As Cruz’s Super PAC Gets Another $156,000 from Podcast Deal, New Reporting on Cruz Fundraising Raises More Ethical Questions
AUSTIN, Texas – Despite mounting ethics questions, Ted Cruz refuses to disclose the arrangement between his podcast host and his super PAC. This week, leaked fundraising memos outlined his efforts to raise more money into his shady super PAC – as iHeartMedia, his podcast host, “gave another $156,000 to [the same] Ted Cruz-linked super PAC.”
Business Insider: Ted Cruz's leaked donor docs show how money in politics really works
By Bryan Metzger
On Tuesday, reporter Pablo Manríquez discovered a collection of documents that appear to belong to Sen. Ted Cruz's campaign.
Spokespeople for Cruz did not respond to a request for comment for this story.
Perhaps the most eyebrow-raising portion of the documents is a line included in briefing materials for several of the New York megadonor meetings: “Ask [donor] to talk to your team about outside efforts."
In this case, the phrase "outside efforts" likely refers to super PACs, which can accept unlimited donations but are legally barred from coordinating with or donating directly to politicians' campaigns.
Cruz is already in some hot water for a financial arrangement between his podcast and his super PAC.
Forbes: Pro-Ted Cruz Super PAC Gets Another $150,000 From iHeartMedia For Podcast—Despite FEC Complaint
By Molly Bohannon
A super PAC that backs Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, received another $150,000 in “digital revenue” from iHeartMedia in May, despite a recent complaint alleging the money from iHeart violates federal campaign finance laws.
Earlier this year, the PAC reported receiving nearly $215,000 in “digital revenue,” though a spokesperson for Cruz previously said the senator received “no financial benefit” from the podcast and equated it to the senator appearing on a cable news show.
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