Originally published at WhoWhatWhy.org

The initials FEC stand for Federal Election Commission but the “F” might as well stand for “feckless.” The agency, according to its own words, is supposed to “promote confidence and participation in the democratic process.” It seems to be failing at its core mission.

Late last week, the two Republican FEC commissioners blocked an investigation into whether Russians used the National Rifle Association (NRA) to pump millions of dollars into the effort to help Donald Trump get elected in 2016.

Early last year, McClatchy DC reported that the FBI was investigating whether Russian banker Alexander Torshin, who has close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, had illegally donated large sums to the NRA to get Trump elected.

In March, the FEC launched a preliminary investigation into the matter. Now, however, the commission’s Republicans blocked the agency from investigating further.

“This is an abandonment of the Commission’s basic duty to investigate wrongdoing, and is contrary to law,” commented FEC chairwoman Ellen Weintraub in a statement.

BREAKING: @FEC's Republicans block all investigation of & enforcement against Russians Torshin & Butina re the NRA & the 2016 presidential election.

Result: FEC does nothing to find out the truth behind one of the most blockbuster campaign finance allegations in recent memory. pic.twitter.com/KgrJLJTuZY

— Ellen L Weintraub (@EllenLWeintraub) August 16, 2019

Read More...