C.J. Baricevic runs from his campaign finance scandal

C.J. Baricevic is up with his first tv ad and he’s shamelessly running away from the biggest issue of the race so far: his questionable fundraising practices that inspired a deep dive by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and led to an FEC complaint from a nonpartisan watchdog group.

Baricevic’s shady campaign practices revolve around the largess of local trial lawyers who practice in front of C.J.’s father, 20^th Judicial Circuit Chief Judge John Baricevic, raising concerns over conflicts of interest. One law firm’s pattern of giving is particularly troubling:

“The highest-donating law firm among Baricevic’s contributors, Keefe, Keefe & Unsell of Belleville, gave at least $37,600, partly though top-level donations through four attorneys and one spouse. In addition, three of the firm’s secretaries, two legal assistants and a receptionist each donated the top allowable contribution of $2,700 — an unusual level of giving for people who aren’t in higher-paying occupations. Those six donations all were made on the same day in March, according to C.J. Baricevic’s campaign records.”

Baricevic has shamefully refused to return any of the donations in question.

NRCC Comment: “Instead of running away from legitimate concerns over potential conflicts of interest, C.J. Baricevic needs to finally address the questions surrounding his shady campaign finances. Will Baricevic  ever return the questionable trial lawyer cash that is fueling his bid for office?” – NRCC Spokesman Zach Hunter