SAC BEE: Bera family tragedy can’t excuse illegality

Hey there,

Wanted to make sure you saw the Sacramento Bee’s Editorial Board take Ami Bera to task over his campaign finance scandal involving $270,000 in illegal campaign contributions. While Rep. Bera has returned the tainted cash after calls by the NRCC, there are still many questions he needs to answer. Here are some highlights of the piece:

“Knowing the allegations would surface and damage his party’s chance of holding the seat, along with creating turmoil in his district, he did have other options. He also could have decided against running, allowing his constituents to be represented by another candidate.”

“…this case calls into doubt the legitimacy of Bera’s donor base. His perceived fundraising prowess scared off other Democrats from mounting primary campaigns against him.”

“…now that the truth is coming out, it surely will hurt Bera in 2016.”

Bera won his 2012 race by fewer than 4 points, and his 2014 race by fewer than 1500 votes.

NRCC Comment: “After two razor-thin victories, it is clear the hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal donations had a significant impact on Rep. Bera’s campaigns. As the investigation continues, Bera will have to answer to voters for his shady campaigns as more questions build around his involvement in these illegal activities.” – NRCC Spokesman Zach Hunter