Blog

Candidate Facing Multiple Fines for Flaunting Federal Election Laws in Texas CD 7

HOUSTON (Nov. 26, 2013): Since her unsuccessful attempt to become the 2012 Democratic nominee for Congressional District 7 of Texas, Lissa Squiers has missed as many as five (5) Federal Election Commission (FEC) filing deadlines, and now faces up to $7,544.00 in fines and potential criminal prosecution.

“This does not disqualify her from filing again in the 2014 election cycle,” James Cargas stated, “but it should give party leaders serious reservations before allowing her to file.” Cargas intends to file for the 2014 Democratic nomination. In 2012, Cargas defeated Squires in a runoff election last time with 58% of the vote.

Federal election law requires all congressional candidates to file their contributions and expenditures at least quarterly, even if they did not have any activity during the period. The FEC has issued four notices to the Squiers campaign for failing to file its:
Year-End or 2012 fourth-quarter report due January 31st potentially resulting in a $990.00 fine,
2013 first-quarter report due April 15th potentially resulting in a $1,237.00 fine,
2013 second-quarter report due July 15th potentially resulting in a $1,485.00 fine, and
2013 third-quarter report due Oct. 15th potentially resulting in a $253.00 fine.

“Ms. Squiers has shown a clear pattern of flaunting federal election laws that demonstrates a lack of respect for the voters in CD 7,” James Cargas stated, “recently filing a single report covering the entire past year of missed reports does not absolve her campaign’s pattern of violations.”

“This is not the way to earn the public’s trust. I would not trust her with the federal budget nor can we rely on her to maneuver the House procedural rules necessary to pass legislation,” Cargas said.

Fifth Filing Deadline Violation Identified

The James Cargas Campaign has asked the Federal Election Commission to look into whether there is a fifth violation for failing to file a pre-runoff election report that was due July 19, 2012. The Squires campaign did not disclose its receipts and disbursements for this period until it filed its 2012 third-quarter report on Oct. 25, 2012 – 98 days late.

A pre-runoff election report is considered an “election sensitive report” carrying a more substantial penalty. When verified by the FEC, this fifth violation could result in an additional $2,800.00 in fines. It would also mean that the other four violations would be enhanced since the FEC considers prior violations when calculating fines. This would bring the total of the existing four violations to $4,744.00.

All five election law violations could result in up to $7,544.00 in fines. All FEC investigations are confidential until a final determination is made. If the FEC determines that knowing and willful violations occurred, criminal prosecution by the U.S. Department of Justice is possible.

Houston Deserves Better!

James Cargas offers extensive public service experience. He has served in the U.S. House of Representatives as a deputy press secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as a law clerk, Clinton White House as an aide, and U.S. Department of Energy under Secretary Bill Richardson. He currently serves as the Senior Assistant City Attorney for Energy for the City of Houston. James Cargas was the 2012 Democratic candidate in Congressional District 7 of Texas and will file to run again in 2014.

For additional information on the James Cargas campaign, please visit www.JamesCargas.com