May 5, 2015

Watchdog blows ethics whistle on Clinton, Reid, Senate Democrat meetings

A taxpayer watchdog group is calling for an ethics investigation into meetings between Hillary Clinton's team and key Senate Democrats inside official Senate offices where political activities are barred.

The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust has asked the Senate Select Committee on Ethics to probe the "apparent breach of ethics rules" stemming from an April 21 Clinton strategy session in a room just off the Senate floor.

The group said that the rules need to be reinforced because it appears that "ongoing" strategy sessions are planned between the Democratic frontrunner and Senate supporters.

"The taxpayers expect and deserve that senators will use taxpayer funded resources for Senate business, and abide by the law and rules requiring them to do so. This type of obvious violation without any consequence is precisely what causes public distrust of political officials, and damages the integrity of the Senate as a whole," said Matthew G. Whitaker, executive director of the group.

He submitted his request last week. A copy was provided to Secrets.

The group cited federal and Senate rules barring political activities inside Senate offices. The rules are typically directed at senators, though the Senate Ethics Manual reads, "Senate space may NOT be used for any political campaign activity, fundraising (including charitable contributions in lieu of honoraria), commercial, promotional, or profit-making purpose whatsoever."

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