Posted on 03/13/2011 3:49:26 AM PDT by Scanian
Is Donald Trump about to get Paul-verized?
A month after the curiously coiffed mogul told the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington that Texas congressman Ron Paul has "zero chance" of being elected President, an avid Paul supporter is looking for payback.
Pro-Paul Shawn Thompson is in the process of filing a complaint with the Federal Elections Commission that claims Trump and two supporters have violated federal campaign laws.
The Tampa-based Thompson was a local coordinator for Paul's 2008 presidential campaign and, we hear, was at the CPAC conference when Trump attacked Paul to a chorus of boos. (He did not return a call for comment.)
In his March 10 complaint, Thompson points out that, under law, "a person becomes a candidate for federal office when he permits another person to spend more than $5,000 promoting his candidacy." The candidate must then register with the FEC.
Thompson's complaint alleges that Trump has not filed with the commission even though more than $5,000 has been spent.
He cites a March 7 plane trip that Trump's special counsel Michael Cohen took to Iowa, where he met with political operatives.
Cohen, who's also co-creator of the "Should Trump Run" website (shouldtrumprun.com), told the media he was in Iowa "on his own time" and not as representative of Trump. He also said that the cost of his flight there — aboard Trump's private Boeing 727 — had been paid by pharma-billionaire and Should Trump Run co-creator Stewart Rahr.
Thompson alleges that because Cohen is collecting a paycheck from the Trump organization, any "legal advice" he's providing to The Donald is "an unreported [and thus illegal]" in-kind contribution "to Trump's candidacy."
(Excerpt) Read more at nydailynews.com ...
Neither one should “run”.
Ultimately, no. But I’d like to see both of them announce their candidacy and participate in the GOP primary debates just to liven them up.
It’s a cheap attack, although I think Trump should be smarter than to leave himself open like that. It’s not like he can’t afford a decent attorney.
In a round about way it gives a little bit of a clue about what kind of pres he might be if he makes it and I think we’ve had enough of government by those who don’t really care what the law says and just do what they want without even looking.
I think Trump really miscalculated this move. The whole of Ron Paul may not represent the ideal candidate but his position and his ideas on government finance and monetary reform is a major governing influence within the Tea Party movement.
Trump is a snake-oil salesman, a modern-day Ross Perot. He’s a showman. He’s going to try to get by on style and wit but its clear that there is little substance behind the gold-plated veneer. Its also plainly obvious that Trump represents the big government spending through investments mentality. Its too bad, really. If only Trump took the time to sit down with Ron Paul and other key Tea Party members he might have had a better sense of direction. To call out Ron Paul is just silly. It really trivializes Trump. Hopefully the brat decides to spend his money on something other than destroying the Tea Party momentum.
No difference between the Paulistas and the street thug unionistas in Wisconsin.
Dopey attacks Sneezy. What a headline.
There is a place for Rom Paul in the conservative movement especially in his critique of the FED.
Donald Trump would be better off staying on the attack against the anti-business stance of the present administration than attacking a GOP member.
The difference is that Perot actually has money!
It’s interesting to see a Paultard attacking Trump using federal campaign laws that libertarians probably don’t even like, in any other context.
Reminds me of how many of the rabid, Ron Paul fanatic libertarians I know actually work for the government (post office, social security administration, etc.)
“No difference between the Paulistas and the street thug unionistas in Wisconsin.”
You’re kidding, right?
“It’s interesting to see a Paultard attacking Trump using federal campaign laws that libertarians probably don’t even like, in any other context.”
I thought the same thing, without the unnecessary slur.
They have to follow them nonetheless. I don't like income taxes, but I pay them and I'd be furious if I knew someone else didn't.
RINOs on parade.
Well the unwashed union thugs have matching shirts and the unwashed paultards don’t.
Guess you had a point.
So far I have not heard from Trump what he has to offer as part of the presidential campaign!
Two RINOS.
Pro-Paul Shawn Thompson is in the process of filing a complaint with the Federal Elections Commission that claims Trump and two supporters have violated federal campaign laws. The Tampa-based Thompson was a local coordinator for Paul's 2008 presidential campaign and, we hear, was at the CPAC conferenceCPAC was an inside job. /rimshot
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.