Hundreds of Swalwell supporters attempt to claw back donations amid sexual assault claims
Previous supporters of disgraced former Democratic California Rep. Eric Swalwell are working to claw back donations they made to him before he faced accusations of sexual assault, according to a...
By Fox News · Fox News
Previous supporters of disgraced former Democratic California Rep. Eric Swalwell are working to claw back donations they made to him before he faced accusations of sexual assault, according to a new report. More than 200 donors are demanding over $1.5 million in refunds from Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign, according to an internal campaign document reviewed by the San Francisco Chronicle. These refund requests could represent a significant setback for Swalwell as the former congressman is relying on what remains of his campaign war chest to pay the attorney defending him against sexual assault claims, per campaign finance records. Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign had about $4 million in cash when women first began coming forward with allegations against him in early April, according to campaign finance records. Shortly after his campaign collapsed, Swalwell made himself the treasurer of his campaign committee, giving himself full control over its funds. He continued to solicit donations after news of the alleged sexual assaults broke, raising nearly $200,000, the New York Post reported. Federal disclosures show that Swalwell has up to $100,000 in student loan debt, between $30,000 and $100,000 in credit card debt, and a mortgage that he owes up to $5 million on. EXCLUSIVE: ERIC SWALWELL HIT WITH FRESH COMPLAINT OVER ALLEGED USE OF HOUSE OFFICE TO BOOST HIS BUSINESS California state law requires that campaign funds spent on legal expenses must be directly related to an individual’s status as an elected official or candidate. Swalwell, however, has resigned from Congress and suspended his gubernatorial campaign. Jessica Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School, told the Chronicle Swalwell will likely argue that the women only came forward because he was running for governor, thus justifying the legal spending. If Swalwell is found liable for sexual misconduct, he may be required to reimburse his donors, according to the Chronicle. GONZALES HIT WITH EXPULSION VO…