Espada Fails to File Any Statements of Campaign Receipts, Contributions, Transfers and Expenditures to and by Political Committees

September 5, 2008

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Failure to submit campaign filings is a blatant violation of law by the Republican-affiliated candidate

(Bronx, New York) The Friends of Senator Efrain Gonzalez, Jr. today expressed outrage over the blatant maneuver by opponent Pedro Espada, Jr. for failing to file any campaign expenditures or sources of all recent contributions required by law. Candidates running for elected office are compelled to submit a 32 day and 11 day pre-primary statement detailing campaign receipts, contributions, transfers and expenditures to and by political committees.

The Gonzalez campaign is aware of only one Political Action Committee (PAC) on file called Espada for the People. The last public filing by Espada for the People was submitted by the July 15, 2008 deadline. Since, all political contributions and expenditures by the Espada campaign have been secretly held from the public.

“Basically what happened here is Pedro Espada, Jr. set up a PAC rather than an actual candidate authorized campaign committee,” said Carlos Gonzalez, spokesperson for the Friends of Senator Gonzalez . “The State Board of Elections reviewed the paperwork establishing the PAC and they sent a letter in return to the treasurer asking whether this PAC would be assisting any candidates, because if it is, it should probably be a regular campaign committee.

“According to sources at the State Board of Elections,” continued Gonzalez, “the Espada people replied that yes it would be participating directly with the Espada campaign, but they neglected to file the paperwork that would have changed the designation. Now, despite the fact that this is a PAC, and because it is making expenditures on behalf of Espada, it also has to comply with the 32 day and 11 day pre-primary filings. They have not done this. In response, we have no alternative but to release this matter to the public and will file an official complaint with the state Board of Elections.”

The maneuver and lack of transparency prevents the public and the Friends of Senator Gonzalez campaign from knowing how anything is being paid for. It also adds major credibility to Democratic claims that Republican efforts are bankrolling the Espada election. Further, the Gonzalez campaign believes that certain Bronx health centers controlled by Espada are working in-kind with Espada. Through the Soundview Health Care Network, residents throughout the 33rd Senatorial District have received a barrage of mailings announcing the distribution of free fruits and vegetables, books, condoms, and other items all orchestrated using taxpayer dollars. The coordinated effort and exchange is a smoke-screen that schemes voters into meeting Espada, the political candidate.

Mickey Ponce, campaign manager for the Friends of Senator Gonzalez said: “It’s dishonest, it’s shameful, and Republican Pedro Espada has something to hide. He is managing to live up to the same games and tactics he used in his failed 2001 campaign, which eventually led to the criminal conviction of employees of his health center who plead guilty to diverting health center funds into his election.”