Schweikert was bipartisanly reprimanded for widespread corruption
Schweikert has taken over $1.8 million from corporate PACs
End Citizens United (ECU), a grassroots campaign finance reform organization, today inducted Representative David Schweikert (AZ-01) to its inaugural list of ‘Most Corrupt’ politicians running for reelection. The initiative is aimed at exposing and defeating the most egregious perpetrators of corruption in Washington.
“Representative Schweikert epitomizes everything that is wrong with Congress, shamelessly abusing his position of power for personal gain and effectively putting a price tag on elected office,” said End Citizens United President Tiffany Muller. “Throughout his time in office, he has exhibited a disturbing and detailed pattern of prioritizing his own interests and the interests of his big donors over the needs of his constituents. We’re going to hold him accountable by exposing his record and engaging with voters through Election Day to make sure they know just how corrupt he is.”
Schweikert repeatedly broke the law by using taxpayer money and donor contributions for personal use, as well as using taxpayer funds for his campaign. He faced bipartisan reprimand from the House and was fined $50,000 for widespread corruption and malfeasance over eight years. Schweikert lied to Arizonans throughout that process, claiming to welcome an investigation but then resisted it at every turn. He was forced to admit that he spent campaign funds for personal use, spent taxpayer resources for campaign purposes, and that taxpayer dollars from his office went towards a Super Bowl trip. One of the most egregious violations that came to light from the investigation related to a fictitious $100,000 loan Schweikert claimed he made to his campaign. After tampering with the books, he attempted to recoup the fake loan by trying to get his donors to pay for it, which would have gone directly to his personal bank account.
Schweikert’s campaigns have become a haven for corporate special interest groups looking to buy access and influence. He has taken $1.8 million from corporate PACs, and while serving on the tax writing Ways And Means Committee, voted consistently to cut taxes for big corporations and CEOs. He’s taken $295,000 from Wall Street and voted to gut finance safety standards. Schweikert has cashed in $290,000 from health care corporate PACs and has been one of the industry’s biggest champions, opposing laws to make prescription drugs more affordable and cutting taxes for big pharma. Schweikert has voted repeatedly to repeal the Affordable Care Act, jeopardizing healthcare for millions of Americans, especially Arizonans with preexisting conditions.
Throughout his time in office, Schweikert has vehemently opposed good government legislation to root out corruption and get big money out of politics. He has voted against the Freedom To Vote Act, the DISCLOSE Act, and For The People Act.
ECU will highlight Schweikert’s record of corruption and will work to engage voters and the media between now and Election Day, including in a new digital video released today.
ECU is dedicated to combating the two biggest challenges facing our democracy: the corrosive impact of Big Money and attempts to block access to the ballot box. Since its founding in 2015, the group has had over 1 million donors and raised $200 million, with an average donation of just $14. The group has more than 4 million members nationwide.
###