AAF files ethics complaint against Rep. Ilhan Omar over rally with former Prime Minister of Somalia
The American Accountability Foundation has filed a complaint with the U.S. House of Representatives Office of Congressional Ethics against Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar over her disgraceful rally with former Somalian Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire. This rally included two blatant violations of the Federal Elections Campaign Act.
First, Omar knowingly accepted former Somalia Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire’s services at her campaign events. That goes beyond the scope of the limited volunteer services permitted by a foreign national and involved impermissible decision-making. Khaire’s particularity in which he engaged in a get-out-the-vote effort for Omar amounts to clear “prohibited decision-making.”
Second, Khaire’s services to Omar’s campaign appear to be compensated by a prohibited source. Based on recent reports, it appears that the Minneapolis-based nonprofit group Ka Joog may have sponsored Khaire’s trip to the US. Omar’s acceptance of Mr. Khaire’s providing his campaign services indicates that Rep. Omar knowingly accepted a corporate contribution associated with Mr. Khaire’s travel and lodging costs to galvanize an important constituency ahead of her August primary election.
“No one is above the law – even members of the Squad” said AAF president Thomas Jones. “Not only were Khaire’s comments about Omar deeply disturbing, but the rally was also a blatant violation of US election laws. Omar must resign immediately and return every dollar raised by Khaire for her campaign.”
AAF looks forward to a full investigation into Omar, and full accountability over this disgrace.
Please see our letter here.