An ethics commission in Wisconsin, comprising members from both political spectrums, has recommended felony charges against a pro-Trump political action committee (PAC).
Bypassing regulations
The committee accuses the Save America PAC of attempting to bypass campaign finance regulations to bolster a candidate opposing a Republican critic of Donald Trump.
Investigation Findings
The inquiry by the commission on Friday unveiled that the PAC allegedly collaborated to illicitly channel funds to Adam Steen’s campaign against Robin Vos in the Wisconsin Assembly Speaker race of 2022.
Feud with Trump
Vos’s refusal to challenge the 2020 presidential election outcome, despite Trump’s unfounded fraud claims, led to tensions between him and the former president.
Charges Recommendation
Chaired by Pat Strachota, a Republican and former assembly speaker, the commission unanimously agreed on recommending felony charges against the PAC.
Requirement for Charges
At least one Republican member must agree to recommend the charges, as two-thirds of the commission is required for any action.
Alleged Financial Maneuvers
The investigation determined there was “probable cause” to believe the PAC improperly funneled over $40,000 to Steen, circumventing Wisconsin’s individual contribution limits by routing donations through local party chapters.
Funds Contribution
Despite the $1,000 limit on individual donations to political candidates in Wisconsin, political parties can contribute unlimited funds.
Violation of Regulation
To circumvent this regulation, individuals aiming to donate more than $1,000 to Steen’s campaign allegedly funneled their contributions through local county parties, specifying that the donation was intended for Steen.
Funds Transfer to Steen
Subsequently, the parties would transfer these funds to Steen, as outlined in the commission’s findings.
Scheme Details
Documents reveal that Save America PAC allegedly made $5,000 donations to various local Republican entities to support Steen’s campaign, a move considered a direct violation of state campaign finance laws.
Direct & Indirect Funding
The finding stated, “Based on the discussions prior to the donations being made, it appears that the Respondent directed the county parties to use the money, directly or indirectly, for the benefit of Friends of Adam Steen.
Stat Law Violation
It added, “The county parties did so either through direct contributions to Friends of Adam Steen or through disbursements to vendors. This is a violation of WIS. STAT. § 11.1202(2),”
Proposed Charges
The ethics commission proposed charging the Trump fundraising committee, state Representative Janel Brandtjen, Steen’s campaign, eight additional individuals, and three county Republican parties.
Further Action
Should county prosecutors fail to file charges within 60 days, the commission stated it would seek action from another district attorney or the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
View on Funds Usage
Terry Brand, the chairman of the Langlade County Republican Party, acknowledged that the funds were directed towards defeating Vos but expressed his belief that their usage was not unlawful.
Nothing Illegal
Brand stated, “I don’t believe we did anything illegal or wrong, other than challenge Robin Vos. Robin Vos wants to send a message that whoever thinks about running against him to stay out of his business.”
Election Outcome
Despite the PAC’s efforts, Vos secured his position in the primary by a narrow margin and subsequently won the general election comfortably against a Democrat opponent.
Trump’s Views
The former president labeled Vos as a “RINO” (Republican in name only) for consistently obstructing efforts to conduct a comprehensive cyber forensic audit of the 2020 election.
Not an America First Supporter
Trump stated, “He does not come close to supporting America First policies, and I do not come close to supporting him.”
Displeasure Reason
Vos incurred Trump’s displeasure by dismissing a former state Supreme Court justice whom Vos had enlisted to investigate Trump’s unsubstantiated fraud claims in the 2020 presidential election.
Unfound Allegations
Initially initiated under Trump’s insistence, Vos eventually distanced himself from the unfounded allegations of election fraud and efforts to overturn President Joe Biden’s victory in Wisconsin.
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