John Hickenlooper hasn’t even been elected but already he faces scrutiny for questionable campaign fundraising that contributed to the jaw-dropping haul of $22.6 million into his account during the most recent reporting period.
These aren’t just ethical questions Hick can wave away and pretend it’s not important, we’re talking federal campaign laws.
Hickenlooper is one of several Democrats who collected bundled donations through a technology organization called ActBlue that only accepts donations less than $200 and may be skirting full disclosure requirements about the donors.
Nearly half of what Hickenlooper collected in the last period, $10.5 million, came through ActBlue. In the same period nationwide, ActBlue raised a smashing record of $1.5 billion for Democrat candidates.
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, says money flowing through ActBlue and similar other groups needs to be reviewed by Congress to make sure the money isn’t coming from pre-paid credit cards or foreign donors.
“Some of these shadowy figures out there running ads, is there any foreign influence afoot?” Graham asked.
If Republicans maintain control of the Senate it’s likely we will see congressional hearings to review whether federal laws are followed, or whether new regulations are needed for these small-dollar fundraising networks.
That means Hickenlooper and his $10 million could be subpoenaed to appear before a congressional committee to answer questions.
Hickenlooper might want to check the September 11 recovery account to see if there’s any money left over from his Ethics Commission hearings to hire yet another lawyer to defend him.