Although D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton is calling the revelations about Mayor Vincent Gray’s campaign “deeply disturbing,” reports now show that Norton has received and benefited from the same fundraising donor who has caused Gray’s campaign so much scrutiny.
On three separate occasions, leading up to elections in 2006, 2008, and 2010, Norton received close to $50,000 from Jeffery Thompson, a D.C. contractor. Thompson’s offices were raided by federal agents looking for financial wrongdoing. Thompson was encouraged to leave the accounting firm and health plan he owned.
Lee Calhoun, who pleaded guilty to disguising more than $150,000 in campaign contributions, was involved with Thompson as well. According to prosecutors, Thompson has been reimbursing straw donors after they made contributions in their names.
Norton released a statement this after Eugenia Harris pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations concerning Gray’s campaign in federal court.
“Vincent Gray is a friend of long standing who I have always known to have high professional and ethical standards,” Norton stated. “However, the criminal conduct by his campaign aides revealed in court is deeply disturbing and goes to the heart of the democratic process. Mayor Gray has an obligation to clear this matter up quickly.”
Although Gray’s campaign is currently under the spotlight, prosecutors are investigating scores of federal campaigns. According to U.S. attorney Ronald Machen, this “conspiracy” has illegally funded thousands of dollars to candidates running for federal and D.C. offices, including the late Congressman Arlen Spector.
Federal records are showing that Norton received donations from Thompson as well as Harris, the latest being in 2010. At least five accounting firms owned by Thompson have also donated money to Norton beginning on Oct. 27th. The donations totaled close to $20,000.
Others associated with Thompson have donated money to Norton’s campaigns, including consultants and others working for his health plan or accounting firm.
Some attorneys have stated that Norton’s donations associated with Thompson were legal.
