Politics
Top CA Democratic Party Leader Resigns Amid Corruption Probe
A growing corruption probe has overtaken the Orange County Democratic Party in California. Longtime leader of the party, Melahat Rafiei, resigned Sunday night from her position as secretary of the California Democratic Party and state representative to the Democratic National Committee.
Fox LA reports she made the announcement Sunday in a letter posted on social media. “Rafiei said she was a confidential witness in the FBI probe of the proposed sale of Angel Stadium and that she resigned from her post, saying the controversy over her role had become a hindrance.”
Voice of OC reports:
According to an affidavit from FBI special agent Brian Adkins, Rafiei was arrested on attempted bribery after federal agents allege she told a cannabis company that hired her she planned on bribing two Irvine City Councilmembers in exchange for favorable legislation in the city.
“CW1 began to devise a scheme whereby CW1 would solicit money from CHS1 and CHS2 with the intention of paying bribes to two elected members of the Irvine City Council in exchange for the Council Members performing official acts, resulting in the passage of favorable cannabis laws,” states the affidavit.
Rafiei had been under scrutiny and pressured to quit after reports surfaced that she had been arrested by the FBI in 2019 for an alleged bribery scheme. Rafiei has not been charged.
In a turn of events, the House of Representatives made history on Friday with a vote to expel Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), marking the first such expulsion in over two decades. A moment fraught with gravity unfolded as Speaker Mike Johnson wielded his gavel to formalize Santos’ removal, setting a precedent in congressional annals.
Santos, indicted on 23 counts related to wire fraud, identity theft, and other charges, has not faced conviction but stands accused of misusing campaign funds for opulent purchases. The bipartisan vote, tallying 311 to 114, signaled robust support for expulsion, with a marginally higher number of Republicans opting to retain Santos.
Questions loomed as Speaker Johnson left the chamber, his silence leaving the fate of the ongoing government spending battle uncertain. According to reports from Fox News, Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer emphasized the non-partisan nature of the decision, asserting that members concluded Santos had tarnished the House’s reputation and was unfit for representation.
Within the GOP, conflicting opinions emerged, with Rep. Darrell Issa arguing against expulsion, citing the presumption of innocence. The tight-lipped stance of the House Ethics Committee played a pivotal role in the deliberations.
Conversely, members of the New York Republican delegation, led by Rep. Marc Molinaro, asserted Santos’ commission of crimes, justifying expulsion based on a comprehensive investigation.
Santos himself predicted the outcome in an exclusive morning interview on “FOX & Friends.” This vote not only underlines the House’s rare use of expulsion powers but also sets a critical precedent in handling members facing severe legal challenges.
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JJ Chester
May 24, 2022 at 3:26 pm
It took three years for this to catch up to her to the extent that NOW she thinks she should resign, WOW!
Stephen
May 24, 2022 at 6:58 pm
Imagine that. A Democrat tied to corruption in California.
Stephane
May 25, 2022 at 6:07 pm
more DEMON RATS are on the take all the time.
I wish they all would be found out. AND BANNED from office!
Bluto
May 26, 2022 at 11:05 am
Just another corrupt, lousy, underhanded democrat. They are the dregs of society.