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Government Corruption

Ilhan Omar hit with ethics complaint over appearance with ex-Somali PM

2024-07-04

[NY Post] A conservative watchdog group hit "Squad" Rep. Ilhan Omar with an ethics complaint Wednesday over an event she took part in last weekend that featured former Somalia Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire.

Khaire stumped for Omar (D-Minn.) and pushed to get out the vote for the congresswoman, which the American Accountability Foundation (AAF) claims may have violated the Federal Elections Campaign Act.

"We are deeply concerned by Ilhan Omar’s illegal campaign rally with the former Prime Minister of Somalia. Omar already has a long history of statements indicating her disdain for America and allegiance to Somalia, but this goes beyond statements," AAF said in a statement.

"Now her campaign has taken action to involve a foreign leader in an American election. She must resign immediately and return every dollar raised for her at this disgraceful rally."

Omar’s campaign counsel David Mitrani quickly fired back, telling The Post, "This ethics complaint is another attempt by the far-right to smear the Congresswoman."

"Congresswoman Omar’s campaign had absolutely no involvement in requesting, coordinating, or facilitating Mr Khaire’s appearance or his comments, and accordingly there was no violation of law," he said.

AAF asked the Office of Congressional Ethics to open an investigation into Omar and cited two possible infractions.

First are accusations that Omar "knowingly" accepted Khaire’s "services" at "her campaign events" which AAF claims went beyond the scope of "the limited volunteer services permitted by a foreign national and involved impermissible decision-making."

Specifically, AAF is alleging that Khaire’s "particularity" in which he engaged in a get-out-the-vote effort for Omar amounted to "prohibited decision-making."

"Support her with your votes, tell your neighbors and friends, and anyone you know to come out and support Ilhan Omar," Khaire said, according to a translation of his remarks cited by AAF in the complaint.

"And knock on every door you can so that she can be re-elected."

Additional footage circulating online showing Khaire huddling with Omar and others while underscoring the importance of her prevailing in the Aug. 13 primary. Khaire also posted a video of his remarks on X.

"I participated in the celebration of the 64th anniversary of the independence and unity of Somalia, which took place in Minneapolis. I gave a speech at the forum to participate in the joy and celebration of this historic event," he wrote, according to Google Translate.

Under federal law, candidates are barred from "knowingly soliciting, accepting, or receiving contributions or donations from foreign nationals."

AAF also alleged that Khaire’s "services" to Omar’s campaign "appear to be compensated by a prohibited source."

Posted by:Frank G

#4 If her district keeps electing a foreign agent, they ought to be disenfranchised for timeout.

Posted by: Super Hose 2024-07-04 08:58

#3 Her hijab and constantly sullen expression is 'registration' enough.

Posted by: Besoeker 2024-07-04 06:38

#2
I guess even the National Socialist leaning Democrat party needs to play it cooler during the elections?

Posted by: NN2N1 2024-07-04 05:02

#1 Why not register her as a foreign agent?

Posted by: Grom the Reflective 2024-07-04 02:45

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