Posted on 05/26/2016 9:35:52 AM PDT by randita
McAuliffe: 'I have never lobbied for a foreign government'
BY GRAHAM MOOMAW Richmond Times-Dispatch | Posted: Thursday, May 26, 2016 11:00 am
Gov. Terry McAuliffe said Thursday that he has never lobbied in the U.S. on behalf of a foreign government, adding that federal investigators looking into his foreign connections are focused on a "very specific" lobbyist registration issue.
"I have never lobbied for a foreign government here. Ever," McAuliffe said during a morning radio appearance on Richmond's WRVA.
The Democratic governor's remarks come a day after his attorney said the Department of Justice is looking into a potential violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), a federal statute meant to limit foreign influence in U.S. policy. In the first report on the investigation Monday, CNN reported a focus on $120,000 in political contributions to McAuliffe linked to Chinese businessman Wang Wenliang.
"The media was wrong. Shocking," McAuliffe said when asked about the changing accounts of the investigation's target.
McAuliffe has said he was not contacted by investigators before media reports surfaced. Wang, through a spokesman, said he too had not been contacted. McAuliffe's attorney, James W. Cooper, said the DOJ told him it has no evidence of a violation.
Much about the investigation remains unclear. The DOJ generally does not comment on active investigations.
Asked why the investigation is continuing if there's no evidence of wrongdoing, McAuliffe said he did not know.
"Hopefully it'll be shut down pretty quickly," McAuliffe said.
FARA, which requires agents of foreign entities to register and disclose their activities, is not limited to lobbying on behalf of foreign governments. The law also applies to individuals and companies whose "principal place of business" is outside the U.S. It covers a broad range of political activity to further foreign interests, including publicity, consulting and the solicitation or disbursement of funds or other things of value "for or in the interest of" a foreign entity.
The restriction on foreign political contributions was originally a part of FARA, according to a Federal Election Commission brochure aimed at foreign nationals, but was later incorporated into federal election law. McAuliffe has said the contributions linked to Wang were valid because the businessman has held a green card since 2007, which makes him eligible to contribute.
The donations did not come from Wang personally, but were made by West Legend Corp., a New Jersey-based affiliate of Wang's business enterprise. According to the FEC, companies located in the U.S. cannot make political donations if the contribution is financed by a foreign owner or directed by individual foreign nationals.
McAuliffe also responded Thursday to a Time Magazine report that said he had invited Wang to a 2013 fundraiser at the home of Hillary Clinton, a longtime friend of McAuliffe's.
"The guy was invited to a fundraiser with many people at it," McAuliffe said. "People come to fundraisers."
McAuliffe, who has accused the DOJ and FBI of leaking information about the probe, said the investigation "has nothing to do with Virginia or Virginia politics" because it's focused on his time as a private citizen.
"This is a political world we're in. There's a big presidential campaign going on," he said. "I'm a big boy. I get it."
"The guy was invited to a fundraiser with many people at it," McAuliffe said. "People come to fundraisers."
What a lame answer.
Hey look! There's a Wang in my Trie.
Clinton’s Bag Man has no business being Governor of Virginia.
His business is being Clinton’s Bag Man.
Yes, people do come to fundraisers. The problem is exactly who these people are and what they want in return.
McAwful is getting ready to turn state’s evidence.
“...that you know of.”
(Emphasis mine)
Guess it depends on where he was when he said it.
In Clintonista speak, Terry is quite correct. He has never lobbied for "a" foreign government. He has "always lobbied for all" foreign governments willing to pay cash.
You've gotta think Clinton! You've gotta listen Clinton!
Is VA competing with IL for corrupt Governors?
You can tell he’s lying by what he denies.
A Clintonista declaration is like interpreting sanscrit written on a sheet of jello during a hot summer day.
Usually after a few phone calls and a trip to the bank.
Same ol’ same ‘ol.
Clintons got tons of Chinese Communist cash.
FR back in the day had a big hand in getting the info out to the public.
John Huang, Charlie Trie, James Riady, Colonel Liu are just some of the names that come from the top of my head. All Chinese agents donating to Clinton and even actual People’s Liberation Army officers who went to the White House in civilian garb as donors.
Clintons of course gave China missile tech and know-how and MIRV tech.
McAuliffe’s 180°: From I never met him to an invite to Hillary’s home
Check out the picture on the Hot Air main site for this story - ha ha .... good one.
Yes, that revolving door... that allows for 'gifts' during the 'out' time... with foreign countries knowing the 'in time' will be coming soon. Institutional corruption? Who's making these 'laws' that screw over American citizens and our right to decent trade policies?
Parse his words. He may have never interfaced with lawmakers on behalf of a foreign company... but that doesn’t mean he didn’t solicit funds from foreigners on behalf of the Clintons, with the actual lobbying and listening to take place later.
“Somebody” leaked ... why & why NOW? My theory is that this is a warning shot across Hilly’s bow. The winds are changing on the Dem political scene ....
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McAuliffe slams DOJ ‘leak’ of campaign probe
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe on Wednesday said the Department of Justice should be held to a higher standard, two days after reports surfaced of a federal probe into campaign donations to his 2013 gubernatorial run.
“It is very unfortunate that our institutions of integrity, like Justice and the FBI, would leak information. They should be held to a higher standard. But listen, you live in this world, you’re in politics, these things happen,” McAuliffe said on WTOP’s “Ask the Governor” segment.
“It’s unfortunate that you get these leaks out at Justice.”
“In politics, never believe anything until it is officially denied”
He would be at risk for Arkancide if he did. He might cut a deal with the Beast if she survives the current attempts to drive a stake through her heart. A tough menage a trois (Willy is the third party) but simple for the weasels involved.
Another crack in the Clintonista stone wall. Next up, I hope, is Sydney Blumenthal. Since the NSA “made him” he should be easy pickings. Spread the world.
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