Today, POLITICO reported that a top Republican fundraiser whose clients include Senators Martha McSally and Steve Daines is trying to “capitalize on the coronavirus response” by selling medical equipment — including coronavirus testing kits and N95 masks — he obtained through his “relationships with a lot of people.”
GOP fundraiser Mike Gula’s new company Blue Flame, LLC bills itself as “the largest global network of COVID-19 medical suppliers,” procuring “hard to find medical supplies” as hospitals beg for masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) amid a nationwide shortage that is costing health care workers their lives. Despite the fact that nearly 90% of U.S. cities don’t have enough supplies to fight the coronavirus pandemic, Gula’s firm somehow got connected with “hundreds of well-known global suppliers” to deliver “the industry’s broadest product selection” of urgently-needed equipment.
When asked how his company was able to set up such a large supply chain when desperate health care workers have resorted to using trash bags and bandanas to protect themselves, Gula said only, “I have relationships with a lot of people.” Those relationships include Senators McSally and Daines. Gula says he’s “helping” his clients through the end of the fundraising quarter that concludes March 31 — continuing to work for them as he cashes in on the dire shortage of test kits, masks, and other needed supplies.
“It’s alarming that a DC political fundraiser could set up a massive medical supply company while health care providers across the country struggle to obtain that same equipment,’” said DSCC spokesperson Helen Kalla. “His clients — including Senators McSally and Daines — will have to explain what they know about their longtime campaign aide trying to corner the market on lifesaving supplies during a public health crisis and why they’ve accepted his help.”
POLITICO: Republican fundraiser looks to cash in on coronavirus
By Theodoric Meyer and Alex Isenstadt
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