John Odom, a top donor to Louisiana gubernatorial candidate Jeff Landry is demanding his $100,000 donation back after finding out that the campaign hired former Donald Trump 2016 campaign manager Corey Lewandowski as a political adviser, according to Politico.
Odom, a construction executive, has personal history with Lewandowski. In 2021, Odom’s then-wife, Trashelle Odom, accused Lewandowski of making unwanted sexual advances towards her at a charity dinner in Las Vegas.
Lewandowski was subsequently fired as the head of the Super PAC supporting Donald Trump and was charged with misdemeanor battery. Lewandowski later agreed to a plea deal with prosecutors. Under the deal he did not have to admit guilt as long as he paid a $1,000 fine, completed 50 hours of community service, and attended counseling for controlling impulses.
After the Louisiana Illuminator broke the news about Landry’s campaign hiring Lewandowski last week Odom decided it was a step too far.
Odom told Politico he was “deeply disappointed and disgusted by Jeff Landry’s decision to hire Corey Lewandowski,” adding that he wants his donations returned “immediately” and said it was “obvious that [Landry] is not the kind of leader that Louisiana needs.”
In a statement, Landry’s campaign said they “appreciate the support” from all their donors “and are looking forward to working to make Louisiana Great Again.” They did not say whether they plan to return Odom’s contribution.
Lewandowski told Politico that he “won’t dignify Mr. Odom with a response” after bringing up the fact that Odom pleaded guilty to white color crimes more than a decade ago.
In response, Odom told the outlet: “Funny. I wasn’t such a bad guy when Landry accepted my $100,000 contribution.”
