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LEGAL NEWSLINE

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Ken Paxton refers alleged donation misconduct involving ActBlue to DOJ

State AG
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Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General | https://www.naag.org/attorney-general/ken-paxton/

Attorney General Ken Paxton has referred a criminal case to the Department of Justice (DOJ) concerning suspicious political donations made through ActBlue's fundraising platform. The referral follows an investigation initiated in December 2023 after allegations surfaced about potential illegal campaign contributions facilitated by ActBlue.

The investigation found that some actors might be using ActBlue to make illegal straw donations. In response, ActBlue implemented a security measure in August 2024, requiring credit card donors to provide CVV codes. However, Attorney General Paxton's team identified ongoing abuses on the platform, including large-scale straw donations made with false identities and untraceable payment methods.

On Monday, Paxton also sent a petition for rulemaking to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), advocating for changes to close loopholes that could allow illegal funding in American elections. Previously, when the FEC considered rules to prevent such schemes, ActBlue opposed these changes.

"I have made a criminal referral to the U.S. Department of Justice based on the findings from our investigation into ActBlue," stated Attorney General Paxton. "My investigation uncovered evidence showing that bad actors are likely using ActBlue’s platform to make illegal campaign contributions. It is illegal to engage in election fraud and it is illegal to obscure one’s identity to flout election rules. The Department of Justice must take immediate action to prevent illegal conduct in our elections."

For more details on the referral letter, click here.

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