The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Dec. 20, 2024
Today’s Script
(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)
You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams was denied access to over $4 million dollars in matching public funding for his 2025 campaign, due to questions over an ongoing federal investigation and accusations of financial mismanagement.
The U.S. Department of Justice filed charges against the mayor in September, charging him with taking campaign donations from foreign nationals and businessmen, allegedly using “straw donors” to make them appear as legitimate donations. He is also accused of doing favors in exchange for luxury travel and attempting to conceal these transactions, according to the DOJ.
The New York City Campaign Finance Board ruled December 16th that Mayor Adam’s request for $4.5 million dollars in matching funds would be denied. The chair of the board said in a statement, “After thoroughly reviewing all available information, including the details of the indictment of Mayor Adams, the Board has determined there is reason to believe the Adams campaign has engaged in conduct detrimental to the matching funds program, in violation of law, including the Campaign Finance Act and Board Rules.”
New York City’s campaign finance system provides an 8 to 1 match for small donations of $250 or less for mayor and $175 for city council. Such small donor financing systems promote transparency, discourage big money influence, and encourage less affluent candidates to run.
We have links to more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
U.S. Department of Justice – New York City Mayor Eric Adams Charged With Bribery And Campaign Finance Offenses
New York City Campaign Finance Board – NYC Campaign Finance Board Approves Matching Funds Payments to 2025 Candidates
New York City Campaign Finance Board – How it Works
Brennan Center for Justice – New York City Campaign Finance Board Denies Mayor Eric Adams Public Matching Funds; Brennan Center Reacts
Brennan Center for Justice – Small Donor Public Financing Explained
American Democracy Minute – Seattle’s Democracy Voucher System of Financing Elections Helps Restore Power to the Voters
Groups Taking Action:
Brennan Center for Justice, Public Citizen, Common Cause, League of Women Voters US
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
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