October 31, 2024
Golden State Republican Women
Janet Price, President
Submitted by the GSRW Legislative Analyst Committee
Valerie Evans, Lou Ann Flaherty and Elaine Freeman,
IN THE NEWS
If you have ever questioned how and where political donations occur, Carl Higbie of Newsmax has been on a mission to understand the on-line donation center for the Democrats, Act Blue.
His reporting has highlighted many donors with multiple donations that when contacted have said to have never donated. The information is public and his team continues to unveil questionable content violating donation requirements and limits.
Last week: Investigation Into ActBlue By Attorney General Ken Paxton Uncovers Large Number of Suspicious Donations Made Through Obscured Identities and Untraceable Means; OAG Demands FEC Action.
Attorney General Paxton transmitted partially redacted findings to the FEC through a Petition for Rulemaking. The petition recommends regulations that would close fundraising loopholes that jeopardize American election integrity. The FEC previously considered rules on the loopholes that the Attorney General has found here. But ActBlue was a vocal opponent of such rules. That opposition is no longer tenable in light of the Attorney General’s findings. If not corrected by the FEC, bad actors can—with trivial ease—illegally funnel foreign money into American elections, exceed political contribution limits, and more.
“Our investigation into ActBlue has uncovered facts indicating that bad actors can illegally interfere in American elections by disguising political donations. It is imperative that the FEC close off the avenues we have identified by which foreign contributions or contributions in excess of legal limits could be unlawfully funneled to political campaigns, bypassing campaign finance regulations and compromising our electoral system,” said Attorney General Paxton. “I am calling on the FEC to immediately begin rulemaking to secure our elections from any criminal actors exploiting these vulnerabilities.”
To read the partially redacted Petition for Rulemaking sent to the FEC:
We need to follow this for future elections.
ALSO IN THE NEWS
“NEWSOM AND THE BABYLON BEE”
From the “Alliance Defending Freedom”
- Sept. 17, 2024: California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two laws censoring political speech and forcing large online platforms to help him do so.
- Sept. 30, 2024: ADF attorneys filed a lawsuit challenging the laws on behalf of The Babylon Bee and Kelly Chang Rickert.
- Oct. 1, 2024: ADF attorneys filed a motion for preliminary injunction with a federal district court, asking the court to immediately halt enforcement of AB 2839.
- Oct. 22, 2024: After another district court ruled that AB 2839 likely violates the First Amendment, California officials agreed they cannot enforce the law against ADF’s clients.
A VICTORY FOR FREE SPEECH
PLEASE DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!!
If you still need help, please review these websites for information and clarifications:
California GOP: https://cagop.org/cagop-endorsements-2024/
California Republican Assembly: https://cragop.org/endorsements/2024-general-election-cra-endorsements-for-partisan-and-nonpartisan-offices/
Craig Huey: https://restoringthecaliforniadream.com/
Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association: https://www.hjta.org/hjta-ballot-measure-recommendations/
Evangelical Voice for Today: https://decisionmagazine.com/americas-future-in-the-balance/
However you choose to vote, use the “Track your ballot” tool to ensure your voice is heard and your ballot is counted!
https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-status/wheres-my-ballot
Your analysts will return to reviewing California bills that were recently passed and vetoed when the election is over.
Legislative Portal links – Express your support or opposition to a bill or directly to the Legislative committee currently reviewing it (as an individual, not as a member of RW or GSRW) – click here, or the bill’s author – click here, enter your bill # and look for tab at top of the bill page labeled “Comments to Author”.
