The political landscape is heating up with the looming question: can Vice President Kamala Harris legally claim the Biden campaign’s hefty piggy bank? Conservative group Citizens United, alongside Republican officials from 16 states and the Virgin Islands, is stepping in to say no way. Their recent complaint to the Federal Election Commission argues that letting Harris inherit over $90 million in campaign funds would be akin to inviting a fox into the henhouse.
Filed on a brisk Wednesday, the complaint lays bare what Citizens United labels an “egregious violation” of federal election law. With President Biden opting out of the 2024 race, the Republican group contends that Harris should not waltz in and take over funds amassed before Biden’s departure. This is not just about political rivalry; it’s about maintaining integrity in campaign finance and preventing any shady maneuvering in the lead-up to elections.
Kamala Harris Accused of 'Egregious Violation' of Federal Law in Campaign Finance Complaint via @WestJournalism https://t.co/3bQeFPGgzJ
— Jeffry Lawrence (@jblcu) July 26, 2024
What makes the complaint particularly spicy is its central contention that neither Biden nor Harris is currently the nominee for their party’s presidential candidacy. According to Citizens United, this indicates Harris has no legal claim to the funds. The group invoked a specific section of federal election law, referencing an advisory opinion from the FEC as a historical precedence. Their argument? Without a proper nomination, the money should remain off-limits to anyone, including Harris.
While the liberal media may downplay the stakes, even outlets like NPR are hinting at the complexities surrounding this financial conundrum. The FEC’s Republican chairman acknowledged the potential for legal challenges over what could be classified as a significant campaign finance faux pas. Rather than brushing the issue under the rug, the clock is ticking on the FEC to take action before the election cycle heats up.
Adding to the intrigue, a Democratic FEC Vice Chairwoman has dismissed the situation as straightforward and insists that Harris has every right to the funds due to her association with the Biden campaign. However, the Citizens United team is pushing back, urging the FEC to scrutinize what they frame as a blatant “misappropriation” of campaign resources. Their declaration reads like a cheer for election law enforcement; it appears they’re keen on seeing some accountability unfold.
As the dust settles, the real question remains if the FEC will act decisively before November. Citizens United is not holding their breath, predicting that any penalties for impropriety could trail far behind the tumultuous campaign fray. If past election violations are any indicator, those found to be violators may not face the consequences until long after the ballots have been cast, much to the delight of the Harris campaign, which is likely hoping to tap into those funds, come what may.