's inability to keep Biden's funds upon being replaced would logically extend to her present situation, where Biden's withdrawal was due to health concerns.
Upon Biden's withdrawal announcement, the Harris team promptly modified the Biden campaign's Federal Election Commission (FEC) Statement of Organization to reflect "Harris for President," using the peculiar email address [email protected].
Harris's Fundraising Switch Raises Legal Questions and Donor Fraud Concerns
Legal experts have expressed skepticism regarding this unprecedented move, highlighting its potential illegality. FEC Chairman Sean Cooksey acknowledged the maneuver raised "open questions" about its legality, while acknowledging the FEC's limited capacity to take timely action.
The Harris campaign appears aware of potential legal challenges, citing a recent court ruling on the Clinton campaign's illegal coordination with Correct the Record. The lengthy resolution of the Clinton case suggests the Harris team may believe any penalties for misusing Biden's funds will be distant and inconsequential.
Harris's Fundraising Switch Raises Legal Questions and Donor Fraud Concerns
While the FEC typically oversees federal campaign fundraising, state attorneys general possess consumer protection responsibilities that may be violated by the Harris campaign's fundraising tactics. The funds in question were solicited for Biden's general election campaign, and federal regulations stipulate that such contributions must be refunded if the candidate fails to secure the party's nomination.
The apparent use of Biden's money by the Harris campaign without donor consent raises concerns about fraud, which falls under the jurisdiction of state attorneys general. Democrat attorneys general have previously emphasized the protection of political donors from deception.
Harris's Fundraising Switch Raises Legal Questions and Donor Fraud Concerns
The diversion of funds raised under the Biden disclaimer to a different candidate without donor notification or consent constitutes a potential case of fraud and deception. State attorneys general are obligated to investigate such allegations.
In conclusion, Kamala Harris's claim to Biden's campaign funds raises legal questions and concerns about donor fraud. Legal experts doubt the legality of the maneuver, while state attorneys general may intervene to protect donors from potential deception. The matter requires thorough investigation and resolution to safeguard the integrity of political fundraising and donor rights.
Harris's Fundraising Switch Raises Legal Questions and Donor Fraud Concerns
