GOP Congressman Kevin Kiley under scrutiny for FEC ethics violation linked to Prop 47
The former chair of the Federal Election Commission filed a complaint against Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA), alleging illegal fundraising to influence California’s Proposition 47. Ann Ravel expressed astonishment at the alleged misconduct. Proposition 47 supporters highlight its benefits, while critics argue it encourages theft. Ravel claims Kiley’s ties to the initiative breach contribution limits. The ex-FEC chair lodged a complaint against Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) for illicit fundraising linked to California’s Proposition 47. Ann Ravel was surprised by the accusations. Supporters praise Prop 47’s advantages, while opponents say it fosters theft. Ravel argues that Kiley’s connections to the initiative violate contribution regulations.
The former chair of the Federal Election Commission filed a complaint against Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA), claiming he solicited and collected millions of dollars illegally to roll back parts of California‘s Proposition 47.
“I’ve never seen anything quite this excessive, honestly,” Ann Ravel told the Los Angeles Times.
Ravel, who served as chairwoman of the FEC from 2013 to 2018, alleged that Kiley’s reelection campaign worked to make significant changes to Proposition 47, the state’s criminal justice reform statute that has been blamed for a spike in retail theft.
Supporters of Proposition 47 credit the law for cutting incarceration rates, slashing prison costs, and reducing racial disparities in California’s criminal justice system. Critics claim the law emboldens criminals and petty thieves who believe they can steal over and over again without facing any hard time.
In her complaint, Ravel claims that Kiley’s close ties with the initiative’s sponsor, the coalition California to Reduce Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft, make it an extension of his congressional campaign and therefore falls under the $5,000 contribution limit. She alleges that Kiley is aware of those limits and that despite it has accepted multiple contributions “totaling upwards of several millions of dollars.”
In fact, he’s personally spent $28,000 on petitions and mailing costs, according to the complaint.
Kiley’s office called Ravel’s allegations “frivolous” and “false,” according to the Los Angeles Times.
The push to change Proposition 47 has primarily been backed by conservative groups but recently saw some love from Democrats. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) and San Francisco Democratic Mayor London Breed both signaled support for the measure. Corporate retailers have also supported a push for change. Walmart, Macy’s, Target, and Home Depot have spent more than $3 million on the effort. Ravel’s complaint claims Walmart is one of Kiley’s largest campaign donors.
Kiley, who was first elected to Congress in 2022, is a frequent critic of Newsom. Kiley’s district includes the northern Sierra Nevada and northeastern suburbs of Sacramento.
The 39-year-old was born and raised in the Sacramento area and had been a member of the California State Assembly since 2016. He ran in the 2021 failed recall against Newsom.
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On March 5, Kiley and Democrat Jessica Morse, a former deputy secretary at the California Natural Resources Agency, both advanced to the Nov. 5 general election.
Calls to Kiley’s office for comment were not returned.
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