“You don’t expect someone with a degree in ethics to acquire a list by other than lawful means.”

The Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight charged with investigating Governor Eric Greitens (r) heard testimony from Michael Hafner, a political consultant who worked for the campaign early on.

Also this afternoon:

Scott Charton @ScottCharton
The @EricGreitens House of Cards is collapsing this afternoon. Cole County Circuit Court ruling to open secret records. Devastating sworn #moleg testimony on breaking campaign finance laws. #Greitens is grabbing his rappeling gear for Capitol exit. #moleg #mogov
3:15 PM – 29 May 2018 from Missouri, USA

Ruh, roh.

My running comments on the testimony, via Twitter:

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – hearing live stream
Michael Hafner – $4000 a month, work out of EG’s office 3 or so days a week.

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – hearing live stream
Michael Hafner – A lot of time 3 or 4 day a week, but not a full time employee.

Michael Hafner – “Had other discussions with campaign finance attorneys [about 501c] fundraising.” “They had a high billable rate [DC attorneys], so I was told to keep the time to a minimum.”

Michael Hafner – The compilation of multiple campaign donor lists when MH worked for EG campaign. MH did not use Tom Schweich list, was uncomfortable with using it. It was professionally compiled.

Michael Hafner – contact and donor history on campaign donor list was quite extensive.

Michael Hafner – I don’t believe Mr. Schweich cared for Eric Greitens. Believes that the Schweich campaign donor list was taken from TS without permission.

Michael Hafner – As far as I’m aware, foreign donor campaign contributions are illegal. [Chair states that they are illegal.]

Michael Hafner – I would never advise accepting foreign campaign donations. You don’t want foreign entities influencing your election process.

Michael Hafner – Question: proprtion/outstate contributions? “It’d be hard for me to give a percentage.” In 2016 there was an incredible amount of national money.

Michael Hafner – Greitens raised “an abnormal amount” of money from out of state.

Michael Hafner – Can’t identify donors who gave through PACs. We don’t know who gave to Seals for Truth or LG PACs.

Michael Hafner – At the time in Missouri anyone could give any amount. Setting up a PAC only served to hide the identity of the donor.

Michael Hafner – Alex Rogers – “There were commitments from Alex early in the campaign to give a lot of money and raise alot of money.”

Michael Hafner – Didn’t know who the entity in campaign was to invoice at start of campaign. [….] I wouldn’t have invoiced the committee because there wasn’t a campaign committee at the time.

Michael Hafner – First check to MH was paid by check from Greitens Group.

Michael Hafner – Other consultants told EG if John Brunner ran for governor that they would be with Brunner. MH was told by EG campaign was taking a “stategic pause” in their relationship with him

Michael Hafner – On relationship with EG – “I’m not invited to BBQs.” “I’m here because of the subpeonas and because I want the truth to come out.”.

MH – There’s some pretty wicked stuff being thrown around on social media. They’ll try to frame this as I’m a disgruntled employee. I’m here to defend my testimony, not let others define it for me.

Michael Hafner – Discussion of 501c(3) [charities can’t make campaign contributions] – may be typo. Greitens wrote the e-mail. May have been referring to 501c(4).

Or not.

Michael Hafner – December 2014 was the first time formally (in writing) that MH advised EG campaign should form a committee. Before that informally.

Michael Hafner – Knew it was “The Mission Continues” list, but had no idea it was acquired illegally. “You don’t expect someone with a degree in ethics to acquire a list by other than lawful means.”

That sums it all up right there.

Michael Hafner – EG asked MH to go over “Mission Continues” list to discuss donors with individual at charity. It was clear coordination between charity and campaign. Believed it was unethical.

Michael Hafner – Rep. Trent pressed why MH didn’t discuss his concerns with campaign or Greitens.

I’ll bet $20.00 that Rep. Trent is a “no” vote in committee on articles impeachment. Just guessing, really.

Michael Hafner – Discussion. 501c(3) donor list can’t be exclusively made available to one candidate. Theoretically they could make their list available to everybody.

Michael Hafner – “He [EG] was elected as a Republican. He’s a Republican.”

Michael Hafner – Monu [Joseph] had donors who didn’t want to disclose.

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – hearing live stream
Committee adjourns for the day.

Something is going to happen.

Previously:

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – transcript of witness deposition – cross examination (May 23, 2018)

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – transcript of witness deposition – on Koster and Greitens (May 22, 2018)

HR 2: Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – the process for impeachment (May 22, 2018)

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – Scott Faughn (May 23, 2018)

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – not going to allow “cherry picking” (May 25, 2018)

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – Michael Hafner (May 29, 2018)