Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald
Column by Mike Bibb
Although Arizona’s U.S. Senator, Krysten Sinema (I-AZ), is no longer a Democrat, she continues to spend like one.
Guess old habits are hard to break.
According to a story in the New York Post, April 20, 2023, Sinema has doled out more than $100,000 in campaign donations on such things as private jets, luxury hotels, fine wines, and limousines.
Not certain donors’ had these expenditures in mind when sending in their contributions.
The NY Post article revealed about half of her first quarter 2023 donations were from folks associated with three large equity firms.
Coincidentally – or not – these campaign donations rolled in after Krysten opposed a challenge to the “carried interest” loophole that is more favorable to a few private equity and hedge funds than other similar businesses.
Former Krysten staffer, Sacha Haworth, spelled it out, “It’s pretty simple: Krysten Sinema delivered an $18 billion gift to private equity executives, and now they’re paying her back with campaign donations.”
So far, Sinema has accumulated more than $8 million for her 2024 reelection campaign. With about a year and a half before the election, she could gather considerably more.
Which might be her thinking of throwing around over a hundred thousand dollars on planes, wines, and limos.
These are minor expenses in the overall scheme of things. Especially, when it’s not her personal money.
The Post itemized four areas where Krysten seemed to have spent excessively:
- $45,000 on limousines and chauffeurs since 2019, including more than $4,000 in a single day.
- $20,000 for wine-related expenses.
- $10,000 at expensive restaurants in New York City, Paris, Miami, and Barcelona.
- $35,000 for stays at various luxury resorts.
A sizable chunk of change for a humble servant of the people.
But, is it legal? There’s some doubt.
Mr. Thomas Jones, president of the American Accountability Foundation, recently remarked, “Whether it’s a technical violation of FEC (Federal Election Campaign) rules, it’s certainly a misuse of donor money. It’s either irresponsible or impermissible.”
Some of her former Democratic associates would like their donations returned since Krysten jumped the Dems’ ship and joined Independents.
However, she still maintains her Democratic committee assignments, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) says, “I believe she’s a good and effective senator and am looking forward to a productive session in the new Democratic majority Senate.”
Supposedly, there were discussions the Democratic money would be refunded. However, reports have surfaced that her staff is no longer returning calls.
To think, these antics are coming from the very same lady who was presented with the highly prestigious and coveted American Farm Bureau Golden Plow Award.
Wow, with the endorsement of liberal Chuck Schumer and a Golden Plow trophy in her collection of Congressional accolades, what more does she need to sweep Arizona’s 2024 U.S. Senate election?
I don’t know. Maybe, a sizable chunk of Arizona’s 1,433,650 registered Republicans; plus, a heaping portion of 1,284,651 Arizona registered Democrats; and a bucket full of Arizona’s 1,399,954 registered Others.
If she can manage this hat trick, she’s got a chance.
The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author.
