Congressman Ro Khanna supports banning federal lobbyist money but has accepted contributions from Jed York, a registered lobbyist for Santa Clara.
Congressman Ro Khanna has long advocated for banning federal lobbyist contributions to members of Congress. However, he recently accepted a $3,300 contribution from Jed York, co-owner and CEO of the San Francisco 49ers, who is also a registered lobbyist in Santa Clara. This contribution represents the maximum amount allowed by law.
While Khanna’s spokesperson Marie Baldassarre explained that the congressman focuses on federal policy and is not involved in state or local decisions, she couldn’t confirm whether Khanna was aware of York’s lobbying status. Despite inquiries, Baldassarre also stated that Khanna wouldn’t be returning the contribution.
Khanna defended the contribution, explaining that his team checked the federal lobbyist registry and insisting that his pledge against lobbyist money only applies to federal lobbyists. He pointed out his work with York on projects like reindustrialization in Ohio and expanding STEM education in the Bay Area, emphasizing York’s leadership during the pandemic.
However, ethicist Dr. Tom Shanks criticized Khanna’s defense, arguing that money in politics has a detrimental effect regardless of the level, and calling out York’s influence in local politics. Shanks suggested that if Khanna wanted to uphold strong ethical standards, he should return York’s contribution.
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