http://www.politico.com/story/2015/12/trumps-threat-to-sue-bush-donor-backfires-216606Donald Trump's threats to sue just sparked a bigger legal fight.
Charlie Spies, the Republican campaign-finance whiz who counsels PACs supporting Jeb Bush, is alleging that Trump illegally mixed business and politics when his corporate attorney warned the billionaire's opponents that attack ads could trigger defamation lawsuits. The claim comes in a complaint filed Wednesday with the Federal Election Commission that was obtained exclusively by POLITICO.
Alan Garten, general counsel of the Trump Organization, FedEx'ed bombastic cease-and-desist letters on company letterhead to the Club for Growth, the Right to Rise leadership PAC, and Mike Fernandez, one of Bush's biggest donors. Spies is alleging that Trump crossed a line by using corporate resources to do his campaign's "dirty work."
In a snarky return salvo, Spies quipped about Trump's bankruptcies, reality show fame, plan to build a wall on the Mexican border, and past donations to Democrats. He also questioned Garten's grasp of election law, noting that he addressed his threat to the Right to Rise leadership PAC, which contributes to candidates but doesn't make ads, instead of the well-funded super PAC by the same name.
"In light of your confusion over the difference between Leadership PACs and Super PACs, we have to assume you may also be unaware of the FEC's prohibition on a federal candidate's use of corporate resources for campaign purposes," Spies wrote. "Just as your client is attempting to quickly learn the basics of foreign policy, we wish you personally the best in your attempts to learn election law."
Spies called on the FEC to investigate immediately and to make a referral to the Justice Department.
The Trump Organization defended itself against Spies' allegations, saying in a statement, "The Trump Organization has vigorously policed Mr. Trump’s brand and business interests for many years. Those rights are not forfeited by virtue of Mr. Trump’s candidacy. Going forward, the company will continue to zealously protect Mr. Trump’s brand and business interests wherever and whenever necessary. This is in no way any form of campaign activity and does not run afoul of federal election laws.”
