Blog — Political Candidates

May 11, 2012

Marco Rubio / David Rivera Relationship Strong Despite Fundraising Questions

By CREW Staff

Marco Rubio OfficialSen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) has been standing by Rep. David Rivera (R-FL) despite a high-profile federal investigation into Rep. Rivera’s campaign and personal finances. The relationship has drawn scrutiny, at least partially due to Sen. Rubio’s much-speculated-about status as a possible vice-presidential pick. Nonetheless, the two men have been friends for years, and Sen. Rubio has said he will not desert Rep. Rivera, regardless of his troubles. It’s worth noting, though, that Rep. Rivera is not the only figure in the scandal with ties to Sen. Rubio. Esther Nuhfer, a consultant to Sen. Rubio’s campaign committee, is waist-deep in the investigation.

Ms. Nuhfer, a fundraising consultant whom Rep. Rivera once described as his girlfriend, has been under investigation as part of a potential kickback scheme involving her firm, Communication Solutions, and Rep. Rivera. Political campaigns and committees tied to Rep. Rivera have paid Communication Solutions at least $817,000 since 2006, and investigators are looking to see if any of that money found its way back into Rep. Rivera’s pocket. The FBI has also interviewed Ms. Nuhfer about payments from Flagler Dog Track, a company that hired Rep. Rivera to promote slot machines in Miami but made payments to a company owned by his godmother.

The ethical cloud hanging over Ms. Nuhfer doesn’t seem to bother Sen. Rubio. His campaign committee paid more than $112,000 in payments to Communications Solutions in the 2010 election cycle, and Ms. Nuhfer is still fundraising for the senator. In December 2011, Ms. Nuhfer raised more than $200,000 for Sen. Rubio at a swanky downtown Miami hotel luncheon.

It’s one thing to stand by an old friend. It is another matter, however, for an ambitious politician to have his finances enmeshed with those of someone under investigation for shady financial transactions.

Rubio’s Slap on the Wrist: Another FEC Fail

Rubio’s Slap on the Wrist: Another FEC Fail

The FEC's paltry fines arguably encourage rather than deter illegal conduct. Read More ›

May 1, 2012 | Federal Agencies, Federal Election Commission (FEC), States, Florida, Political Candidates, Marco Rubio

Payday Lenders 2012 Update

Payday Lenders 2012 Update

The payday loan industry is stepping up their game in an attempt to keep regulation away from their obscene interest rates. Read More ›

April 18, 2012 | American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), Federal Agencies, Department of the Treasury, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, News, Washington Post, Payday Loan Industry, House Members, Jeb Hensarling, Spencer Bachus, Political Candidates, Mitt Romney, Senate Members, Richard Shelby

Why Won’t Mitt Romney Tell Us Where He’s Investing All His Money?

Why Won’t Mitt Romney Tell Us Where He’s Investing All His Money?

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is exploiting a loophole in federal ethics laws to hide his investments. Read More ›

April 6, 2012 | Financial, Disclosure, Transparency, Political Candidates, Mitt Romney

Billionaire Harold Simmons Donations Go Beyond Super PACs

Billionaire Harold Simmons Donations Go Beyond Super PACs

After showering Super PACs with $14 million, Congressional Committees are also seeing big donations. Read More ›

February 27, 2012 | Congress, Governance & Legislation, Citizens United, States, Texas, Super PACs, House Members, Eric Cantor, Jeb Hensarling, Kenny Marchant, Michele Bachmann, Mike Conaway, Pete Sessions, Political Candidates, Marco Rubio, Senate Members, John Thune, Kay Baily Hutchinson

What else hasn’t Mitt Romney disclosed?

What else hasn’t Mitt Romney disclosed?

It's Mr. Romney’s turn to reveal his tax returns and let the American people judge whether he has behaved honestly and ethically. Read More ›

January 27, 2012 | Elections, Federal Agencies, Department of Justice, Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, FOIA, Melanie Sloan, Newt Gingrich , Political Candidates, Mitt Romney

Super PACs Are Just Getting Started

Super PACs Are Just Getting Started

Don’t underestimate the clout of super PACs Read More ›

January 9, 2012 | Elections, Super PACs, Newt Gingrich , Political Candidates

© 2012 Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, all rights reserved.
• 1400 Eye Street NW • Suite 450 • Washington, DC 20005 • 202-408-5565 •