George Santos: A bizarre political journey to meet a dramatic end

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Axios
17 Nov 2023 08:47
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The Ethics Committee has asserted that Rep. George Santos exploited his House candidacy fraudulently for personal financial gain, engaging in blatant theft from his campaign.

George Santos speaks at the Republican Jewish Coalition Annual Leadership Meeting in Las Vegas, November 19, 2022. (AFP)

The saga of Representative George Santos, known for his prolific storytelling, is reaching a dramatic and anticipated conclusion after the release of a damning ethics report, Axios reported.

Santos, who announced he won't seek re-election in response to the report, faces the possibility of becoming the sixth person in US history to be expelled from the House of Representatives unless he resigns preemptively.

The ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation had been a hurdle in previous attempts to expel Santos, but that obstacle has now been overcome.

Rep. Michael Guest (R-Miss.), the Ethics Committee chair, intends to file a privileged resolution on Friday for Santos's expulsion, with some House Republicans confident he will be removed.

The 56-page Ethics report, in response to 23 federal criminal charges against Rep. George Santos, concluded that there is substantial evidence of his misconduct, demonstrating that he "cannot be trusted."

Santos exploited candidacy for fraudulent gains

The Ethics Committee asserted that Santos exploited his House candidacy fraudulently for personal financial gain, engaging in blatant theft from his campaign.

The report highlights a pattern of lies to constituents, donors, and staff about his background and experience. Santos, who did not cooperate with the investigation, dismissed the Ethics report as a "disgusting politicized smear" and called for states to initiate an Article V Constitutional Convention, though the exact meaning of his statement remains unclear.

The list of personal expenses reportedly covered by campaign funds includes extravagant items such as hotels, resorts, spas, rent, purchases from high-end stores like Hermes and Ferragamo, as well as spending on Sephora and OnlyFans, along with Botox treatments.

The Santos controversy, a source of material for late-night comedians and online meme creators, could have tangible consequences for the GOP conference, which is already grappling with legislative challenges. Some Republicans question the expulsion move, considering the narrow majority, with Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas) suggesting a cautious approach unless Santos is convicted.

New York Democrats are keen on reclaiming Santos' swing seat on Long Island, seen as pivotal in the GOP's majority win last year. The last expulsion resolution fell short of the required two-thirds majority, but increasing support and momentum suggest a different outcome this time. When asked about the most "offensive" thing Santos did, Rep. Dave Joyce (R-Ohio) straightforwardly responded, "Running."