NEW: Raimondo, Morgan File Complaints Against Fung with RI Board of Elections - FUNG RESPONDS

GoLocalProv Political Team

NEW: Raimondo, Morgan File Complaints Against Fung with RI Board of Elections - FUNG RESPONDS

Both Governor Gina Raimondo and GOP challenger Patricia Morgan filed complaints against Allan Fung with the Board of Elections on Monday.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Patricia Morgan and Democratic Governor Gina Raimondo both filed complaints with the Rhode Island Board of Elections on Monday regarding what they allege are Cranston Mayor -- and GOP gubernatorial candidate -- Allan Fung’s present and past campaign finance illegalities.

Morgan was first to announce her intent to file on Monday. 

“Allan Fung’s campaigns’ demonstrated inability to accurately and properly file campaign finance documents reflects a cavalier attitude on the Mayor’s part toward facts and the truth. This pattern of misbehavior cannot go unchecked, and deserves to be fully and impartially investigated by the Rhode Island BOE,” said Morgan’s press release.

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Raimondo's announcement followed shortly thereafter. 

“Mayor Fung’s failure to pay rent for his campaign office and to report other important campaign transactions points to a pattern of corruption that needs to be investigated. Beyond breaking the law, Mayor Fung’s rent-free deal is an insult to every Rhode Islander who works hard and plays by the rules. I’m sure many of Rhode Island’s small business owners would like to not have to pay rent too, Mayor Fung," said Raimondo. 

The complaints, filed on Monday, call on the Rhode Island Board of Elections this afternoon, pursuant to General Laws Title 17, Chapter 25, to challenge and question Allan Fung’s campaign finance activities and reporting over the previous four years.

Fung responded on Monday afternoon.

This is nothing but a desperate attempt at grabbing headlines from candidates who feel threatened with recent poll numbers. This is about $2500 in rent that the campaign has paid; nothing more and nothing less. We will have no further comment on this non-issue of a matter. Mayor Fung's sole focus is addressing the actual crisis Rhode Islanders are facing daily.

Campaign Finance Illegalities

According to Morgan’s press release, “Fung has used space owned by the Carpionato Group as his headquarters throughout the previous three election cycles, receiving refunds for his campaigns’ rent payments at different points following the 2014 and 2016 elections.”

The press release continues, “Mayor Fung’s 2018 gubernatorial campaign has additionally failed to disclose any rent payments for this cycle, despite maintaining a public office since October 2017. The Fung campaigns’ potential undisclosed debts and unpaid payables may amount to thousands of dollars in illegal corporate contributions, as Rhode Island political candidates can only accept $1,000 annually from individuals and registered PACs. Any dishonest deals with the Carpionato Group would have given Allan Fung an unfair financial advantage over his opponents in various races, including the current Republican gubernatorial primary.”

Updated 3:10 pm


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