AUSTIN, Texas – Yesterday a report in the Austin American-Statesman detailed a third ethics complaint against Ted Cruz that “accuses Cruz of violating federal law and Senate ethics rules” by flouting earned income limits, a ban on payments for appearances, and his financial disclosures.

Cruz is now “facing at least three ethics complaints” over his podcast deal.

Texas Democratic Party Executive Director Monique Alcala released the following statement:

“Ted Cruz spends so much time podcasting because it clearly benefits him and his shady super PAC. Texans deserve a senator who spends less time podcasting and more time actually doing the job, and they deserve answers. In November, we are going to retire our part-time senator and full-time podcaster for good.”

Background:

• A “slew of potential legal and ethical issues” surround Cruz’s podcast – including the fact that it’s owned by a super PAC Cruz cannot legally coordinate with.

• “The peculiar payment scheme behind” the podcast could “raise red flags for the IRS,” according to tax experts.

• Nonpartisan ethics experts believe Cruz has 'brazenly violated' the Federal Election Campaign Act.

• And amidst all this, Cruz is delaying his financial disclosures to muddy the waters around his podcast funding arrangement.

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