The money question (no pun intended) is what did she know and when did she know it?

Essentially the story is that Hillary’s 2000 Campaign was involved in a fundraiser that violated hard money campaign finance laws.  She claims they did not know, but her accusers claim she did and have a tape to prove it.

‘Smoking Gun’ Clinton Tape Released to Public

The video described in a civil suit as “smoking gun” evidence that Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) committed felonies became available on the Internet Friday.

On the tape the former first lady and leading Democratic presidential contender is heard speaking in 2000 with Hollywood mogul Peter Paul, comic book icon Stan Lee, and director Aaron Tonkin about a massive fundraising event for her 2000 Senate race. Paul spent about $2 million of his own money to produce the event but later had a fallout with the Clintons.

If she helped to plan the event, it could legally constitute a direct hard money donation to Clinton’s Senate campaign, rather than to her joint fundraising committee called New York Senate 2000. If that is the case, the donation from Paul would be 10 times the legal limit of $2,000. Knowingly soliciting a contribution of $25,000 or more is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.

The conversation appears to show Clinton actively helping to plan the event. The suit alleges that she violated federal campaign finance laws by directly soliciting a contribution from Paul.

“And you know, Aaron, I’m so grateful because I know how hard you’ve worked on it because it’s your constant effort and outreach,” Clinton is heard to say over a speaker phone. “You know, I talked with [celebrity singer] Cher and she was just great. Said she was really so excited. And I hadn’t talked to her so you must have done a really good job selling it to her.”

Rant on for a moment

I am no campaign law expert but I have always believe that the rules around soft money and hard money were stupid and designed to give the politicians as much wiggle room as possible.

The fact is that no credible candidate is going to get elected without a pile of money.  The dark side of that truth is that the lobbyists and special interests know it, and they count on it.  They exploit every loophole to make sure the candidates they want, that they expect to vote their way on their pet issues will be elected.

Sure, one can argue that they are altruistic, but that is a naive and specious argument at best.

This is greed, nothing more.  This is greed, lust for power and quid pro quo whether anyone likes it or not.

This is the wink wink nudge nudge politics that they expect we are not paying attention to.

I for one am tired of their condescending attitude and their expectation that the American Sheeple will look the other way.

Now, rant off, and what about Hillary?  Will she face the music?  Naw, aside from the paltry fine levied against her campaign she will walk away scot free. 

The Clinton’s are too slick and powerful to actually have to be accountable.

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