FEC complaint filed against PAC (Bacardi)

[JoFerret]

Citing a “pattern of flagrantly violating campaign finance laws,” a watchdog group yesterday filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) against the political action committee (PAC) of rum maker Bacardi.

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), a nonpartisan and nonprofit watchdog group, filed the complaint against the PAC and its Treasurer Robert Higdon, for failing to provide campaign finance reports and for not disclosing contributions made to lawmakers.

House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas), Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) are among the lawmakers to receive money from the Bacardi PAC.Citing a “pattern of flagrantly violating campaign finance laws,” a watchdog group yesterday filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) against the political action committee (PAC) of rum maker Bacardi.

<more>

http://www.thehill.com/news/051904/fec.aspx

[rfranklin]

1. Gee, Tom DeLay crooked? Who knew?

Hot Tub Tom, say it ain't so!

[JoFerret]

2. Termite Tom

the cockroach congressperson.

[Judi Lynn]

3. God, this is great news!

CREW Executive Director Melanie Sloan said: “How many times can one company make secret contributions to Tom DeLay before the government steps in?”

In March, the group filed a similar complaint, and last year it asked the IRS to audit DeLay’s Americans for a Republican Majority PAC (ARMPAC) because it did not disclose that Bacardi gave free liquor and hats to attendees of an ARMPAC fundraiser.

Sloan said it is “pretty unusual” that a PAC would just decide not to file an FEC report, adding that Bacardi’s inaction “completely violates everything about the law” and that “inevitably, the FEC will do something about it.”

The PAC did not file an electronic year-end report for 2003 although it has been advised by the FEC that it is required to do so.
(snip)

The group also claims that Bacardi also made at least three contributions in the first quarter of this year that were not disclosed to the FEC, including a $2,500 contribution to ARMPAC, a $1,000 contribution to Nelson and a $1,000 contribution to the campaign of Connie Mack, a Republican candidate for Florida’s 14th Congressional District and son of former Sen. Connie Mack (R-Fla.), who now lobbies for Bacardi.

Recipients of the undisclosed contributions have all supported Cuban trademark legislation, which critics say would only benefit Bacardi.
(snip)

If only more and more attention can FINALLY be paid to these true criminals, some nasty, dirty, vicious thugs can be swept out of the way.

Jeb Bush is connected to Bacardi BIG TIME, as well. What a bunch of maggots.

[JoFerret]

4. Hey there JudiLyn

I knew you would appreciate this!

[Vogon_Glory]

7. Heads Up, Ronnie Earle! More Info For Prosecution!

Here's hoping Travis County, Texas district attorney Ronnie Earle can use some of this information about Bacardi to successfully prosecute and convict the arrogant little bugman from Sugarland. Earle (Who has the authority to prosecute state and national Texas politicians with campaign and ethics violations) is already prosecuting people around De Lay for matters relating to such PACs as Texans for a Republican Majority.

[AlCzervik]

5. i will now do the dance of joy!

[AndyTiedye]

6. It's Boycott Time

not that I drink Bacardi's lousy rum anyway.
They probably spend more on the TV ads
and contributions to Bushbot politicians
than they do on the rum.

I'll get my rum from Barbados. They make much better rum.

Barbados told the "coalition" to get stuffed, probably the
smallest country to do so. Yes, the Bush* administration
actually tried to ask/threaten/cajole Barbados into sending troops.

Not sure what they were expecting.
Barbados has no army, just a couple of coastal defense boats
to chase after smugglers and an honor guard to march in the
Independence Day parade, so that shows how desperate Bush* was
for allies last year.

Did I mention that they make much better rum?

Look for Mount Gay, Old Brigand or Doorleys.

[Judi Lynn]

9. Unbelievable. They tried to conscript Barbados, as well. Damn.

Anything to pad out their list of "willing" contributors to their bogus cause.

They really shouldn't pick on very small islands, shame on them.

REALLY GLAD Barbados stood up to them. Wish others could follow their lead.

[JoFerret]

10. Yep. Lousy rum

buy anything but.

[Mika]

11. Bacardi rum is pure swill. Real Cuban rum is the best.

Too bad that Bacardi is buying up so many other brands - like Bombay Sapphire gin :-(

[JoFerret]

12. Let's develop the complete list

and choose other brands.

[struggle4progress]

8. kick

:kick: