Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. just got a notice that her campaign owes $250,000 to the Democratic Party — but the freshman congresswoman is refusing to pay.
AOC says the Democratic Party “discriminates” against people of color, so she’s refusing to pay her dues.
“I don’t see the sense in giving a quarter-million dollars to an organization that has clearly told people like me that we’re not welcome,” Ocasio-Cortez told Fox News — a clear allusion to the fact she thinks the rank and file Democrats in charge are racist.
Ocasio-Cortez raised over $1.4 million in donations over the past three months, but the socialist leader said it’s “pretty nuts” that other members of her party expect her to share.
“Can you imagine being 30 years old and getting a bill for $250,000?” AOC complained. “I still have $20,000 in student loan debt.”
“One, I don’t agree with the policy around blacklisting groups that help progressive candidates,” she said. “I think we need to evolve as a party and make room for that.”
“I want to help frontline members by putting that money straight into their pocket,” AOC said in the interview. Over the weekend, the Democratic socialist launched a Super PAC to help fund far-left political newcomers challenge establish Democrats.
Ocasio-Cortez spent the weekend pushing donors towards the new Super PAC — without disclosing that the political group gives half of the donations back to Ocasio-Cortez’ already sizable reelection war chest.
“We are pushing the envelope in DC by rewarding those who reject lobbyist money, fight for working families, & welcome newcomers,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote on Twitter, making no mention that it’s a campaign fundraising effort.
The rumors are true. Today we’re announcing the Courage to Change PAC – and we need your help.
We are pushing the envelope in DC by rewarding those who reject lobbyist money, fight for working families,& welcome newcomers.
Change takes courage. Let’s go: https://t.co/F01JmYaR7w
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) January 11, 2020
Despite refusing to share any of her record-setting campaign donations with others, Ocasio-Cortez insists she’s a “proud” Democrat.
“I’m a Democrat, I’m proud to be on this team. I’m proud to be part of the Democratic majority,” she said in an interview Friday.
All elected Democrats in Congress are expected to pay dues to the party’s campaign committee, from between $150,000 for new members to the $1 million paid annually by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
The Horn editorial team