Staff Reports
Joe Biden’s sudden withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race has thrown the Democratic party into a frenzy. Now, the question on everyone's mind: Should Kamala Harris be allowed to access the nearly $96 million left in Biden’s campaign war chest?
Federal Election Commission (FEC) Chair Sean Cooksey, appointed by Donald Trump, suggests that Harris may not have an easy path to those funds. According to Cooksey, transferring Biden’s campaign funds to Harris isn’t as straightforward as the Democrats would like us to believe. "It’s really complicated," Cooksey remarked on NPR’s “Morning Edition,” hinting that legal challenges could arise both within the FEC and in the courts.
On the other hand, Democratic Commissioner Dara Lindenbaum dismissed Cooksey’s concerns, asserting that Harris has every right to the campaign funds. She argued, “It’s quite clear, Vice President Harris can continue using the campaign committee and its funds.” This stance is echoed by campaign finance lawyers who claim that since the funds were raised for both Biden and Harris, they are now rightfully hers.
Steve Roberts, former general counsel to Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, also chimed in, calling Cooksey’s interpretation “wishful thinking.” Roberts pointed out that the Biden-Harris campaign was a joint venture, much like the Trump-Pence campaign in 2020, which did not separate their committees or contribution limits.
The political and legal wrangling over these funds could lead to significant delays and confusion. With only 106 days until the general election, time is not on Harris’s side. Even if she secures the funds, the Trump campaign is poised to challenge the transfer, potentially bogging down her campaign in legal battles just as she’s trying to gain momentum.
Adding to the chaos, Biden’s endorsement of Harris has spurred a rapid rebranding of his campaign to “Harris for President.” This swift transition signals a desperate attempt by the Democrats to rally behind Harris and streamline the transfer of resources.
Harris's allies are scrambling to mobilize donors and secure financial commitments. Despite the near certainty of Harris accessing the campaign funds, significant hurdles remain. Questions about the legitimacy of this transfer and potential court challenges could hinder Harris’s ability to utilize the funds effectively.
In this unprecedented situation, the FEC’s final decision and potential legal battles will play a critical role in determining the future of the Harris campaign. One thing is clear: the road to the White House for Kamala Harris is fraught with legal landmines and political challenges.
Stay tuned, because this political soap opera is just getting started.
