Complaint filed against Elton John/Hillary fundraiser

By Michelle Malkin  •  April 14, 2008 04:57 PM

Judicial Watch has filed a complaint with the FEC over that Elton John/Hillary fundraiser. Not that there’s anyone actually at the FEC who’ll do anything about it, what with the stalemate over FEC nominees rendering the office completely dysfunctional. Oh, well. Here’s the press release:

Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, announced today that it filed a formal complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) related to a fundraising concert by musician Sir Elton John on behalf of Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. Elton John, a foreign national, is prohibited by federal law, from making any contribution to a federal, state or local election campaign.

“Recent news reports suggest that Hillary Clinton and Hillary Clinton for President have accepted an in-kind contribution from a foreign national, Sir Elton John, in contravention of federal electon laws,” Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton stated in an April 14 letter to the Office of the General Counsel for the FEC. “On behalf of Judicial Watch and its supporters, I hereby request that the FEC investigate this matter.”

According to a press release issued by the Clinton campaign, the expressed intent of the concert was to raise funds for Hillary’s campaign for president. In the release, Elton John is quoted as saying, “I’m excited to support Hillary by performing at what will be a truly memorable night.”

Press reports also show that Sir Elton John, on March 17, 2008, through the Clinton campaign, sent out a mass email announcing the concert and soliciting support. The Elton John concert took place on April 9, 2008 and raised more than $2.5 million (from the sale of 5,000 tickets) for Hillary Clinton and Hillary Clinton for President.

However, according to 2 U.S.C. § 441e, “Contributions and donations by foreign nationals,” it is illegal for any foreign national to “make a contribution or donation of money or other thing of value…in connection with a Federal, State or local election.” The Washington Times reported March 27, 2008, that a “1981 FEC decision prohibited a foreign national artist from donating his services in connection with fundraising for a U.S. Senate campaign.”

“It looks as if Elton John, a foreign national, gave a valuable, in-kind contribution to Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, which is prohibited by law. The FEC and other authorities need to take appropriate action and investigate Hillary Clinton, her campaign, and Elton John,” stated Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton.

The full complaint is here.

Posted in: Hillary Clinton

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  1. #287143
    On April 14th, 2008 at 4:59 pm, Mortis said:

    Hmmm, I don’t want to be a nitpicker, but I do think it’s a valid point.

  2. #287146
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:01 pm, mklasing said:

    I agree–this is silly. Was his opening song “The Bitch is Back?” If so, then maybe there should be an investigation after all. :)

  3. #287147
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:02 pm, josetheguerilla said:

    Hmmm, I don’t want to be a nitpicker, but I do think it’s a valid point.

    What are talking about?

  4. #287148
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:02 pm, TexasTiger said:

    It seems to me you lived your life like a scandal in the wind…

  5. #287153
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:03 pm, walterc said:

    So Sir John, it’s not that we hate women, it’s just that we hate foreign celebrities interfering in our elections.

    We have enough “celebrities” of our own telling us how to vote based on their entertainment induced egos.

  6. #287157
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:05 pm, Michelle Malkin said:

    Hmmm, I don’t want to be a nitpicker, but I do think it’s a valid point.

    I don’t think you understood the post. Or maybe I just don’t understand you.

    I think Judicial Watch’s complaint is worth looking into. The point is there’s no one around at the FEC to do it.

  7. #287168
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:09 pm, terrig said:

    Actually I’m surprised it took this long.

  8. #287172
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:09 pm, Seabee40 said:

    Business as usual for Clinton, to bad nothing will happen. The clintons are”teflon turds” nothing sticks to them.

  9. #287173
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:10 pm, josetheguerilla said:

    However, according to 2 U.S.C. § 441e, “Contributions and donations by foreign nationals,” it is illegal for any foreign national to “make a contribution or donation of money or other thing of value…in connection with a Federal, State or local election.” The Washington Times reported March 27, 2008, that a “1981 FEC decision prohibited a foreign national artist from donating his services in connection with fundraising for a U.S. Senate campaign.”

    This is very close to what happned, except it was a Presidential campaign. I don’t think they’ll do anything about it. If they would Goracle would be in jail for the Buddhist-gate.

  10. #287177
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:12 pm, luckybrand said:

    Well, the Clintons have probably been taking foreign money for so long over the past 8 years, they didn’t think this concert would pose a problem.

  11. #287178
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:12 pm, graysonret said:

    You’re certainly right about that, walterc. I’m sick of “celebs” telling us how to eat, drink, live and vote. Yet, when you look at their lives, all you can show is disgust; between the dictator-coddling, marriages and divorces faster than news can be printed, rehab vacations every couple of months, and anti-American behavior. But, I can understand why Clinton likes Elton (no “sir” from me). When you’re broke and losing, you get money from wherever you can get it. The MSM is so bad, that if either one deliberately killed their spouse, the news would be about it being driven by a “right wing conspiracy”, done in secret by conservatives.

  12. #287179
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:12 pm, BayStateRepublican said:

    His presence was the value. The performance a “thing of value”? HA

    It looked like he needed some sunlight and a good visit to the tailor.

  13. #287186
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:16 pm, ajmontana said:

    Tiger ha! very good, #4…. lol

  14. #287189
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:18 pm, DesertLover said:

    I agree Michelle that the currently feckless FEC will do nothing … however … had this been a concert to raise funds for John McCain the complaint would have been filed before the concert was over …

  15. #287197
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:24 pm, mojack420 said:

    I am shocked, shocked I tell you! Who would have thunk that hilldabeast would have foreign nationals making contributions to campaign.

  16. #287198
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:24 pm, TexasTiger said:

    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:16 pm, ajmontana said:

    Tiger ha! very good, #4…. lol

    Thanks. It must be my bitterness seeping out. Sorry, we’re only bitter when we zing Oh!b♥m♥. Clint♂n is fair game, right? :lol:

  17. #287199
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:25 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    The performance a “thing of value”? HA

    Good point BayState!

  18. #287204
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:27 pm, dakine said:

    Now there’s the funny TT I so fondly remember…I laughed out loud a little on that one.

  19. #287206
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:27 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    Seriously for a moment…Can we stop with all the foreign donations? Even for ex-Prez’s? Bill getting money from Saudi Arabia and Dubai is embrassing and unseemly. (I’m not talking parties here, I expect George will be getting a Saudi funded library too.)

  20. #287216
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:32 pm, Barry F. said:

    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:02 pm, TexasTiger said:

    It seems to me you lived your life like a scandal in the wind…

    Oooh! That was a good one, Tiger! :lol:

  21. #287217
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:32 pm, John Ansell said:

    What ever happened to the Peter Paul scandal?

  22. #287222
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:34 pm, DiamondMair said:

    “Average” of $500.00/ticket?!? I didn’t realize Sir Elton commanded Barbra Streisand-type prices …………………..

    Semper Fi’
    DM

  23. #287229
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:35 pm, Barry F. said:

    Michelle’s point is sound. The FEC is so impotent, there is no need holding our breath waiting for anything to happen. Even if all the nominations were approved and the vacancies filled, I wouldn’t hold out for any real action on it. Call me skeptical, I guess.

  24. #287240
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:41 pm, TexasTiger said:

    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:32 pm, John Ansell said:

    What ever happened to the Peter Paul scandal?

    Nothing. Mary is not co-operating.

  25. #287241
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:41 pm, GJCorby said:

    I don’t see a problem here if Mexico can set our immigration policy why can’t Great Britian select our presidential canidates?

  26. #287242
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:43 pm, SeniorD said:

    Wrong title – should be Dame Elton John.

    Unfortunately, nothing will come of this. The FEC is powerless so, as Barry says, ‘Don’t hold your breath.’

  27. #287248
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:47 pm, libocrat said:

    Why is Elton John, (not his real name-Reginald Dwight) referred to as “Sir” in this article. Here in America he isn’t a “Sir”, not that I’d call him “Lady” either.

  28. #287249
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:48 pm, TexasTiger said:

    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:43 pm, SeniorD said:

    Wrong title – should be Dame Elton John.

    How about Damn Elton John?

  29. #287254
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:52 pm, ajmontana said:

    You guys are just fishing for the wrath of rusty.

  30. #287255
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:53 pm, mnmike said:

    Say, isn’t Sir Elton a extraterrestrial?

  31. #287256
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:54 pm, mnmike said:

    Can’t recall the planet, only that it’s described as flaming.

  32. #287257
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:54 pm, Barry F. said:

    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:52 pm, ajmontana said:

    You guys are just fishing for the wrath of rusty.

    I have this image of fish and a barrel for some strange reason. ;-)

  33. #287258
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:54 pm, TexasTiger said:

    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:52 pm, ajmontana said:

    You guys are just fishing for the wrath of rusty.

    That’s a tempest in a teapot…sitting on a lacy doily! :lol:

  34. #287260
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:55 pm, libocrat said:

    Extra testicals! Sir indeed!

  35. #287261
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:57 pm, Milwaukee Mike said:

    When I heard about this fundraiser, I questioned the propriety of a non-US citizen promoting a political figure. Seems to be a clear no-no according to what’s written above.
    The only gray area could be if he holds dual citizenship.

  36. #287266
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:59 pm, libocrat said:

    MilwaukeeMike, Elton’s wife is an American. With 2 testicles. Does that change things at all?

  37. #287268
    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:59 pm, JohnS said:

    When I saw this on TV I thought…”who the hell cares what Elton John thinks!” He is nothing but a chronic drug addict who neither lives here, nor is a citizen. He may have written some good songs, but who is he to tell me how to vote?

    It would be like Bruce Sprinsteen (another liberal idiot) telling the people of England how to vote in their election. I would never be that presumptuous, but Liberals always are. That is one of the reasons they are so annoying.

  38. #287269
    On April 14th, 2008 at 6:00 pm, libocrat said:

    MilwaukeeMike, he used to be a “dual citizen”, but now he’s only gay.

  39. #287275
    On April 14th, 2008 at 6:02 pm, libocrat said:

    JohnS, Elton lives in Atlanta.

  40. #287278
    On April 14th, 2008 at 6:03 pm, TexasTiger said:

    libocrat:

    ROTFL. Well played.

  41. #287284
    On April 14th, 2008 at 6:05 pm, Fat Jolly Penguin said:

    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:18 pm, DesertLover said:
    I agree Michelle that the currently feckless FEC will do nothing … however … had this been a concert to raise funds for John McCain the complaint would have been filed before the concert was over …

    It wouldn’t have even taken that long. The complaint would have been filed before the concert started.

  42. #287289
    On April 14th, 2008 at 6:11 pm, luckybrand said:

    I would never be that presumptuous, but Liberals always are. That is one of the reasons they are so annoying.

    Riiiiggght. Just as presumptuous as your blanket statement.

  43. #287290
    On April 14th, 2008 at 6:11 pm, luckybrand said:

    Oh, credit JohnS for the above quote.

  44. #287295
    On April 14th, 2008 at 6:13 pm, John Ansell said:

    LOL Texas Tiger #24. I think Barack kidnapped Puff the magic dragon so Mary is out trying to find him.

  45. #287315
    On April 14th, 2008 at 6:27 pm, Mortis said:

    Michelle, I need to learn how to read better or something….

  46. #287316
    On April 14th, 2008 at 6:28 pm, TexasTiger said:

    John:

    Thank you. Have some Barackware.

  47. #287341
    On April 14th, 2008 at 6:45 pm, John Ansell said:

    You are on a roll today Texas Tiger. Keep it up.

  48. #287345
    On April 14th, 2008 at 6:46 pm, Boomer said:

    Hopefully no missile or satellite technology was exchanged for the services of a foreign national along with his political endorsement provided to “she who must not be named.” Even if the FEC could form a quorum I seriously doubt they would go after her.

  49. #287349
    On April 14th, 2008 at 6:49 pm, libocrat said:

    Boomer?? “she who must not be named”??
    Elton or Hillary?

  50. #287357
    On April 14th, 2008 at 6:52 pm, SeniorD said:

    MilwaukeeMike, Elton’s wife is an American. With 2 testicles. Does that change things at all?

    Just confirms the relationship and the proper title – Dame Elton.

  51. #287377
    On April 14th, 2008 at 7:08 pm, DBNinKY said:
    “…Elton John, a foreign national, gave a valuable, in-kind contribution to Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, which is prohibited by law. The FEC and other authorities need to take appropriate action and investigate Hillary Clinton, her campaign, and Elton John… .”

    “Not that there’s anyone actually at the FEC who’ll do anything about it… .”

    Coincidence or conspiracy? Hmm…

  52. #287382
    On April 14th, 2008 at 7:13 pm, TexasTiger said:

    On April 14th, 2008 at 6:27 pm, Mortis said:

    Michelle, I need to learn how to read better or something….

    Don’t worry. When the heavens part, the choirs of angels sing and Oh!b♥m♥ is annointed, you too will be entitled to attend the Derek Zoolander Barack Obama Center For Children Who Can’t Read Good And Wanna Learn To Do Other Stuff Good Too. There you will learn that there’s more to life than being really, really good looking.
    :lol:

  53. #287385
    On April 14th, 2008 at 7:15 pm, TexasTiger said:

    On April 14th, 2008 at 7:08 pm, DBNinKY said:

    Coincidence or conspiracy? Hmm…

    You can’t blame the FEC. Who in their right mind would want to touch Elton John’s subpoena. Yeccch.

  54. #287400
    On April 14th, 2008 at 7:23 pm, Barry F. said:

    Tiger, you certainly are feeling your oats today, huh? :lol:

  55. #287406
    On April 14th, 2008 at 7:26 pm, txvet2 said:

    Coincidence or conspiracy? Hmm…

    Nothing about the Clintons is coincidence. No doubt the reason the Democrats have blocked nominees to the FEC is to prevent any investigation into the upcoming election. Seems I read someplace a while back that there aren’t enough sitting members to make a quorum, hence nothing can or will be done until the next President is inaugurated. Go to your corners and come out cheating!

  56. #287425
    On April 14th, 2008 at 7:34 pm, Romeo13 said:

    Yep, I want this investigated… and also Obamas campaign…

    Seems that a LOT of campaign contributions are coming across the internet, and they’ve spoken of millions of dollars in contributions of $50 or $100… Problem is that anything less than 200 does not need to be declared to the FEC…

    Is there anyone minding the store?

  57. #287426
    On April 14th, 2008 at 7:36 pm, Boomer said:

    libocrat thanks for a great after dinner laugh! Great for the digestion! That’s the little pet name the wife and I have for Hillary. She is a huge Harry Potter fan. She is reading the “Deathly Hallows” again as I type this. :D

  58. #287433
    On April 14th, 2008 at 7:39 pm, Gene said:

    On April 14th, 2008 at 5:34 pm, DiamondMair said:

    “Average” of $500.00/ticket?!? I didn’t realize Sir Elton commanded Barbra Streisand-type prices …………………..

    Semper Fi’
    DM

    Why not? Both girls are plug ugly fiberal women, so it follows a pattern.

    Aren’t we blessed to have MM?

  59. #287498
    On April 14th, 2008 at 8:20 pm, JohnS said:

    Libocrat…you know what I mean. So he “lives” in Atlalnta. If you were to look I’d bet you he spends much of her (I mean his? whatever he/she is…)time in England. Even so it doesn’t matter. He is not a citizen so who cares what he thinks. I know I don’t and most of America doesn’t.

  60. #287503
    On April 14th, 2008 at 8:25 pm, PatriotRider said:

    On another note, FNC online asks “Does Obama win if the world votes?” The world don’t get to vote. We do. So get over it. And if foreign countries want to play in our system then we should keep the money and jail the recipient.

  61. #287536
    On April 14th, 2008 at 8:47 pm, jlibertarian said:

    Two of the world’s most repulsive people in the same picture! Ugh, I think I need a grief counselor, or an exorcist.

  62. #287560
    On April 14th, 2008 at 9:10 pm, JennyBea said:

    I don’t see a problem here if Mexico can set our immigration policy why can’t Great Britian select our presidential canidates?

    Um, yeah. I was thinking the same thing. I mean, why enforce one law when so many others are looked at as just plain breakable.

  63. #287679
    On April 14th, 2008 at 10:14 pm, Storm Chaser said:

    This thing has so embittered me, that I as a typical white rustic must hug my rifle, go to a prayer meeting, and drive my pickup around to yell at people who are different from me. Never has such a large group of people like Elton had so little to feel elite about.

  64. #287725
    On April 14th, 2008 at 10:37 pm, Thunderbird 1 said:

    “It’s sad, so sad. It’s a sad, sad situation. / But it’s getting more and more absurd. / It’s sad, so sad. Why can’t we talk it over. / Sorry seems to be the hardest word…”

    Actually, last I checked (like when I worked for his label 89-94), Elton maintained a residence in Atlanta and (I thought) held dual citizenship. I could be wrong about the latter part.

    Nonetheless, it’s unfortunate this should come up as Hil strives for her Philadelphia Freedom.

  65. #287774
    On April 14th, 2008 at 11:12 pm, rightisright said:

    Besides the DOD which dept. is semi-functional anymore?

  66. #287912
    On April 15th, 2008 at 3:19 am, jbirish said:

    Seems to me that his statement about “women-hating Americans” is a little over the top considering his choice of a mate.

  67. #288636
    On April 15th, 2008 at 2:41 pm, Tropopause said:

    Valid points on the contributions of foreigners. Laws are laws, and no one should be above the law, not even George W Bush.

    Question: Who (President) or what (Congress) is responsible for staffing the FEC? Why are these long standing vacancies being neglected? Who gains from this negligence? I’m not implying conspiracy, just trying to understand why, with so much electoral controversy in recent years, the FEC is left unstaffed.

    Does anyone in government do their job any more?

  68. #289134
    On April 15th, 2008 at 10:18 pm, PatriotRider said:

    Strange. It seems that she-who-should-not-be-named is a woman(?) that Sir(?) Elton doesn’t mind kissing. EEEEWWWWWW!

  69. #290263
    On April 16th, 2008 at 6:13 pm, mockmook said:

    Gads!!!

    This is why most (all?) campaign contribution limits should go.

    How do you calculate the contribution of “labor”? Who has the objectivity and all-seeing power to create the formula?

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