After reviewing the Santos campaign’s paperwork, a former chairperson of the Federal Elections Commission declared, “I don’t believe it.”
An FEC source is skeptical of embattled Republican Rep-elect George Santos’ claim that his hundreds of dollars in $199.99 campaign costs were the product of a “database glitch.”
Former FEC chairperson Ann Ravel told the New York Post, “I don’t believe it,” when asked whether she believed Santos’ explanation that the odd cost files were due to a database error. There are far too many reported outlays to justify the $199 reported income.
Santos has defended himself against inquiries about the FEC spending files while being investigated for lying about his personal life and résumé on the campaign trail, where he finally won the election to represent New York’s 3rd Congressional District in November.
A database error caused this reporting problem, and the appropriate corrections have been sent to the FEC. A spokesman for the Santos campaign informed the New York Post via email that they were sure they had supplied the FEC with appropriate information.
The FEC reports that between April 2021 and February 2022, the Santos campaign spent $199.99, or one cent less than the federal threshold for needing receipts.
Accommodations at Florida hotels trip to stock up on office supplies at Staples and Target, plane tickets, and dining out at various restaurants contributed to the total cost.
Ravel speculated that the FEC would have updated the webpage if an amendment file had been submitted to correct the mistake.
Christian Hillard, a representative for the FEC, acknowledged that “any revised transactions and filings provided by committees will be reflected in the data through the FEC website.”
Fox News Digital’s request for comment from the Santos campaign went unanswered.
Recently, Santos revealed on Fox News’s “Tucker Carlson Tonight” with guest presenter Tulsi Gabbard that he had lied about his business background, Jewish beliefs, and schooling.
Santos said, “I think human beings are fallible, and we all make errors, Tulsi.” We can all take an honest look in the mirror and acknowledge that we’ve messed up at least once. In front of the whole country, I must recognize this on national television. I’m addressing my errors head-on because that’s the only way I can move on from this and be a productive member of Congress in the future.
Republican colleagues have criticized Santos and called for him to resign; he has refused, and the Democrat he beat in November is now demanding a new election.
Robert Zimmerman, a Democrat, challenged incumbent George to quit and run against him in a special election on Tuesday, assuming that’s even his actual name. Bring your factual background into the light and address voters’ queries regarding your criminal record. Refrain from second-guessing the will of the voters.