Salt Lake City, UT – A new report has revealed that Utah Sen. Mike Lee (R), a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, received campaign donations from three Arizona fake electors.
According to a report in The Salt Lake Tribune, Lee received donations totaling tens of thousands of dollars from James Lamon, Jake Hoffman, and Tyler Bowyer. All three individuals signed documents falsely claiming that Trump won the 2020 election in Arizona.
Lamon, a former CEO of a solar power company, donated $8,700 to Lee’s campaign in January and March of 2021. He also donated $15,000 to Lee’s leadership political action committee in January 2022.
Hoffman, an Arizona state legislator, contributed $1,200 to Lee in June 2021. He gained notoriety ahead of the 2020 election when Facebook banned his digital marketing firm for running a “troll farm” on behalf of Turning Point Action, the political arm of Turning Point USA. Hoffman’s company’s effort was described as “among the most ambitious domestic influence campaigns” uncovered during the 2020 election.
Bowyer, the chief operating officer of Turning Point USA, donated $1,000 to Lee in June 2021.
The report comes as Lee continues to push unfounded conspiracy theories about the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. He recently retweeted a post by a former West Virginia lawmaker who pleaded guilty to a felony civil disorder charge for his part in the riot, claiming that the post provides evidence of undercover federal agents disguised as MAGA supporters.
Lee’s assertions have been widely debunked by reporters and former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY), who accused him of knowingly spreading misinformation.
Lee has not responded to the Tribune’s report about the Arizona fake elector donations.
I can’t wait to ask FBI Director Christopher Wray about this at our next oversight hearing.
I predict that, as always, his answers will be 97% information-free. https://t.co/m3rRE4Byfu
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) November 19, 2023
Analysis
The revelation that Lee received campaign donations from fake electors is significant for several reasons.
First, it raises questions about Lee’s judgment and his commitment to upholding the law. Lee was aware of the allegations against these individuals, and yet he chose to accept their donations anyway. This suggests that he is either indifferent to the truth or that he believes that the ends justify the means.
Second, it further undermines Lee’s credibility. He has already been accused of spreading misinformation about the 2020 election and the January 6th attack. The fact that he is now associated with fake electors will likely further damage his reputation.
Third, it could have legal implications. The Justice Department is currently investigating the January 6th attack, and it is possible that Lee could be subpoenaed to testify. If he is, he could face questions about his relationship with the fake electors and whether he participated in any wrongdoing.
Conclusion
The report that Lee received campaign donations from fake electors is a serious development. It raises questions about his judgment, his commitment to upholding the law, and his credibility. It is also possible that it could have legal implications.
Lee has not yet responded to the report, but he will likely be under pressure to do so in the coming days. It remains to be seen how he will address the allegations.