Trump fundraising committee in Wisconsin charged with felony for campaign finance scheme
Bipartisan Commission Recommends Felony Charges Against Trump Fundraising Group and State GOP Officials
A bipartisan commission of ethics regulators in Wisconsin has made a stunning recommendation, alleging that one of former President Donald Trump’s fundraising groups and state GOP officials committed felonies by evading campaign finance laws. The commission’s findings were made public on Friday and obtained by the Washington Examiner.
Key Players
- Save America Joint Fundraising Committee
- State GOP Rep. Janel Brandtjen
- Adam Steen’s campaign
- State and local GOP officials
- Two donors
The controversy centers around efforts between Adam Steen’s campaign and three county GOP parties to bypass campaign finance laws and funnel donations to the Republican Party in Langlade County, according to the commission’s records.
The groups are accused of skirting campaign finance laws to direct a minimum of $40,000 to Steen’s campaign. Speaker Robin Vos, a vocal opponent of Trump, was the target of this fundraising effort. Vos had refused Trump’s calls to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Wisconsin, prompting supporters of the former president to launch a recall effort against him in January.
Under Wisconsin state law, individual donations for Assembly candidates cannot exceed $1,000, but political party arms can contribute an unlimited amount. Steen and his campaign aides allegedly instructed donors who wanted to exceed the $1,000 limit to send additional contributions to the Langlade County GOP and include a “63” in the memo line.
The “63” served as a signal to the Langlade County GOP to redirect the funds to Steen’s campaign or his vendors, as outlined in the documents.
Interestingly, the ethics commission did not identify any individuals associated with the Save America Joint Fundraising Committee, which serves as the primary fundraising organization for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. However, the commission found sufficient evidence to recommend charges against the committee and its “agents” for violating Wisconsin’s campaign finance laws.
The records also implicate several other individuals who intentionally violated campaign finance laws, including donors Adam Blair and Julie and Bryan Knutson, Steen’s father Kevin Steen, Langlade County GOP Vice Chairman Leonard Boltz, Langlade County GOP Chairman Terry Brand, Florence County GOP Chairman Brian Jennings, and Chippewa County GOP Treasurer Amanda Radle.
Save America donated $15,000, with $5,000 going to each of the GOP parties in Chippewa, Florence, and Langlade counties.
According to state campaign finance records analyzed by WisPolitics, Steen raised $174,129 in 2022, with the Langlade County party contributing $44,702 between July 7 and November 8, 2022.
The ethics commission, consisting of three Democrats and three Republicans, has forwarded its recommendations for charges to the “appropriate district attorneys.” If the district attorneys fail to take action within 60 days, the commission can then refer the case to Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul for prosecution.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
What are the potential legal repercussions faced by the Save America Joint Fundraising Committee, state GOP officials, and Rep. Brandtjen if felony charges are filed against them?
000. However, the commission’s investigation revealed that the Save America Joint Fundraising Committee, an entity formed by former President Trump and the Republican National Committee, funneled significantly more than the allowed amount to Steen’s campaign through the county GOP parties.
Additionally, the commission found evidence that State GOP Rep. Janel Brandtjen, who was involved in the fundraising efforts, violated campaign finance laws by coordinating with the Save America Joint Fundraising Committee and knowingly accepting the excessive donations for her own campaign.
The commission’s records also indicate that multiple state and local GOP officials were aware of the scheme and actively participated in it, making them potential accomplices in the alleged felonies.
Furthermore, the investigation identified two donors who knowingly made contributions exceeding the legal limit. While their identities have not been disclosed, they could also face legal repercussions if charges are filed.
Campaign finance laws are in place to ensure transparency and fairness in political fundraising. By allegedly circumventing these laws, the accused parties undermined the integrity of the democratic process and potentially gained an unfair advantage over their opponents.
If the commission’s recommendation is followed, felony charges could be brought against the Save America Joint Fundraising Committee, state GOP officials, and Rep. Brandtjen. Being convicted of a felony would have severe consequences, including but not limited to fines, imprisonment, and a tarnished reputation.
It is worth noting that these allegations are serious and should be treated as such. The accused parties, like any other individuals facing legal charges, are entitled to due process and the opportunity to present their defense.
The bipartisan nature of the commission’s recommendation underscores the gravity of the situation and highlights the importance of holding all individuals accountable regardless of their political affiliation. Upholding the integrity of campaign finance laws is crucial to maintaining the trust of the public in the democratic process.
As this case further unfolds, it will undoubtedly attract significant attention and scrutiny from both the media and the public. The outcome of this investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings could have far-reaching implications not only for the individuals involved but also for the broader political landscape in Wisconsin and beyond.
Ultimately, it is essential that the legal system thoroughly examines the evidence and ensures a fair and just resolution. Any findings of illegal activity should be addressed accordingly, preserving the principles of justice and accountability.
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