Delaware Department Of Elections ‘Ain’t Worth A Bucket Of Warm Spit’
When it comes to investigations, they opt out. They’ve now said so. From a must-read piece by Amanda Fries (h-t to Joe Connor, who apparently doesn’t sleep):
Delaware elections officials have the authority to investigate campaign finance violations, but that oversight has never been used.
The state Department of Elections said that it has “no records” of probes conducted using the most basic power given to Delaware election commissioners: investigating “information coming to the attention of the commissioner that, if true, would constitute” a violation of campaign finance laws.
Even though Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long publicly acknowledged campaign finance issues, the Elections Department has steered clear of using its investigatory powers to ensure that the gubernatorial candidate’s campaign hasn’t violated Delaware law.
Instead, Delaware voters and taxpayers are left to take Hall-Long’s campaign at their word when it announced the internal audit found “no wrongdoings or violations.”
Or, as has been written here and elsewhere, we can simply look at the facts and conclude that she is lying and has been lying for several years about the state of her campaign finances. We can conclude that she and Her Husband The Treasurer diverted over $300K of donors’ dollars to their own private bank accounts. Before I continue, just go back and read the excerpts from Fries’ piece again. I’ll wait.
Department officials said they have neither received a copy of the audit nor are they conducting a third-party review of Hall-Long’s campaign finances, and refused to answer questions on what Delawareans must do to prompt the election commissioner to use their investigatory powers.
Memo To The Joint Sunset Committee: Put this fucking agency under review stat!
Memo To the Department Of Justice: I was told that you wait until a referral from the Department of Elections until you consider taking action. Ain’t no referral coming. You want a serial liar and quite possibly a criminal as the next Governor? Then continue to do nothing.
Memo To Legislators: Have a packet ready by January to either force the Department of Elections to do their job or to transfer their responsibilities directly to the AG’s office.
Memo To John Carney: Uh, never mind.
This is an important article. Although–there was one piece of information that should have been included, the name of the current Elections Commissioner. He is Anthony J. Albence, and appears to be serving on an expired term. Hmmm, guess Carney doesn’t want anyone new rocking the boat while his anointed choice for governor seeks to avoid further legal entanglement.
This is a disgrace. Who, if anybody, will make it right?
I have one more question after having tried to peruse the less-than-transparent DOE site: Is there anyone on staff even CAPABLE of conducting an investigation into alleged campaign finance violations?
If so, I want to know who, because there’s not even a hint that such a person exists, according to the DOE website.
Don’t forget, BHL’s new treasurer used to work at DOE.
Thought she worked in the IC’s office.
She works for Navarro now, but she had a stint for a hot minute at the elections dept as a low level clerk.
Prior to the trumpness of elections was the DOE commissioner on the same level as recorder of deeds?
It’s a governor-appointed position in Delaware, subject to Senate confirmation.
Not to be a dick, but I told you so.
“Beach Karen says:
November 17, 2023 at 10:05 am
Let me crystal clear – there is absolutely no campaign finance oversight in Delaware beyond getting a notice if your filing is late…”
Not the first time you set us straight.
I can’t get over the fact that they are charged with an important function that they have NO INTENTION of carrying it out.
Larry Lambert, Madinah, Sarah, Kyle and any other legislator blessed with a conscience. STEP UP!!!!
If the system has a stink it rubs off!
Let’s fix this colossal stain TODAY!
She’s going to drag everyone else down into her hole. Sad and unnecessary. We don’t need BHL and it’s not worth jumping into the abyss with her.
Don’t think so. The good news is that she MIGHT drag her most-blatant enablers down with her.
One way to bring down an enemy of the people–an enema BY the people.
Dear Bethany,
Are you an honest person? Serious question. Honest people are transparent and welcome investigations. Do you welcome a fair impartial investigation of your campaign? Do you welcome a fair and impartial investigation of your household business practices as they relate to reporting requirements? You have my number.
Well…Nicole Poore has praised her for being honest and transparent.
Meaning–she isn’t.
It’s rare that a news journal article not about cops makes my jaw drop. And while a great reporter, it’s not even an in-depth investigation because it’s not even possible to have one. I’m glad that this is out there and I hope pieces like this come out every week until a bill was filed. I remember seeing stuff on this very site about PACs and filing issue and frankly I do think people here pay more attention to the filings than the state. Regardless, the legislation to fix this has to be done this year. Even if Carney thinks he isn’t a lame duck because of his city politics future, I’d still think he’d sign it, or otherwise let it become law, compared to another potential governor…
Thanks for solving the mystery of why Anthony wasn’t mentioned in the article too. The Senate did have a special session for confirmations, so I don’t understand why this wasn’t handled as part of it? There’s been some reported – or gossiped, perhaps – issues with school board elections .. would be nice to have someone in charge…
It is interesting to me that 3 Bills were introduced in June of 2021 to put some additional teeth in our campaign finance laws. SB176 and 177 became law. SB178 came out of committee but never made it to the floor. This Bill would have required additional controls for how loans to a campaign would need to be documented /reported. To my knowledge it has never been introduced again. Perhaps its time has come! Original Bill is here:
https://legis.delaware.gov/json/BillDetail/GenerateHtmlDocument?legislationId=78856&legislationTypeId=1&docTypeId=2&legislationName=SB178
Wow. GREAT digging. I agree that this bill should be resubmitted. Doubt that Sen Hansen, who has gone all-in on BHL, will co-sponsor it.
Both of those sponsors have endorsed bhl. Which tells you everything you need to know about their commitment to election and campaign finance integrity. Sean Lynn is useless and paradee is a buffoon.
The very open corruption in this state is disgusting. Far far worse than I ever expected.
Don’t think Kyle Evans Gay has.
Dear Bethany, would you support SB178 and comply with its provisions? Going a step further would you voluntarily comply with the provisions now? If not, why? Given your silence why should any voter support you?
You don’t seem to call me anymore, but you still have my number, love to talk:).
I cant understand the Commissions resistance to fufilling their duties as described in:
Title 15 Section 302 – DUTIES-
(13) To establish procedures to allow citizens to report possible violations of this title to the Commissioner, to any county director, or to deputy county director, which shall include procedures for anonymous reporting of possible violations thereto; (NONE VISIBLE ON WEBSITE)
(14) To investigate information coming to the attention of the Commissioner that, if true, would constitute a violation of Chapter 80 of this title; and (NOT HAPPENING)
Title 15 Section 302A Investigatory authority
(a) In connection with his or her authority pursuant to § 302(14) of this title hereunder to investigate possible violations of Chapter 80 of this title, the State Election Commissioner:
(1) May appoint 1 or more investigators, having such experience and qualifications as shall be established by the Board of Elections, to investigate information coming to the attention of the Commissioner that, if true, would constitute a violation of Chapter 80 of this title. The activities of any investigator appointed hereunder shall be directed solely by the Commissioner, and such investigator shall not be deemed to be an employee of, or otherwise answerable to, the Board of Elections;
(2) Shall have the authority to subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance and testimony, administer oaths and affirmations, take evidence and require by subpoena the production of books, papers, records or other evidence needed for the performance of the Commissioner’s duties or exercise of his or her powers pursuant to this section; and
(3) May refer any possible violation to the Attorney General or the United States Attorney for investigation and prosecution, either directly or following an investigation or preliminary investigation by the Commissioner hereunder.
Here is the current code:
https://delcode.delaware.gov/title15/c003/index.html
Dear Bethany, just got your email. You can’t even spell my name right after knowing me for a bunch of years. I have so many questions and you seem to have zero answer. Your campaign finances are a fiasco. Your family and chief of staff have a business that looks like slum lording in my community in Brandywine Hundred. You want my endorsement? Why would I or anybody do that? Care to respond? You’ve got my number. Below is the email for the amusement of the group:).
Joseoh,
We’ve already seen so many folks throw their support behind Bethany’s campaign to push Delaware forward. Will you join their ranks by adding your name as a citizen endorser today?
We’re so proud to be part of this campaign, led by a truly compassionate and visionary candidate. Bethany has a record of over 20 years of public service to Delaware, tackling substance use disorders, health care affordability and more – and we’re confident she has the bold vision to bring Delaware into the future.
But we need your help to grow this grassroots campaign. Will you show Bethany that you’re with us by submitting your endorsement today, Joseoh?
Yes! →
Thank you for being part of this team!
Team Bethany Hall-Long