DNC Accuses RFK Jr. of Illegal 2024 Ballot Access Against Biden

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has launched a legal offensive against independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., accusing him and a supportive super PAC of violating election laws in a bid to secure ballot access across several states for the 2024 presidential race. This move has intensified the political landscape as Kennedy Jr.’s candidacy potentially threatens President Joe Biden’s reelection prospects.

In a detailed complaint filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) on Friday, the DNC alleges that the PAC known as American Values 2024 is unlawfully coordinating with Kennedy Jr.’s campaign, violating regulations that prohibit direct collaboration between campaigns and super PACs. Bob Lenhard, legal counsel for the DNC, asserted that the campaign is on the verge of accepting an “unlawful in-kind contribution” worth $15 million from American Values 2024, referencing the funds earmarked for ballot access efforts.

For Kennedy Jr. to appear on general election ballots as an independent candidate, he and his supporters must gather a substantial number of signatures in each state, a formidable task that American Values 2024 has pledged to support. However, the DNC contends that this assistance could breach federal laws, as states typically expect campaigns to undertake this responsibility independently.

The DNC’s complaint emphasizes the urgency for the FEC to intervene swiftly to preserve the integrity of electoral processes and uphold anti-corruption principles outlined in the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971.

Responding to the allegations, Tony Lyons, Co-Chairman of American Values 2024, asserted that the super PAC has been operating independently from Kennedy Jr.’s campaign, adhering to FEC precedents. He labeled the DNC’s complaint as a desperate tactic aimed at tarnishing Kennedy Jr.’s image and depleting his campaign funds.

In a statement, Amaryllis Fox Kennedy, RFK Jr.’s campaign manager, refuted claims of collaboration with the PAC, asserting that no signatures have been received from any PAC to their knowledge. She emphasized the campaign’s adherence to transparency, making all information available to volunteers and media outlets on their public website.

The DNC’s complaint highlights Kennedy Jr.’s alleged attempt to circumvent legal fundraising channels by relying on American Values 2024 to fulfill essential campaign functions, instead of raising funds consistent with federal regulations.

Should the FEC find merit in the allegations, various penalties, including monetary fines, could be imposed. However, Politico suggests that the DNC may face an uphill battle, as the FEC often experiences deadlock along party lines, with three Democratic and three Republican commissioners.

Kennedy Jr.’s unconventional campaign strategy has been under scrutiny since he entered the race in April 2024 as a Democratic candidate before transitioning to an independent status in October. His candidacy, propelled by controversial stances on vaccines and other issues, poses a potential threat to President Biden’s reelection bid, given his ability to draw votes away from the Democratic candidate.

Recent polling data has shown Kennedy Jr. to be a significant contender, with a June 2023 survey from The Economist and YouGov indicating favorable views from 49% of respondents. This has heightened concerns within the DNC about the impact of his candidacy on the electoral landscape.

American Values 2024, described as a “hybrid PAC,” has attracted attention for its substantial financial support. In December, the PAC announced an investment of $10 to $15 million to secure ballot access for Kennedy Jr. in key states, with significant donations from Trump donor Timothy Mellon reported in July and later in the year.

Kennedy Jr.’s pursuit of ballot access through the creation of new political parties in several states further underscores the intensity of his campaign efforts and the potential implications for the 2024 election.

As the legal battle unfolds, the clash between the DNC and Kennedy Jr.’s camp underscores the high stakes and complexities of the 2024 presidential race, with both sides fiercely contesting the rules of engagement in a bid for electoral advantage.