ERIE, PA — The Ryan Bizzarro Campaign for Pennsylvania Treasurer has fired a salvo at Erin McClelland, accusing her of financial impropriety and violating campaign finance laws. Bizzarro’s campaign spokesperson, Amanda Hammock, issued a statement on Wednesday demanding an investigation into McClelland’s alleged wrongdoings.
According to the statement, McClelland, who is also vying for the position of Pennsylvania State Treasurer, purportedly mishandled campaign finances throughout 2023. Hammock claims that McClelland ran a fictitious State Treasurer campaign, raising and spending money from an account set up for an entirely different purpose.
“Erin McClelland blazed a path of financial impropriety and fiscal mismanagement while violating both state and federal election laws,” said Hammock. She called for the Attorney General and district attorneys to investigate these allegations, asserting that McClelland’s actions were not simple mistakes but a “monthslong pattern of improper behavior.”
The Bizzarro campaign alleges that McClelland failed to register as a candidate for State Treasurer and raised and spent funds without disclosing contributions and expenditures with the Secretary of the Commonwealth, as required by law.
Furthermore, Hammock accused McClelland of using a misleading political disclaimer name for her supposed 2023 State Treasurer campaign, identical to her County Executive campaign committee. This, she claimed, led to intentional deception of donors, Democratic committees, and others involved in various financial transactions.
In response to the allegations, McClelland blamed Allegheny County “glitches” and admitted to having a “bunch of systemic learning” to do. However, Hammock dismissed these comments as further attempts to mislead the public.
“Erin McClelland has been a perennial candidate, running for multiple offices, and has more knowledge and experience than most when it comes to campaign finance law requirements,” Hammock asserted. “She entered the data incorrectly, plain and simple.”
This controversy could have significant implications for the upcoming State Treasurer election. If these allegations prove to be true, it could damage McClelland’s campaign and credibility. On the other hand, if they are baseless, this could backfire on Bizzarro’s campaign, making him appear as an aggressive opponent rather than a focused candidate.
It’s worth noting that these are serious accusations and should be treated as such. Campaign finance laws exist to ensure transparency and fairness in elections. Violations of these laws undermine the democratic process and erode public trust in our elected officials.
At the same time, it’s crucial to consider all sides of the story. McClelland, for her part, has not yet provided a detailed response to these allegations. It’s also important to remember that accusations are not proof of wrongdoing. An investigation, if initiated, would help shed light on the matter.
As we approach the 2024 State Treasurer election, voters across Pennsylvania will be following this development closely. The outcome could potentially influence their decisions at the ballot box.
In the meantime, it’s imperative for all candidates to uphold the highest standards of transparency and integrity in their campaigns. Only then can voters make informed choices about who should manage the state’s finances.
As the saying goes, “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” But until the facts are laid bare, Pennsylvania residents will be left wondering where the truth lies in this heated political battle.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.