A short Stormy campaign-finance explainer.
1/ A payment legally counts as a campaign contribution if it’s made (1) to influence an election and (2) in cooperation or consultation with a candidate. (11 CFR 109.20) To take those one at a time...
1/ A payment legally counts as a campaign contribution if it’s made (1) to influence an election and (2) in cooperation or consultation with a candidate. (11 CFR 109.20) To take those one at a time...
2/ Was Stormy payment “to influence an election”? Evidence points to yes. Rudy said Cohen’s “job” was to “make it go away” so story wouldn’t come out month before election. Plus timing of payment in late October 2016 would be hell of a coincidence if not to influence election.
3/ Did Cohen “consult” candidate? Yes, bar rules required Cohen to “promptly inform the client of the settlement offer.” (NY bar rule 1.4(a)(1)) Did candidate know exact details? Prob not. But Cohen had to at least give him a chance to say no. That’s consultation.
4/ So $130000 payment to influence election made in consultation with candidate = $130000 contribution, which is >$127000 above legal limit.
5/ Campaign was also legally required to disclose Cohen’s payment & repayment. (11 CFR 109.20(b)) They never did, and Rudy says repayment was instead “funneled” through intermediary.
6/ Knowingly & willfully failing to report a contribution is a criminal offense. Max penalty 5 years imprisonment. (52 USC 30109(d)(1)(A)(i)) /end
