Category: 2020 Precinct Caucuses

Mark Meadows Accused Of Blowing Campaign Cash On Clubs, Cupcakes And Trump Hotel

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington said Trump’s chief of staff likely violated campaign finance rules by using the money on personal expenses.

A watchdog group filed a complaint on Friday against President Donald Trump’s chief of staff, Mark Meadows, accusing him of spending tens of thousands of dollars of campaign funds on clubs, gourmet cupcakes, a jeweler and Trump hotels.

Meadows, a former congressman from North Carolina, announced last year that he would not run for reelection. But his campaign committee, Meadows for Congress, reportedly continued racking up expenses, including at the Trump International Hotel and its in-house restaurant, BLT Prime. Other payments went to grocery stores and the Lavender Moon Cupcakery in Washington, D.C., according to the complaint filed with the Federal Election Commission by the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.

The complaint was apparently sparked by an investigation by Salon, which also found that Meadows’ campaign dropped $2,650 at a Washington jewelry store the day Meadows officially resigned from Congress to become Trump’s chief of staff. Continue reading.

Perhaps Trump’s most ludicrous claim: That he is an ‘ally of all peaceful protesters’

Washington Post logoAs President Trump was speaking from the White House Rose Garden on Monday evening, his words were being proved false.

With scores of American cities experiencing vocal protests against police brutality, protests that have often devolved into violence and vandalism, Trump found himself forced to offer public comment after reports about the administration’s paralysis on how to respond. He stepped out of the White House a bit after 6:40 p.m., 20 minutes before a curfew went into effect in Washington.

“The biggest victims of the rioting are peace-loving citizens in our poorest communities, and as their president, I will fight to keep them safe,” Trump said. “I will fight to protect you. I am your president of law and order, and an ally of all peaceful protesters.” Continue reading.

Minnesota DFL Issues Update on the Coronavirus and Future Party Events

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, Minnesota DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin issued the following guidance to local DFL organizing units regarding future party events:

“The Minnesota DFL is monitoring the spread of the coronavirus here in Minnesota very closely and will continue to do so throughout this public health crisis. At this time, the Minnesota Department of Health and other public health agencies have not recommended that organizations cancel community gatherings and events. As such, the Minnesota DFL is recommending that party units proceed with conventions while taking the necessary precautions we outlined in earlier correspondence.

“The Minnesota DFL leadership and staff are working closely with the national party, as well as our Constitution, Rules, and Bylaws Committee to explore all contingencies in the event that the guidance from public health officials changes. The DFL will explore all options to allow our party units to conduct the important business of our party while also keeping our party members and the public safe.

“Rest assured that the Minnesota DFL’s decision-making process will be guided first and foremost by the well-being of the members of our party and the recommendations of medical experts and the scientific community. We will continue to keep you updated as we learn more.”

 

DFL Statement on Minnesota’s Precinct Caucuses

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – With Minnesota’s 2020 precinct caucuses less than one week away, DFL Chairman Ken Martin released the following statement on the importance of attending this year’s caucuses:

“Minnesota’s precinct caucuses, the kickoff to campaign season, are less than one week away and DFLers are fired up and ready to get organized. Our caucuses are this year’s first major step on the path to defeating Donald Trump, flipping the Minnesota Senate, and defending the tremendous gains our party made in 2018.

“At our caucuses, DFLers will get connected to their local organizing unit and learn how to help elect leaders that share our values of health care for all, strong public schools, and an economy that works for every Minnesotan. Since caucuses happen at the local level, they are a tremendous opportunity for Minnesotans to get to know like-minded neighbors, make new friends, and build deeper connections with their communities.

“Precinct caucuses also offer DFLers the chance to have an impact on the future of the party. The DFL’s grassroots endorsement process begins at our caucuses, where attendees can run to be a delegate to future party conventions where they will be able to vote on who the DFL endorses. DFLers also will be able to introduce and vote on resolutions to the DFL platform and shape what our party stands for and fights for.

“If you’re dismayed by what’s happening across our country and believe we can do better, then join our movement for a better future by attending your local DFL precinct caucus on February 25th at 7:00 PM.”

Minnesotans can find their DFL caucus locations at caucus.dfl.org.

Click here to read the DFL’s memo on what caucuses entail.