OPINION | This article contains commentary that reflects the author's opinion.
As you can see in the photo above, now-defeated GOP Rep. Liz Cheney delivered her concession speech in a “picturesque” location.
Following details reported by CNN, Cheney is accused of violating Federal Election Commission rules about campaign contributions while setting up her concession speech.
CNN reporter Jeff Zeleny explained, “The Cheney speech tonight will be delivered in a picturesque spot outside Jackson. Veteran TV producer James Goldston, an adviser to the Jan. 6 committee, and a film crew are on hand here in Wyoming–as ‘a friend’ of Cheney.”
However, according to the Federal Election Commission, this sort of support from a “friend” like TV producer James Goldston is described as an “in-kind contribution.”
“An in-kind contribution is a non-monetary contribution,” the FEC notes. “Goods or services offered free or at less than the usual charge result in an in-kind contribution.”
The most an individual can contribute to candidates is $2,900 for 2021 to 2022, according to the FEC.
Therein lies the problem. An investigation into the issue would likely reveal that former television news executive James Goldston is providing far more value than $2,900 with his professional skills and a crew for free to create a video that could be used for campaign purposes.
Goldston is the former president of ABC News and “a master documentary storyteller” who ran ‘Good Morning America’ and ‘Nightline.’
He is also reportedly a “secret advisor” to the Jan. 6 committee, sources day.
The Cheney speech tonight will be delivered in a picturesque spot outside Jackson. Veteran TV producer James Goldston, an adviser to the Jan. 6 committee, and a film crew are on hand here in Wyoming–as "a friend" of Cheney. From our CNN blog: https://t.co/hmtIbHI9Cm
— Jeff Zeleny (@jeffzeleny) August 17, 2022
More on this story via Western Journal:
The services of such a heavy hitter and his staff would be worth a lot more than $2,900.
Because of the circumstances, Cheney could face Federal Election Commission investigation, and fines if her campaign is found in violation.
Breitbart summarized the potential campaign finance violation the Cheney team committed:
“Anyone who films a candidate may generally do so, under the protections of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. However, if the film crew is producing a video especially for a candidate, that counts as a service provided to the campaign.
“Goldston’s services, including his crew, are probably worth tens of thousands of dollars. Moreover, Zeleny reported that Goldston is filming Cheney as a favor — as a ‘friend.’ Hence his contribution would be an in-kind contribution to Cheney.”
Aside from the Twitter post, Zeleney shared a byline on a CNN report that described Goldston’s presence a little more clearly:
“Cheney worked closely with Goldston’s team in presenting the committee’s findings in a TV-ready fashion to a national audience. They have worked together to edit hours and hours of recordings that have brought to life the insurrection as it unfolded.
