A California congressman charged with using campaign donations to fund personal expenses and extramarital affairs claims he was targeted by liberal prosecutors for supporting Donald Trump for president.
Republican Duncan Hunter filed a request that the case against him be dismissed because the two federal prosecutors leading the investigation attended a fundraiser for Hillary Clinton.
“Their attendance at the event raises serious concerns regarding a conflict of interest and a loss of impartiality,” said the motion filed by Hunter’s attorneys.
The dismissal demand came as federal prosecutors filed documents claiming that Hunter used campaign money to pay for trips, drinks, and food with women he allegedly was involved with.
He and his wife were charged last year with using some $250,000 in campaign donations for personal expenses. His wife Margaret has pleaded guilty.
In his court filing, however, Hunter said he was a target of a political hit orchestrated by Clinton supporters.
He said prosecutors Alana Robinson and Emily W. Allen attended a Clinton fundraiser in August 2015. In February 2016, Hunter endorsed Trump. And after that, the investigation into his finances was opened.
Officials said the prosecutors attended the event in their “official capacity” to assist law enforcement, though Hunter’s attorneys said they went to get a picture with Clinton, showing their bias.
“The undeniable facts are that both attended for the purpose and one purpose only — they attended to meet the person they believed would be the next president of the United States,” said Hunter’s team.
While they seek dismissal of the case, they asked that, at a minimum, the local U.S. attorney’s office be recused from the case.
