Note: This press release was provided by Maryland Senate Republican Caucus

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – This morning on the Senate Floor, Senator Jason Gallion introduced a late-filed bill that will close the campaign fundraising loophole recently exposed by the news that Governor Moore will be headlining a fundraiser this evening for a Federal Super PAC that advances his political interests. The Senate voted in favor of the late introduction, but did not support a suspension of the rules to move the bill straight to its standing committee. The bill will now have to pass out of the Rules Committee.

“We have laws prohibiting ALL state law makers, including the Governor, from fundraising during session,” said Senator Jason Gallion. “Despite not passing the smell test, the Governor agreed to be the headliner for a fundraiser to support a PAC that advances his political interests. This is wholly inappropriate. This bill would close this dark money loophole and add Federal PAC fundraising and appearing as a featured guest to the prohibited fundraising actions during the Legislative Session.”

“Our Governor Wes Moore has decided that this law does not apply to him,” said Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready. “Tonight, at a top-secret location with a rumored $10,000 ticket price, the Governor’s presence will drive attendance and contributions to this PAC. I call on my colleagues to stand up for what is right. Would they approve of every single member of the General Assembly doing the exact same thing?

“Every person in this room knows fundraising during session is not permitted,” said Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey. “The Governor should know that as well, whether the fundraising supports a Federal PAC or his own campaign account. The laws were built to not tarnish the integrity of the legislative process, and we would expect, the Governor recognize that whether this activity is legal or not, it is unethical.”

Delegate Nic Kipke will introduce the companion bill in the House of Delegates.

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