Stuck Together: Dem Govs Steve Bullock & Terry McAuliffe Keep Close Ties Amid Scandal-Plagued Governorships

“Steve Bullock and Terry McAuliffe’s chummy relationship as scandal-plagued Democrat governors just got even closer,” said RGA Communications Director Jon Thompson. “As Bullock faces growing criticism for in Montana for using the state plane to campaign on the taxpayers’ dime, and the announcement that McAuliffe is under FBI and DOJ investigation for possible illegal campaign contributions, voters in Montana and Virginia are finally realizing why these birds of a feather flock together. Just a few months ago, McAuliffe hosted Bullock for a fundraiser at a DC lobbying firm, and just days ago, McAuliffe sent a fundraising plea for his friend Bullock, going all-in for his campaign. Bullock should immediately disclose what McAuliffe has done for his campaign, if he will return any funds raised by McAuliffe, and if he stands by him during his federal investigation.”

Bullock is facing criticism for his “Plate-Gate” scandal, in which he used the Montana state plane to travel to campaign events on the taxpayers’ dime.

“Montana Gov. Steve Bullock is being criticized for piggybacking campaign events onto government business trips in his state airplane. Criticism of the flights surfaced on social media after it was mentioned in a Feb. 10 Associated Press report that Bullock, a Democrat, was unavailable for comment because he was in Billings making peanut butter sandwiches for the homeless and attending a campaign fundraiser. Similar business trips capped by campaign fundraisers also took place in Bozeman and Missoula. State law generally prohibits use of public resources for political purposes.” (Tom Lutey, “Bullock Criticized For Piggybacking Campaign Stops Onto Official Business Flights,” Billings Gazette, 3/11/2016)

McAuliffe is facing his own scandal, after CNN reported yesterday that he is under investigation by the FBI and Justice Department for possible illegal contributions to his gubernatorial campaign:

“Virginia Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe is the subject of an ongoing investigation by the FBI and prosecutors from the Justice Department’s public integrity unit, U.S. officials briefed on the probe say. The investigation dates to at least last year and has focused, at least in part, on whether donations to his gubernatorial campaign violated the law, the officials said.” (Even Perez, “Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe Under Federal Investigation For Campaign Contributions,” CNN, 5/23/2016)

McAuliffe has taken a keen interest in Bullock’s re-election campaign. In February of this year, McAuliffe hosted a Washington, D.C. fundraiser for Bullock at a top D.C. lobbying firm, appearing as the night’s “special guest.”  

“Over 60 people attended a fundraiser for Montana Gov. Steve Bullock last night at the new Penn Quarter offices of Forbes-Tate. Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe was the night’s special guest.” (Isaac Arnsdorf, “Ellison Responds To CPFB Smear,”POLITICO, 2/19/2016)

And just three days ago, Bullock had McAuliffe issue a fundraising plea on his behalf, personally vouching for Bullock and referring to him as “my friend.”

“My friend, Governor Steve Bullock of Montana, is in a tough race for reelection. That’s why I’m asking you to help with a donation to his campaign so he will have what it takes to win in November.” (Terry McAuliffe Fundraising Email, 5/21/2016)

Also called into question, is McAuliffe’s involvement in the Clinton Global Initiative. Bullock is facing his own Hillary problems, after it was recently revealed he conducted official business on a private email account, similar to what Hillary Clinton did as Secretary of State. 

“Gov. Steve Bullock’s office has released hundreds of pages of emails from the governor’s private account that deal with official state business. The emails released Friday show the Democratic governor used his private email for official communications on a wide variety of topics, from his proposed state budget and legislation to lighting the Capitol at night. Bullock spokesman Tim Crowe says Bullock is not available for comment. The release Friday was in response to requests made by the AP and other news organizations in December for Bullock’s private emails that deal with public business since his term began in 2013.” (Matt Volz & Bobby Caina Calvan, “Bullock’s Office Has Released Hundreds Of Pages Of Emails From Governor’s Private Account That Deal With Official State Business,”Associated Press, 5/6/2016)