Fellow Democrats Accuse Phil Murphy of Violating New Jersey Election Laws

With former Goldman Sachs executive Phil Murphy continuing his efforts to buy the Democrat gubernatorial nomination in New Jersey, one of his Democrat primary opponents is levelling serious accusations against the frontrunner. Former Clinton administration official Jim Johnson filed a complaint yesterday claiming that Murphy set up non-profit groups that he used to funnel money into for his gubernatorial bid in violation of election laws.

NJ.com reports:

“Johnson claims two groups Murphy was involved with — New Start New Jersey and New Way for New Jersey — prior to launching his statewide bid amounted to exploratory committees and that Murphy’s eventual gubernatorial campaign benefited from those groups when they raised about $5 million in contributions, according to the complaint.

He also alleges Murphy avoided disclosing some contributors and expenditures and that he skirted the close scrutiny that comes with declaring a gubernatorial run so early. 

“If you are forming a committee that is aiding or promoting your candidacy, then you’ve got to file,” Johnson said on a conference call with reporters on Thursday, the same day his campaign filed the complaint.”

Murphy is already facing intense criticism for attempting to buy the Democrat nomination, contributing hundreds of thousands of dollars to the party’s state committee to earn establishment support. Murphy’s opponents have routinely pointed to his ties to Wall Street and longtime insider status in accusing him of buying the nomination. Murphy’s highly questionable actions show that he is willing to do or say anything to mislead voters.