It is a regular occurrence nowadays to see South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham begging for donations to his campaign as the race between him and Democrat Jaime Harrison tightens. But, this time it appears that Graham went too far.
On Wednesday, he pleaded for donations at the Capitol after he emerged from the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings to confirm judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.
“I think people in South Carolina are excited about Judge Barrett. I don’t know how much it affected fundraising today, but if you want to help me close the gap,” Graham told reporters at the Capitol.
It’s illegal to solicit campaign contributions inside a federal building. 18 U.S. Code § 607, explicitly states: “It shall be unlawful for an individual who is an officer or employee of the Federal Government, including the President, Vice President, and Members of Congress, to solicit or receive a donation of money or other thing of value in connection with a Federal, State, or local election, while in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by an officer or employee of the United States, from any person.”
A person who violates this rule shall be fined not more than $5,000, imprisoned not more than 3 years, or both.
The Senate select Committee on Ethics also states: “Senate Members and staff may not receive or solicit campaign contributions in any federal building”
Graham is hoping that the role he plays in getting another conservative justice confirmed to the Supreme Court is enough to help him win re-election because he doesn’t have the money to compete with Jaime Harrison. Harrison raised a record $57 million last month while Graham raised $28 million.
With the polls showing both candidates neck and neck, Graham is left with no choice than to try and close the money gap which would explain his frequent appearances on FOX news, including Wednesday night’s appearance where he once again beg for campaign donations.
“They hate my guts,” Graham complained to Sean Hannity. “My opponent has raised $57 million, the most in the Senate, in the history of the United States Senate because they want to take me out.”
