Failed candidate and corrupt politician Josh Mandel has launched yet another campaign for the U.S. Senate in Ohio — and while Josh is hoping the third time’s the charm as he looks for a fresh start, we’re here to take you on a trip down memory lane. First up: the saga of Josh Mandel’s shady campaign cash scheme involving his crooked donor Ben Suarez.
Mandel abused the State Treasurer’s office in 2011 by writing multiple letters advocating for the business interests of his millionaire campaign donor against consumer protection litigation in California. Suarez and an associate funneled at least $100,000 to Mandel’s campaign shortly after. An official letter sent out by Mandel “used virtually the same wording” suggested by Suarez’s company, and a longtime political aide for Mandel facilitated the relationship. Suarez was ultimately sentenced to 15 months in prison and Suarez’s associate pled guilty to the scheme funneling money to Mandel’s campaign. Mandel has refused to answer straightforward questions about his relationship with Suarez and essentially claimed “amnesia” over basic details of their unethical arrangement.
“The appalling details of Josh Mandel’s pay-to-play behavior tells you everything about why voters have already rejected his Senate campaigns twice before,” said DSCC spokesperson Stewart Boss. “Josh Mandel is the kind of opportunistic and unethical politician Ohioans can’t trust because it’s clear he will do anything — even flagrantly abuse his taxpayer-funded office to hand out favors to donors — if it might help advance his own personal political ambitions.”
Refresh yourself on Josh Mandel’s massive pay-to-play corruption scandal:
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