Congressman Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ-01) accepted thousands in campaign donations from a super PAC that encourages candidates to support measures to “reduce the annual budget for law enforcement and defense spending.”
The Courage to Change PAC, connected to Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, donated the money to O’Halleran’s campaign in early 2021, according to disclosures filed with the Federal Election Commission.
In a questionnaire for candidates to receive support from the progressive PAC, candidates must answer a series of questions related to their stance.
“If running for a legislative position, do you pledge to vote for the following; alternatively, if running for an executive position or a position that does not vote on such matters, do you pledge to publicly support and work towards the following:”
“A public safety strategy to reduce the annual budget for law enforcement and defense spending, and shift those funds towards community resources and programs, including: victim support and compensation funds; community schools; rehabilitation and re-entry programs for incarcerated persons?”
AOC’s Courage to Change PAC sets litmus test for candidates who “reduce the annual budget for law enforcement and defense spending.” pic.twitter.com/PfXFW8aSnU
— Josh Kraushaar (@JoshKraushaar) February 24, 2022
“Did he agree to defund the police in exchange for AOC’s cash?” the NRCC asked of the move.
While O’Halleran’s campaign claims he has a history of “working across the aisle to get things done,” he has voted with Nancy Pelosi 98 percent of the time, according to a project from ProPublica.
Furthermore, Courage to Change PAC’s website explains funds are used to advance “progressive leaders.”
“Contributions will be used to make investments in progressive challengers that can even the playing field against established incumbents, and bolster progressive leaders in Congress who take difficult but righteous stands. All endorsees will embody the ideals of racial, social, economic, and environmental justice,” the statement reads.
The Democrat is running for reelection in a newly-drawn congressional district. Furthermore, President Joe Biden’s approval numbers have plummeted.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Arizona Sun Times and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Tom O’Halleran” by The Clerk of the U.S. House of Representives. Background Photo “Police” by Rama. CC BY-SA 2.0.
