The FBI director is leading a push to release investigative files on Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell.
against one of President Donald Trump’s enemies could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for its target. Patel is reportedly leading a behind-the-scenes push to release investigative files regarding Democratic Rep.
Eric Swalwell, 45, an outspoken Trump critic who is also running in California’s crowded gubernatorial primary.ahead of the June 2 open primary, which sends the top two candidates to the general election regardless of party affiliation. With so many Democrats seemingly weighing each other down, the party is at risk of being shut out of the general election in a state where it enjoys a Patel has now handed Swalwell a “political gift” by putting a target on his back, which is likely to juice his visibility and favorability in California, where anti-Trump sentiment runs deep,, he accused Trump and Patel of trying to “interfere in the California election” and “sneak two Republican loyalists” through the primary. “The president dreams of a servant in Sacramento, a Western White House,” Swalwell said. “But, unfortunately for him, our campaign is winning.”released last week found that Swalwell, at 14 percent of the expected vote share, is the top Democrat in the race, slightly ahead of former Democratic congresswoman Katie Porter, who is at 13 percent. They both trail the Republican frontrunners, Fox News commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who are at 17 percent and 16 percent, respectively. Patel wants to release files related to the Bay Area representative’s association with Christine Fang, a suspected Chinese intelligence operative believed to have formed close relationships with American politicians, including Swalwell.She fundraised for Swalwell’s 2014 re-election campaign and helped place at least one intern in his office, but he has never been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with Fang. Swalwell cut ties with Fang in 2015 after U.S. intelligence officials briefed him and other lawmakers on concerns that Chinese agents were attempting to infiltrate Congress. Patel has nevertheless instructed FBI agents in San Francisco to dig up and quickly redact files related to Swalwell and Fang as part of a broader effort to bring a criminal case against him. FBI leaders have also discussed possibly sending agents to China to see if Fang has any damaging information about Swalwell, or arranging a U.S. visa for her in exchange for intel on the congressman, On Monday, lawyers for Swalwell sent the FBI a cease-and-desist letter asking officials to agree in writing not to release the files, according to the The letter, which accused Patel of trying to “smear” the lawmaker and harm his campaign for governor, warned that releasing the files would violate several laws, including the Privacy Act of 1974. The attorneys also alleged that releasing the files would violate the First Amendment because it would amount to targeting Swalwell over his criticism of the administration.If Patel feels compelled to release anything damning, Politico writes that it will only bolster Swalwell’s claim that he’s being politically persecuted. In the meantime, he’s been using the news to display his campaign as being under attack by the Trump administration. “There’s only one candidate up here that Donald Trump fears will be the next governor of California,” he said in a
Kash-Patel California Democratic-Party
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pakistan says it will host U.S,-Iran talks as Iran warns against ground troopsPakistan announced Sunday that it will soon host talks between the U.S. and Iran.
Read more »
NCAA Tournament: UCLA storms back against Duke, advances to Final FourLauren Betts scores 23 points and the Bruins outscore the Blue Devils 39-19 in the second half for a 70-58 victory in the Elite Eight.
Read more »
TCU Faces Its Biggest Test Yet Against South Carolina in Elite Eight ShowdownCan No. 3 TCU make history against No. 1 South Carolina? Breaking down the Elite Eight match-up, star showdoen, and betting outlook.
Read more »
Iran Warns U.S. Against Ground Invasion, Conflict Enters One-Month MarkIran warns the U.S. against a ground invasion, as the conflict with the U.S., Israel, and Iran enters its one-month mark. Regional diplomats are attempting to set up direct talks, while threats to global oil supplies and shipping lanes escalate. The U.S. has offered a peace framework, but Iran has rejected it.
Read more »
‘The View’ Star Roasts Keystone Kash With Simple Advice After Embarrassing HackThe show’s panelists each slammed the FBI director after his private images were leaked by an Iran-linked group of hackers.
Read more »
Keystone cancels pond skim; Telluride’s last ski day could be todayAs Keystone cancels this weekend’s Pond Skim & Rail Jam due to a lack of snow, Telluride says today, March 31, could be its last day unless a predicted snowstorm drops enough moisture to make more days worth the effort.
Read more »