Harry Reid and the Gifts that Keep on Giving

Screen Shot 2014-03-27 at 12.49.22 PMIn a repeat of the same crime that sent Jesse Jackson Jr. to prison, according to reports, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s campaign paid his granddaughter more than $31,000 (up from a previous total of nearly $17,000) for “holiday gifts” to give to supporters and staff.  Those gifts turned out to be jewelry made by Sen. Reid’s granddaughter, Ryan Elisabeth Reid, and Sen. Reid attempted to cover it up in a mandatory disclosure document by omitting her last name (Reid).  Shortly after the story began circulating, Sen. Reid defended the arrangement but announced he would personally reimburse the campaign. Yesterday, Reid Said the scandal was “done” after he returned the $17,000. Not so fast.

The five-term senator’s ability to help his relatives may extend well beyond $31,000 for jewelry.  “Ryan Elisabeth,” a recent college graduate, describes herself as a “performing arts professional.” In addition to her jewelry company — which is not mentioned on her LinkedIn profile — she also works as an assistant at the Tim Bavington Studio in Las Vegas and as artistic director at Sprat Theatre Company in Brooklyn, N.Y. (a company which she founded). Sprat received financial support from two Nevada-based foundations that typically prohibit donations to organizations outside of their service areas. The foundations belong to gaming and energy companies that have also donated to Sen. Reid, according to Adam O’Neil’s report in Real Clear Politics, which should raise some eyebrows.

The story may dissipate unless the Federal Election Commission finds that the gifts were not, as rules require, so “nominal.” But the stench remains — grandpa gives granddaughter money from campaign to give gifts (which Sen. Reid’s office won’t itemize or describe). And the granddaughter gets to keep the money, whether it came from the campaign or from her grandfather, as it should have in the first place.

Hey but nothing to see here. Move along.

Read more:  http://www.ralstonreports.com/blog/reid-elder-dismisses-gifts-controversy-presser-and-reid-younger-defends-daughterdad#.UzOIS_ldWbo

Anita Gunn

California PolitiChick "Anita Gunn" is a closeted conservative working the entertainment business. Anita started at a major talent agency, assisting a well-known music agent, and is now a VP at a major movie studio. Anita grew up in a very liberal Jewish home, and bought the Utopian dream of a one world government and social justice for all. Anita did her best to "save the planet," pontificating about how the evil Republicans and greedy corporations were destroying the earth. 9/11 shook Anita's foundation and everything that she believed. By the time Obama burst into the scene in 2007, Anita was morphing into a conservative. Of course, coming out of the closet as a conservative in the entertainment industry is pretty much career suicide, she says, so in 2011, the name "Anita Gunn" was born. Anita has done commentary about the culture war on such radio shows as the Dr. Gina Show, Real Side with Joe Messina and Socialism is not an Option on Blog Talk Radio. Anita started a secret conservative Facebook group which has 1000 active members, and is part of another secret group of artists who behind such videos as Cruz Against the Machine. There are still some remnants from Anita's liberal days, including the love of Astrology and wearing platforms and bellbottoms--and yet signs of her conservative switch can be seen by her ever-present gun necklace. Anita says her goal is to help rebrand and hip up the conservative movement to include more artists, musicians, actors, gays and minorities and young people. Anita's belief is that if she saw the light, there are others who would also embrace the conservative movement, if only just shown the way. Follow Anita Gunn on Twitter @AnitaGunn1.

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