WHO: Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-VT, a co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act (aka Card Check)
WHAT: Sanders received the following dirty money: Communication Workers of America (PAC) $2,500 in 2008 election cycle; $10,000 in 2006 election cycle. Boilermakers Union (PAC) $1,000 in 2008 cycle; $5,500 in 2006 cycle. American Federation of Government Employees (PAC) $3,000 in 2006. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) $10,000 in 2008 election cycle, $10,000 in 2006 election cycle. Service Employees International Union (PAC) $10,000 in 2006 election cycle. United Steelworkers of America (PAC) $2,500 in 2008 election cycle; $10,000 in 2006 election cycle.
WHY IT’S DIRTY: Multiple officers and members of these unions, including division presidents, secretary-treasurers and business managers, have been convicted since 2001 of felonies ranging from embezzlement, falsifying official reports to government, mail fraud and conspiracy.
The Boilermakers have had at least 10 members convicted, while the IBEW has had at least 14. The United Steelworkers of America, which includes Paper, Allied-Industrial Chemical and Energy Workers International Union (PACE) has had at least 30 convictions among its membership. The amounts of embezzled funds range from over $5,000 to over $100,000.
WILL SANDERS GIVE IT BACK: Sanders did not respond to The Examiner’s request for comment.
THE SCORE:
Number of Democrats who have given it back: 0
Number of Republicans who have given it back: 0
YOUR TURN: You can reach Sanders’ Washington, D.C. office at 202-224-5141
Dirty Money is researched and written by Kevin Mooney of The Washington Examiner’s commentary staff.
