The Florida Independent - Stanley Calls on Crenshaw to Return Contributions from Arrested Lobbyist

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By Virginia Chamlee

In a new press release, independent congressional candidate Troy Stanley calls for his Republican opponent Rep. Ander Crenshaw to refund "any and all contributions directed by Paul Magliocchetti, who has been accused of funneling illegal campaign contributions to scores of congressional candidates."

Paul Magliocchetti, founder and owner of the PMA Group and once one of Washington's most influential lobbyists, was arrested on Aug. 5 on 11 charges -- eight for making illegal campaign contributions, three for making false statements. On the same day, his son Mark pleaded guilty to one charge of making illegal campaign contributions, but said in a sworn statement that it was at the urging of his father, the mastermind of the scheme.

According to Stanley's press release, "both Magliocchettis have contributed $1000 directly to Crenshaw's campaign committee, according to disclosure documents filed with the Federal Elections Commission."

More from the press release:

Paul Magliocchetti's scheme has a unique connection to Crenshaw's First Coast congressional district. Magliocchetti maintains a part-time residence on Amelia Island, Florida. Two Amelia Island residents, John Pugliese and Jon C. Walker have been singled out by investigators as "straw men" Magliocchetti used to move campaign funds to influential Senators and Representatives. Crenshaw has received $4,300 in campaign cash from both Pugliese and Walker, according to FEC records. As of the reporting period ending June 30, 2010, none of these contributions have been refunded by Crenshaw.

Many PMA Group contributions were directed toward members of the powerful appropriations committees. Crenshaw is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies. Crenshaw has been credited with securing a $1 million dollar earmark for a PMA client in the 2008 defense appropriations bill which was enacted in 2007.

Stanley urges that Crenshaw make a full refund of all of the contributions directed by Magliocchetti. "We must take the necessary steps to ensure fairness in the electoral process," Stanley says. "I do not support the use of earmarks as a legislative practice. We must take great pains to restore the public trust in Congress and to limit the influence of unscrupulous lobbyists."

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