Just three weeks into their time in power in the House of Representatives the GOP is already facing a potentially embarrassing investigation into one of its members. Rep. David M. Rivera is now being investigated by Public Corruption Bureau in Miami for allegations that he may have illegally used his campaign funds. At the heart of the investigation is $50,000 Rivera paid to a company to produce "thank you" cards for his supporters.
Last year Rivera dropped out of the state senate race so that he could run to be a United States Congressman. However, Rivera had leftover money in his state senate campaign fund. The law prohibits money being transferred from a state to a federal campaign fund. Instead, Rivera sent the $50,000 to a Miami-based company called ACH Fundraising Strategies to produce the "thank you" cards. The timing and context of the payment have drawn suspicion from law enforcement. The payment was made just one day before ACH incorporated. With incorporation would come new reporting requirements under state law. In addition, ACH is owned by the daughter of one Rivera's close aides.
The Miami Herald also reports that this is not the first time Rivera has spent a lot on "thank you" expenses. From 2004 to 2010 Rivera spent $243,000 to say "thank you" to his supporters, far more than any other state candidate. Two payments were made to ACH totaling $75,000 over that period. In 2006 Rivera spent $15,000 for "thank you" expenses to a company called Millennium Marketing. Millennium Marketing is a company co-owned by Rivera's 70-year-old mother and godmother.
The story grows even more complicated from there. In 2006 Millennium received $500,000 in secret payments from a dog track. The payments were made as part of an agreement under which Rivera would manage a campaign to gain voter approval for slot machines in Miami-Dade County. Afterwards Rivera received $132,000 from Millennium, which he now claims were "loans" that were subsequently paid back by him.
In regards to his "thank you" expenses Rivera has defended himself saying, "has always felt a strong desire to express this appreciation after every election and will continue to do so." Rivera's office said they did not do anything improper in their financial dealings, but also refused to discuss the details of the transactions with the paper.
Comments
He is bringing his much promised economic growth to Florida. Just because that economic growth is limited to his mother's business doesn't mean he's a liar. He is a true TEA person patriot. USA USA USA!!!!!!
Tea Party, Democrat, Republican; what ever and what does it matter? If he did something wrong he needs to face the consequences of his action; if he broke the law, throw his ass in jail.
Your comment adds nothing, NOTHING to the conversation, just like Slanders, just trying to provoke, just trying to get your jollies.
We need to hold our so-called representatives, all of them regardless of color, creed, gender, party or faith, accountable for the things they do.
Something we can easliy agree on, Mick.
Corruption has no respect for party labels.
If you want to thank people - send an e-mail - It's free.
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