When a group of Texas Democrats fled to Illinois to block a redistricting vote, they chartered a private jet—despite earning just $7,200 annually as state lawmakers.
The trip was paid for by Beto O’Rourke’s political action committee, according to a report from the Texas Tribune, citing two individuals involved in fundraising for the walkout.
Funded by “Powered by People”
O’Rourke’s group, Powered by People, has reportedly spent money on air travel, hotels, and logistics for the lawmakers who left the state. The PAC has a $3.5 million war chest, and the report notes that future donations will be directed toward supporting the walkout.
The Democrats fled to Illinois in an effort to prevent a vote on the GOP-led redistricting plan. By leaving the state, they denied the legislature the quorum needed to proceed.
Legal Questions Loom
Their departure may have legal consequences.
Texas House rules allow for $500-a-day fines for lawmakers who skip out to block legislative action. Those rules also prohibit political contributions from being used to pay those fines.
Governor Greg Abbott warned that individuals who offer or provide financial support for the walkout may be violating state bribery laws. That could potentially include O’Rourke’s PAC.
Political Fallout
The stunt, while celebrated by liberal activists, is unlikely to win favor with Texas voters, especially as questions grow about who paid for the escape and whether it violated the law.
O’Rourke, who has repeatedly run for office and lost, appears eager to remain in the spotlight—this time by footing the bill for a political spectacle that may backfire.
i definitely agree that Soros buying plane tickets for political reasons, avoiding political duty, sounds like bribery to me.