Feb 14, 2012
Mr. Leader, Here Is Michael Grimm’s Number
Despite his “zero tolerance” policy on ethics, Republican Leader Eric Cantor told NY1 yesterday that he hasn’t talked to Congressman Michael Grimm (NY-13) since a bombshell New York Times story about Grimm’s potentially illegal fundraising practices came out.
Mr. Leader, Congressman Grimm’s telephone number is (202) 225-3371.
“The silence from Speaker John Boehner and Republican Leader Eric Cantor on Congressman Michael Grimm’s fundraising scandal is deafening,” said Jesse Ferguson of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “Leader Cantor pledged a ‘zero tolerance’ policy for ethics but it appears he has zero interest in even making a telephone call about it.”
The New York Times found that Grimm, together with a man under FBI investigation for embezzlement, raised more than $500,000 in tainted campaign cash by taking contributions in excess of federal limits, taking contributions from foreign nationals, setting up “straw donors,” and personally receiving envelopes filled with thousands of dollars in cash.
Background
Grimm Accused of Illegal Fundraising Practices. In January 2012, a New York Times front page story reported that Grimm had allegedly engaged in illegal fundraising practices during his 2010 campaign, including taking contributions in excess of federal limits, taking contributions from foreign nationals, and setting up “straw donors.” The charges stem from Grimm’s efforts to raise money from the followers of prominent Orthodox rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto – all with the assistance of Pinto aide Ofer Biton, who is now the target of a federal embezzlement investigation. The report was based on findings from more than 15 interviews with Pinto followers and close scrutinization of Grimm’s campaign finance records. [New York Times, 1/27/12]
Organized Crime Lawyers: Grimm Is In Trouble. In January 2012, two local attorneys with experience representing organized crime figures told the Advance that the allegations against Grimm are serious and that he could face a federal grand jury. “If the allegations are true, they are serious,” said attorney Joseph Sorrentino. "The reality is, they are crimes. If he took those types of donations, he could wind up in front of a federal grand jury.” “It looks like he has issues all over the place,” said defense attorney Patrick Parrotta. Both Parrotta and Sorrentino have previously represented organized crime figures in legal proceedings. [Staten Island Advance, 1/31/12]
Cantor: I Haven’t Talked to Grimm. On February 13, 2012, the New York Observer’s Hunter Walker reported (via Twitter), “Cantor talking to NY1 now says he hasn't talked to Staten Island GOP Congressman Michael Grimm about the ethics allegations against him.” [twitter.com, @hunterw, 2/13/12]
Boehner Claimed To Be Unfamiliar with Details of Grimm Allegations. On February 3, 2012, Politico’s Jake Sherman reported (via Twitter), “@speakerboehner: ‘im not familiar with the details’ of the NYT story that alleges Michael Grimm broke campaign fundraising laws.” [twitter.com, @JakeSherman, 2/03/12]
Boehner on Grimm: No Comment. In January 2012, “Boehner's office … told the Advance the Speaker had no comment on the fundraising allegations.” [Staten Island Advance, 1/31/12]
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