HARRIS MILLER ADMITS CRIME ON THE AIR- UPDATED

From the Washington Post:

"He also said it was the board of directors of that organization which forced him to contribute personally to some Republican candidates in recent years."

Forced donations by an employer is one of the most serious crimes that can be committed in federal election law.

UPDATE:  Perseverando has a picture up.

UPDATE #2- Mike Shear changes the quote!!!

"He also said it was the board of directors of that organization that strongly urged him to contribute personally to some Republican candidates in recent years."

Comments

[J.C. Wilmore]

Holy crap!

I count five sirens AND four toupees! This must be big!

Isn't that a felony???

[Lowell]

What a bunch of bull from Harris Miller. When Josh Chernila and I had dinner with him back in December, Miller bragged about how the ITAA was HIS organization. At one point, he even (smarmily) patted his wallet and said, "THAT's the ITAA!"

No, I'm not joking. Don't believe me, ask Josh. Don't believe him, then ask Harris Miller...I'm sure he'll tell you the truth. Not.

[Not Larry Sabato]

Is an on the air admission enough for a federal prosecution?

[Lelie Byrne is Ben Tribbetts Puppett]

Isn't Mitchell Wade standing trial over this very thing right now?

Didn't Virgil Goode have to return in excess of $90,000 because of this very thing?

I would guess Miller's spokeman is going to have to do more than bat his eyes to get past this one.

This is what Mitch Wade did with MZM and Virgil Goode!

This is an important law. It's what keeps some multi millionaire from giving everyone money to donate past the maximum they can give. YOU CAN NOT REQUIRE SOMEONE TO GIVE PERSONAL MONEY TO A FEDERAL CANDIDATE.

[jason]

But if he was "forced" can he get out of it? Or is he legally obligated to say no and report it?

Not a defense, just a question.

I'm less worried about the donation and more worried about the fact that both candidates came off poorly and not ready for the big time. Hopefully the primary will prepare one for Allen because I'd hate to see this crap in the general election.

[Not Larry Sabato]

Jason, I don't know.

Miller's a scumbag for all the money he gives to republicans but does it concern anyone else that Webb's never really given any money to any Democrats?

[Not Larry Sabato]

I think you are required to report it if someone asks you to break federal law, but not sure about it.

It is NOT a crime to make a forced donation. It is a crime to be the one doing the forcing.

[Melissa]

Frankly, I am more concerned that I've recieved two mailings and one phone call from Harris Miller, and I have recieved 0 mailings and 0 phone calls from James Webb. It's not just me either, Kristen hasn't recieved anything, nor has anyone that we've asked.

[J.C. Wilmore]

We just began calling in Richmond last night. Which city/county are you in?

The debate can be viewed on WVEC's website. I was a little disappointed in both guys. Hope they don't destroy each other over the next few weeks. The Allen folks are loving everything they hear about this debate.

[jason]

Based on the report, both of these guys performed poorly in the debate. You gotta keep your cool in those things, people.

I think Miller showed what you're going to hear from them a lot more over the next four weeks: Who's the real Democrat? Unless Webb comes up with a better response than "well, you've given to Republicans!", it might stick and cause him some real trouble come primary time.

Webb's "progressive" standing as a former Republican may help him widdle away at Allen in the general (and still lose) but I seriously doubt it's going to do much to wow the tried and true Dems who turn out at Primaries.

[Libertas]

I love it, I mean I absolutely love it when Jason tells us how Democrats think!

I'm wondering Jason, can you also tell me how poor, black women think too?

Where did that quote come from ... the Post article?

The Post doesn't have that wording anymore .. it says "strongly urged" him to contribute.

[jason]

Perhaps it was changed because he was summarizing what Miller said and realized, after your post, that what he had originally written insinuated illegal activity?

And, Libertas, are you presuming to speak for all Democrats? I'm making an observation as a political junkie. How about you actually counter my points with common sense instead?

They both read terribly. I hope they BOTH get better in a hurry.

[Riley, Not O'Reilly]

Okay, this is where my expertise as a federal election and campaign finance law attorney comes in handy. If he was the one being coerced, then he has no criminal liability, but the Board or individual who exerted the pressure on him would be liable.

Agree with Melissa. I have received 3 recorded calls..one from Miller, another from his daughter and one from Ken Plum.
In addition, two mailings.Other than an invite to the Warner fundraiser, nothing from Webb. I live in Northern Virginia.
Not a babe

[Fan of Integrity]

Even if he did commit a felony, he'd get off. Just like he got off for insider trading.
Arrogant fool -- just like he acted today.

[caesar romero]

This is the dumbest thing you've written yet, Ben. I'm not fan of Harris Miller, but if there is a crime here, HE didn't commit it. His employers did. I mean, come on. This is just stupid.