Rep. Elise Stefanik is taking heat from many donors for failing to do a basic background check on George Santos, who has been exposed as a serial liar about his past.
When the NY Representative got behind the Santos candidacy, Stefanik described Santos as “a friend” during her endorsement.
Stefanik is the fourth-ranking House Republican. Her endorsement was crucial to getting New York Republicans to rally around this America First conman.
CNN is reporting that many donors are furious at Stefanik and more and more embarrassing details emerge about his entirely fake candidacy.
Several prominent GOP donors told CNN that they gave to Santos, who was largely unknown to them, because Stefanik, the state’s most influential elected Republican and a prolific fundraiser, backed him.
“I would have never donated without Elise,” said Ken Salamone, who gave $5,800 to Santos’ campaign and more than $20,000 to his joint fundraising committee, after Stefanik’s team reached out on his behalf. “I assumed she did her homework. I always do my homework and didn’t. Shame on me.”
Many other donors said they were convinced to support Santos on Stefanik’s and other Republicans who backed him.
Sources also told CNN “that a top political aide for Stefanik was involved in campaigning for Santos. Multiple sources told CNN that aide was closely advising Santos’ campaign and involved in hiring people.”
It is inconceivable that Rep. Stefanik did not perform any sort of due diligence on the life of Santos before going all in and supporting him. She just didn’t care.
