Jen Kiggans Said She Never Took Money From Payday Lenders, But She Accepted Thousands Of Dollars From A PAC Funded By The Payday Loan Industry During Her State Senate And Congressional Races
Kiggans Said She Never Took Money From Payday Lenders…
Kiggans: “I Never Took Money For My Campaign From These Organizations, From Those Payday Lenders.” HOST: “But back to Senate Bill 421, why did you vote against the Virginia Fairness and Lending Act which you did?” KIGGANS: “that bill is not even referenced in the ad.” HOST: “why did you vote against SB421?” KIGGANS: “I would never vote for anything that I thought would be considered to be hurtful or harmful to veterans.” HOST: “I need you to answer why you voted, the reasons, against SB 421?” KIGGANS: “Yea, I say 1 out 6 of our enlisted sailors cannot pay their bills right now. […] I never took money for my campaign from these organizations, from those payday lenders.” HOST: “Senator, again, can you please answer that question? Why did you vote against it? Why did you vote against SB 421?” KIGGANS: “I would not do anything to harm our veteran population.” HOST: “SB 421 Senator?” KIGGANS: “Yea again insinuating that I would take any votes that are harmful to my veteran population, I will not do that.” HOST: “Senator why did you vote against it? Why did you vote against it?” KIGGANS: “I wouldn’t do anything that would harm our veteran population, thank you though.” (Kiggans walks away while the mic is still attached to her dress) [WAVY, 2:15, 10/25/22] (VIDEO)
…But Kiggans Accepted Thousands Of Dollars From A PAC Funded By The Payday Loan Industry During Her State Senate And Congressional Races
2022: Kiggans Received $10,000 From GOPAC In Her 2022 Campaign For Congress
Kiggans Received $10,000 From GOPAC For Her 2022 Congressional Run.
Recipient | Contributor | Amount | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
Kiggans For Congress | GOPAC Election Fund | $5,000 | 11/18/21 |
Kiggans For Congress | GOPAC Election Fund | $5,000 | 8/19/22 |
TOTAL | $10,000 |
[Federal Election Commission, Campaign Finance Data, accessed 11/15/23]
Kiggans Described Herself As An “Alumni” Of GOPAC After GOPAC Supported Her In The 2022 Cycle
GOPAC Announced That It Would Pump $4.5 Million Into Support For GOP Congressional Candidates This Cycle. “A super PAC focused on electing pragmatic conservatives with proven successes at the state level laid out a multimillion-dollar investment in key congressional races. GOPAC plans to raise $4.5 million to support GOP congressional candidates this cycle, according to a new memo obtained by the Washington Examiner. The money would go ‘directly in our endorsed candidates through a mix of contributions and independent expenditures, including polling, research and mixed media campaigns of television, digital, mail, etc., to key primary voter universes.’” [Washington Examiner, 11/12/23]
GOPAC Helped Kiggans During The 2022 Cycle. “Last cycle, GOPAC helped members like Reps. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) and Erin Houchin (R-IN) get elected, and in past cycles, they have helped others, including Reps. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) and Mark Green (R-TN). ‘GOPAC has a long history of educating and electing Republican leaders. The support I received was instrumental in helping me get to Congress,’ Bice was quoted as saying in the memo. ‘I urge anyone who wants to assist Republican leaders to look at the programs.’” [Washington Examiner, 11/12/23]
Kiggans Praised GOPAC As A “Powerhouse In American Politics” And Described Herself As An “Alumni” Of GOPAC. “GOPAC is a powerhouse in American politics and vital to electing commonsense candidates to our state legislatures. The state leaders in the GOPAC network running for Congress bring experience and knowledge on how to legislate and work in bipartisan settings. These skills are critical to being effective and productive in Washington. As an alumni of GOPAC, I support their Mission Majority program to elect more state legislators to Congress and am excited to welcome these experienced leaders to Washington, DC!’” [GOPAC Election Fund, 2024 Mission: Majority Memo, accessed 11/12/23]
July 2021: Kiggans Accepted A Gift Worth $200 From GOPAC’s Emerging Leaders’ Summit, An Event Designed To Coach State Legislatures To Be Effective Leaders
Kiggans Disclosed She Received A Gift Worth $200 For Attending GOPAC’s Emerging Leaders Summit. According To Kiggans’ Statement Of Economic Interests, she received $200 for attending GOPAC’s Emerging Leaders Summit in Alexandria, VA from July 5th to July 6th of 2021. [Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council, Jen Kiggans Statement Of Economic Interests, filed 1/31/21]
- Emerging Leaders Summit Was A Program To Coach State Legislatures To Be Effective Leaders. “The Emerging Leaders Summit is the cornerstone of a yearlong program to coach, develop, and promote promising state legislators on how to be effective legislative and political leaders. Members of our Legislative Leaders Advisory Board nominate participating legislators for their potential and ability to have an impact in their state.” [GOPAC, Events, accessed 3/1/22]
2019: Kiggans Received $17,500 In Contributions From GOPAC
Kiggans Received $15,000 From GOPAC On October 30th of 2019, Days Before The General Election.
Image: see original report, p. 113
[Virginia State Board of Elections, Campaign Finance Reports Search, accessed 2/15/21]
Kiggans Received $2,500 From GOPAC In June 2019.
Image: see original report, p. 113
[Virginia State Board of Elections, Campaign Finance Reports Search, accessed 2/15/21]
GOPAC Was A Tax-Exempt Republican Led PAC Dedicated To “Educating And Electing A New Generation Of Republican Leaders” That Received “Substantial Financial Backing” From Payday Lenders
GOPAC Was A Republican PAC Dedicated To “Educating And Electing A New Generation Of Republican Leaders.” “GOPAC is under the current leadership of David Avella and is the Republican Party’s premier center for educating and electing a new generation of Republican leaders. It’s a force in American politics as it ensures a healthy roster of prepared and tested state leaders are ready to lead in their legislatures and/or run for higher office.” [GOPAC, History, accessed 2/29/22]
- GOPAC Inc. Was Organized As A Tax-Exempt “527 Organization” Under IRS Code. “But GOPAC Inc., the source of money for the group’s political contributions, is organized as a so-called ‘527 organization’ and as such must report all of its contributions and expenses to the IRS. Gilbert said because GOPAC Inc. and GOPAC Education Fund share the same goals and philosophy, ‘it is absolutely possible that there’s extreme overlap in the donors to the two entities. But you can’t prove that’ because GOPAC Education fund donors are not disclosed.” [Courier Journal, 7/13/18]
Courier Journal: According To IRS Reports, Payday Lenders Provided “Substantial Financial Backing” To GOPAC. “The group, GOPAC Inc., also gets substantial financial backing from casino interests and payday lenders, according to reports the organization has filed with the Internal Revenue Service.” [Courier Journal, 7/13/18]
2019-2023: GOPAC Received Payday Lending Contributions Totaling $317,500
GOPAC – Payday Lending Interests | ||
|---|---|---|
Contribution Date | Name Of Organizations | Amount |
5/12/23 | Community Choice Financial | $15,000 |
3/06/23 | Community Choice Financial | $20,000 |
1/03/23 | Community Choice Financial | $10,000 |
11/02/22 | TitleMax | $15,000 |
10/24/22 | Community Choice Financial | $15,000 |
8/9/22 | Community Choice Financial | $5,000 |
9/27/22 | Community Choice Financial | $5,000 |
8/18/22 | Community Choice Financial | $15,000 |
4/22/22 | Community Choice Financial | $10,000 |
2/9/22 | Community Choice Financial | $2,500 |
12/03/21 | Amscot Financial | $25,000 |
9/28/21 | Community Choice Financial | $2,500 |
4/16/21 | Cash Into Cash | $25,000 |
11/03/21 | Community Choice Financial | $10,000 |
9/29/20 | Cash Into Cash | $25,000 |
10/7/20 | Cash Into Cash | $10,000 |
1/27/20 | Cash Into Cash | $5,000 |
9/28/20 | Amscot Financial | $50,000 |
9/5/19 | Cash Into Cash | $2,500 |
9/5/19 | Advance America | $50,000 |
$317,500 | ||
[GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures; Ending 6/30/23, IRS.gov, filed 7/31/23, Ending 11/28/22, IRS.gov, filed 12/8/22, Ending 9/30/22, IRS.gov, filed 10/17/22, Ending 6/30/22, IRS.gov, filed 7/11/22, Ending 3/31/22, IRS.gov, filed 4/18/22, Ending 12/31/21, IRS.gov, filed 1/31/22; Ending 6/30/21, IRS.gov, filed 8/2/21; Ending 11/23/20, IRS.gov, filed 12/03/20; Ending 9/30/20, IRS.gov, filed 10/15/20; Ending 11/23/20, IRS.gov, filed 12/03/20; Ending 3/31/20, IRS.gov, filed 4/15/20 ;Ending 9/30/20, IRS.gov, filed 10/15/20; Ending 12/31/19, IRS.gov, filed 1/31/20]
2023: GOPAC Received $45,500 From Payday Loaning Companies
In May 2023, Community Choice Financial, A Payday Lender Based In Nashville Tennessee, Donated $15,000 To GOPAC. According to the IRS Report of Contributions and Expenditures, May 12, 2023, Community Choice Financial, A Payday Lender Based In Nashville Tennessee, Donated $15,000 To GOPAC. [GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures, Ending 6/30/23, IRS.gov, filed 7/31/23]
Image: see original report, p. 114
[GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures, Ending 6/30/23, IRS.gov, filed 7/31/23]
In March 2023, Community Choice Financial, A Payday Lender Based In Nashville Tennessee, Donated $20,000 To GOPAC. According to the IRS Report of Contributions and Expenditures, March 6, 2023, Community Choice Financial, A Payday Lender Based In Nashville Tennessee, Donated $20,000 To GOPAC. [GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures, Ending 6/30/23, IRS.gov, filed 7/31/23]
Image: see original report, p. 114
[GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures, Ending 6/30/23, IRS.gov, filed 7/31/23]
In January 2023, Community Choice Financial, A Payday Lender Based In Nashville Tennessee, Donated $10,000 To GOPAC. According to the IRS Report of Contributions and Expenditures, January 3, 2023, Community Choice Financial, A Payday Lender Based In Nashville Tennessee, Donated $10,000 To GOPAC. [GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures, Ending 6/30/23, IRS.gov, filed 7/31/23]
Image: see original report, p. 114
[GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures, Ending 6/30/23, IRS.gov, filed 7/31/23]
2022: GOPAC Received $67,500 From Payday Loaning Companies
In November 2022, TitleMax, A Payday Lender Based In Savannah Georgia, Donated $15,000 To GOPAC. According to the IRS Report of Contributions and Expenditures, November 2, 2022, TitleMax, A Payday Lender Based In Savanah Georgia, Donated $15,000 To GOPAC. [GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures, Ending 11/28/22, IRS.gov, filed 12/8/22]
Image: see original report, p. 115
[GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures, Ending 11/28/22, IRS.gov, filed 12/8/22]
In October 2022, Community Choice Financial, A Payday Lender Based In Nashville Tennessee, Donated $15,000 To GOPAC. According to the IRS Report of Contributions and Expenditures, October 24, 2022, Community Choice Financial, A Payday Lender Based In Nashville Tennessee, Donated $15,000 To GOPAC. [GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures, Ending 11/28/22, IRS.gov, filed 12/8/22]
Image: see original report, p. 115
[GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures, Ending 11/28/22, IRS.gov, filed 12/8/22]
In September 2022, Community Choice Financial, A Payday Lender Based In Nashville Tennessee, Donated $5,000 To GOPAC. According to the IRS Report of Contributions and Expenditures, September 27, 2022, Community Choice Financial, A Payday Lender Based In Nashville Tennessee, Donated $5,000 To GOPAC. [GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures, Ending 9/30/22, IRS.gov, filed 10/17/22]
Image: see original report, p. 115
[GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures, Ending 9/30/22, IRS.gov, filed 10/17/22]
In August 2022, Community Choice Financial, A Payday Lender Based In Nashville Tennessee, Donated $15,000 To GOPAC. According to the IRS Report of Contributions and Expenditures, August 18, 2022, Community Choice Financial, A Payday Lender Based In Nashville Tennessee, Donated $15,000 To GOPAC. [GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures, Ending 9/30/22, IRS.gov, filed 10/17/22]
Image: see original report, p. 115
[GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures, Ending 9/30/22, IRS.gov, filed 10/17/22]
In August 2022, Community Choice Financial, A Payday Lender Based In Nashville Tennessee, Donated $5,000 To GOPAC. According to the IRS Report of Contributions and Expenditures, August 9, 2022, Community Choice Financial, A Payday Lender Based In Nashville Tennessee, Donated $5,000 To GOPAC. [GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures, Ending 9/30/22, IRS.gov, filed 10/17/22]
Image: see original report, p. 116
[GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures, Ending 9/30/22, IRS.gov, filed 10/17/22]
In April 2022, Community Choice Financial, A Payday Lender Based In Nashville Tennessee, Donated $10,000 To GOPAC. According to the IRS Report of Contributions and Expenditures, April 22, 2022, Community Choice Financial, A Payday Lender Based In Nashville Tennessee, Donated $10,000 To GOPAC. [GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures, Ending 6/30/22, IRS.gov, filed 7/11/22]
Image: see original report, p. 116
[GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures, Ending 6/30/22, IRS.gov, filed 7/11/22]
In February 2022, Community Choice Financial, A Payday Lender Based In Nashville Tennessee, Donated $2,500 To GOPAC. According to the IRS Report of Contributions and Expenditures, February 9, 2022, Community Choice Financial, A Payday Lender Based In Nashville Tennessee, Donated $2,500 To GOPAC. [GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures, Ending 3/31/22, IRS.gov, filed 4/18/22]
Image: see original report, p. 116
[GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures, Ending 3/31/22, IRS.gov, filed 4/18/22]
2021: GOPAC Received $62,500 From Payday Loaning Companies
In December 2021, Amscot Financial, A Payday Lender Based In Tampa Florida, Donated $25,000 To GOPAC.
Image: see original report, p. 116
[GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures Ending 12/31/21, IRS.gov, filed 1/31/22]
In September 2021, Community Choice Financial, A Payday Lender Based In Nashville Tennessee, Donated $2,500 To GOPAC.
Image: see original report, p. 116
[GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures Ending 12/31/21, IRS.gov, filed 1/31/22]
In April 2021, Cash Into Cash, A Payday Lender Based In Cleveland Tennessee, Donated $25,000 To GOPAC.
Image: see original report, p. 117
[GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures Ending 6/30/21, IRS.gov, filed 8/2/21]
2020: GOPAC Received From $100,000 From Payday Loaning Companies
In November 2021, Community Choice Financial, A Payday Lender Based In Cleveland Tennessee, Donated $10,000 To GOPAC.
Image: see original report, p. 117
[GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures Ending 11/23/20, IRS.gov, filed 12/03/20]
September 2020: Cash Into Cash, A Payday Lender Based In Cleveland Tennessee, Donated $25,000 To GOPAC.
Image: see original report, p. 117
[GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures Ending 9/30/20, IRS.gov, filed 10/15/20]
October 2020: Cash Into Cash, A Payday Lender Based In Cleveland Tennessee, Donated $10,000 To GOPAC.
Image: see original report, p. 117
[GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures Ending 11/23/20, IRS.gov, filed 12/03/20]
January 2020: Cash Into Cash, A Payday Lender Based In Cleveland Tennessee, Donated $5,000 To GOPAC.
Image: see original report, p. 117
[GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures Ending 3/31/20, IRS.gov, filed 4/15/20]
September 2020: Amscot Financial, A Payday Lender Based In Tampa Florida, Donated $50,00 To GOPAC.
Image: see original report, p. 118
[GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures Ending 9/30/20, IRS.gov, filed 10/15/20]
2019: GOPAC Received $52,5000 From Payday Loaning Companies
September 2019: Cash Into Cash, A Payday Lender Based In Cleveland Tennessee, Donated $2,500 To GOPAC.
Image: see original report, p. 118
[GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures Ending 12/31/19, IRS.gov, filed 1/31/20]
September 2019: Advance America, A Payday Lender Based In Spartanburg South Carolina, Donated $50,000 to GOPAC.
Image: see original report, p. 118
[GOPAC INC Report of Contributions and Expenditures Ending 12/31/19, IRS.gov, filed 1/31/20]