freebeacon--2020-06-10--Postmates, Uber Offer Promotions for Black Restaurants, Raising Tough Legal Questions

New meal-delivery company promotions benefiting black-owned restaurants are raising legal questions about whether gig economy giants can offer race-based benefits .
The programs , announced by Uber Eats and Postmates following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police , waive delivery fees for black-owned restaurants but make no such benefit available to other minority or white-owned businesses .
The legal questions are compounded by a lack of transparency surrounding the programs and seemingly random participant criteria .
Postmates has already made missteps .
At least two businesses owned by white or Arab proprietors were on curated lists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Postmates Washington-area platform as recently as Tuesday .
Both restaurants told the Washington Free Beacon that they were added without consultation and were removed following the Free Beacon ‘ s inquiries .
One capital standby , the Old Ebbitt Grill , appeared on a curated list of black-owned restaurants as of Tuesday afternoon .
Clyde 's Restaurant Group , which owns Old Ebbitt , is operated by a team of executives , none of whom are black .
A spokesperson for the Clyde 's Restaurant Group told the Free Beacon that they asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was added without their input .
Busboys and Poets , a popular restaurant and event space which identifies as a `` cultural hub where racial and cultural connections are consciously uplifted '' consistently appeared as a top result on a search for `` black owned '' restaurants on Postmates as of Tuesday .
The owner and founder of the restaurant is Andy Shallal , who was born in Iraq .
A spokesperson confirmed that the restaurant was not consulted by Postmates .
Both companies have been cagey about the criteria they use to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond to multiple inquiries about its program , while Uber has only identified stakeholders in its internal process .
Participant restaurants are selected by groups across the company , including the Black @ Uber leadership group , with input from local groups and business associations .
Law professor David Bernstein of George Mason University 's Antonin Scalia Law School said the selection process itself raises hard , legally fraught questions for the companies .
The questions are especially urgent given the absence of public information about qualifying criteria and community input .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to determine who is black ? ''
he told the Free Beacon .
`` What if someone is a medium-skinned Brazilian immigrant ?
What if someone is mixed race ?
Puerto Rican with some black heritage ? ''
`` Another question facing them would be what does black owned mean ? ''
Bernstein added .
`` What if there are two partners , but only one is black .
Do they get half-off shipping , free shipping , nothing ? ''
Those problems have already manifested with the inclusion of restaurants like Busboys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which are not owned or operated by black proprietors .
In theory , conditioning a benefit on race is rife with legal implications , and numerous state or local public accommodations laws would seem to prohibit the newly announced policies .
In practice , on the other hand , the programs might be beyond the reach of the law , as rapid shifts in public opinion surrounding racism and civil rights will extract real costs from a plaintiff who brings a legal challenge .
Federal laws do n't appear to create an issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a law banning discrimination in contracting .
Uber 's policy applies only to customers , and does not alter the agreement between the company and the participating restaurant , so the contract law probably does n't apply .
The Postmates policy appears similar based on publicly available information , but compliance is difficult to evaluate since the company has been guarded in disclosing details .
State laws are another matter .
Both companies are based in San Francisco , meaning they are covered by California 's Unruh Civil Rights Act .
That law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` full and equal accommodations , advantages , facilities , privileges or services . ''
Bernstein told the Free Beacon that the California Supreme Court ruled in 2019 that the state civil rights law covers online businesses , though that case did not involve gig economy services .
The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing , which enforces the Unruh Civil Rights Act , told the Free Beacon that it can not offer advisory opinions on businesses practices .
Dr. Anthony Kreis , a law professor at Chicago-Kent College of Law , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local public accommodations laws are more likely to cause a problem , but it 's not clear they cover sharing economy services like Uber .
What 's more , Kreis said these promotionals are novel compared with more familiar civil rights cases .
`` Ultimately , there really is n't an actual denial of service or inequitable access to a service , '' Kreis said .
`` Rather these companies are incentivizing patrons to do business with a particular group of businesses at their own expense . ''
However , Kreis cautioned that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unlawful even if there is no bias behind the program .
For example , he noted officials in New Jersey determined a restaurant that offered discounted drinks to women for a weekly `` Ladies Night '' violated state civil rights law because it discriminated against men .
`` Benign or even benevolent motives can not excuse discrimination that 's based on stereotypes or customer preferences , '' Kreis told the Free Beacon .
`` Nor does it matter that the consequences of the policy are fairly trivial . ''
Supposing these programs are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of bringing a legal challenge will be steep .
`` My suspicion is this is ultimately going to be a test for business owners who might feel injured by these policies because any litigation could well be a public relations nightmare in and of itself no matter what the probability of success , '' Kreis told the Free Beacon .
The possibility of litigation will similarly test businesses ' commitment to social justice causes .
Whether `` woke capital '' is willing to sustain progressive business practices while incurring losses is an open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prospective damages might prove too burdensome , particularly for sharing economy startups .

New meal-delivery company promotions benefiting black-owned restaurants are raising legal questions about whether gig economy giants can offer race-based benefits.
The programs, announced by Uber Eats and Postmates following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police, waive delivery fees for black-owned restaurants but make no such benefit available to other minority or white-owned businesses.
The legal questions are compounded by a lack of transparency surrounding the programs and seemingly random participant criteria. Postmates has already made missteps. At least two businesses owned by white or Arab proprietors were on curated lists and searches of black-owned restaurants on the Postmates Washington-area platform as recently as Tuesday. Both restaurants told the Washington Free Beacon that they were added without consultation and were removed following the Free Beacon's inquiries.
One capital standby, the Old Ebbitt Grill, appeared on a curated list of black-owned restaurants as of Tuesday afternoon. Clyde's Restaurant Group, which owns Old Ebbitt, is operated by a team of executives, none of whom are black. A spokesperson for the Clyde's Restaurant Group told the Free Beacon that they asked Postmates to remove the restaurant, which was added without their input.
Busboys and Poets, a popular restaurant and event space which identifies as a "cultural hub where racial and cultural connections are consciously uplifted" consistently appeared as a top result on a search for "black owned" restaurants on Postmates as of Tuesday. The owner and founder of the restaurant is Andy Shallal, who was born in Iraq. A spokesperson confirmed that the restaurant was not consulted by Postmates.
Both companies have been cagey about the criteria they use to select qualifying businesses. Postmates did not respond to multiple inquiries about its program, while Uber has only identified stakeholders in its internal process. Participant restaurants are selected by groups across the company, including the Black @ Uber leadership group, with input from local groups and business associations.
Law professor David Bernstein of George Mason University's Antonin Scalia Law School said the selection process itself raises hard, legally fraught questions for the companies. The questions are especially urgent given the absence of public information about qualifying criteria and community input.
"How are Uber Eats and Postmates going to determine who is black?" he told the Free Beacon. "What if someone is a medium-skinned Brazilian immigrant? What if someone is mixed race? Puerto Rican with some black heritage?"
"Another question facing them would be what does black owned mean?" Bernstein added. "What if there are two partners, but only one is black. Do they get half-off shipping, free shipping, nothing?"
Those problems have already manifested with the inclusion of restaurants like Busboys and Poets or Old Ebbitt Grill, which are not owned or operated by black proprietors.
In theory, conditioning a benefit on race is rife with legal implications, and numerous state or local public accommodations laws would seem to prohibit the newly announced policies. In practice, on the other hand, the programs might be beyond the reach of the law, as rapid shifts in public opinion surrounding racism and civil rights will extract real costs from a plaintiff who brings a legal challenge.
Federal laws don't appear to create an issue. The closest statute on point is a law banning discrimination in contracting. Uber's policy applies only to customers, and does not alter the agreement between the company and the participating restaurant, so the contract law probably doesn't apply. The Postmates policy appears similar based on publicly available information, but compliance is difficult to evaluate since the company has been guarded in disclosing details.
State laws are another matter. Both companies are based in San Francisco, meaning they are covered by California's Unruh Civil Rights Act. That law requires businesses to provide all comers with "full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities, privileges or services." Bernstein told the Free Beacon that the California Supreme Court ruled in 2019 that the state civil rights law covers online businesses, though that case did not involve gig economy services.
The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, which enforces the Unruh Civil Rights Act, told the Free Beacon that it cannot offer advisory opinions on businesses practices.
Dr. Anthony Kreis, a law professor at Chicago-Kent College of Law, told the Free Beacon that state and local public accommodations laws are more likely to cause a problem, but it's not clear they cover sharing economy services like Uber. What's more, Kreis said these promotionals are novel compared with more familiar civil rights cases.
"Ultimately, there really isn't an actual denial of service or inequitable access to a service," Kreis said. "Rather these companies are incentivizing patrons to do business with a particular group of businesses at their own expense."
However, Kreis cautioned that policies which create class-based distinctions can be unlawful even if there is no bias behind the program. For example, he noted officials in New Jersey determined a restaurant that offered discounted drinks to women for a weekly "Ladies Night" violated state civil rights law because it discriminated against men.
"Benign or even benevolent motives cannot excuse discrimination that's based on stereotypes or customer preferences," Kreis told the Free Beacon. "Nor does it matter that the consequences of the policy are fairly trivial."
Supposing these programs are unlawful, Kreis predicted the social costs of bringing a legal challenge will be steep.
"My suspicion is this is ultimately going to be a test for business owners who might feel injured by these policies because any litigation could well be a public relations nightmare in and of itself no matter what the probability of success," Kreis told the Free Beacon .
The possibility of litigation will similarly test businesses' commitment to social justice causes. Whether "woke capital" is willing to sustain progressive business practices while incurring losses is an open question. Mounting attorneys' fees and prospective damages might prove too burdensome, particularly for sharing economy startups.


freebeacon--2020-06-10--Incoming ASU Journalism Dean Out After Microaggression Complaints

Arizona State University revoked a job offer from its incoming journalism school dean after students and faculty accused her of `` microaggressions , '' including a tweet that called some police officers `` good . ''
Sonya Forte Duhé was due to take over as dean of ASU 's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication on July 1 , but her offer was revoked on Monday after former students lodged complaints about comments they perceived as rude .
Duhé was also criticized for her # BlackOutTuesday post that called some police officers good , in light of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweet , Duhé wrote , `` for the family of George Floyd , the good police officers who keep us safe , my students , faculty and staff .
Praying for peace on this # BlackOutTuesday . ''
One of Duhé 's former students , Whitney Woods , responded by calling the professor racist .
`` There is no way in hell that black lives matter to you , '' Woods tweeted .
`` You are one of , if not , THE most racist human that I have ever encountered in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Woods , a black woman , claimed that the former Loyola University-New Orleans ( LOYNO ) professor told her that her hair was too messy for television .
In an article for the State Press , ASU 's student newspaper , 23 LOYNO students alleged that Duhé discouraged black students from pursuing television careers because of their appearances .
One student , Andrew Ketchum , claimed Duhé criticized his voice because he is gay .
Ketchum could not be reached for comment .
Duhé did not respond to a request for comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Central , prominent faculty members—including veterans of the Washington Post and New York Times—sent a letter to university president Michael Crow saying that hiring a dean accused of racism and mistreatment would harm the journalism school 's reputation and finances .
Several faculty members threatened to leave if Duhé became dean .
Faculty who signed the letter either did not respond or declined requests for comment .
The Arizona State standoff emerged as prestige newsrooms have faced upheaval from young journalists and activists .
Liberal New York Times staff members launched an open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an op-ed from Sen. Tom Cotton ( R. , Ark . )
—a conflict that led to a public apology from newspaper executives and the resignation of opinion page editor James Bennet .
ASU administrators bowed to similar demands from students and professors .
Students from minority journalism coalitions issued a joint statement calling on the university to revoke Duhé 's offer .
The letter said Duhé has a history of making racist , homophobic , and bodyshaming comments .
`` The student leaders are demanding ASU retract its current offer of her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter reads .
`` We refuse to let minority voices go unheard , especially those of the Black community . ''
The student-led coalition started a Change.org petition calling for Duhé 's offer to be rescinded .
The petition garnered more than 4,000 signatures .
`` I really believe that ASU did the right thing , '' said National Association of Hispanic Journalists president Marco Peralta .
`` For a journalism school such as Cronkite , it is important to be respectful of every ethnicity , race , and sexual orientation.… We felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ student organizations at Cronkite , Sonya Duhé was not the right person for the job .
Racism and homophobia have no place . ''
A spokesman for ASU provost Mark Searle 's office told the Washington Free Beacon that the school and television station `` will be better served by not advancing with Dr. Duhé as their leader . ''
The decision came after ASU president Michael Crow publicly called on the university to accelerate `` the rate of enhanced social justice . ''
`` The development regarding the Cronkite Dean is most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our attention to meeting that challenge and ensuring we offer the highest level of journalism education , '' the spokesman said .
Woods said she was empowered by ASU 's decision but wished LOYNO faculty and staff had made the same decision years ago .
`` The real victory here is that people finally had a space to speak their truth and to finally feel like that truth was heard , '' Woods said .
`` What the ASU faculty and staff did is what we wish Loyola faculty and staff did while @ @ @ @ @ @

Arizona State University revoked a job offer from its incoming journalism school dean after students and faculty accused her of "microaggressions," including a tweet that called some police officers "good."
Sonya Forte Duhé was due to take over as dean of ASU's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication on July 1, but her offer was revoked on Monday after former students lodged complaints about comments they perceived as rude. Duhé was also criticized for her #BlackOutTuesday post that called some police officers good, in light of the George Floyd protests.
In a since-deleted tweet, Duhé wrote, "for the family of George Floyd, the good police officers who keep us safe, my students, faculty and staff. Praying for peace on this #BlackOutTuesday." One of Duhé's former students, Whitney Woods, responded by calling the professor racist. "There is no way in hell that black lives matter to you," Woods tweeted. "You are one of, if not, THE most racist human that I have ever encountered in a professional setting." After the tweet, Woods, a black woman, claimed that the former Loyola University-New Orleans (LOYNO) professor told her that her hair was too messy for television.
In an article for the State Press, ASU's student newspaper, 23 LOYNO students alleged that Duhé discouraged black students from pursuing television careers because of their appearances. One student, Andrew Ketchum, claimed Duhé criticized his voice because he is gay. Ketchum could not be reached for comment.
Duhé did not respond to a request for comment.
According to a report from AZ Central, prominent faculty members—including veterans of the Washington Post and New York Times—sent a letter to university president Michael Crow saying that hiring a dean accused of racism and mistreatment would harm the journalism school's reputation and finances. Several faculty members threatened to leave if Duhé became dean. Faculty who signed the letter either did not respond or declined requests for comment.
The Arizona State standoff emerged as prestige newsrooms have faced upheaval from young journalists and activists. Liberal New York Times staff members launched an open revolt against management after the newspaper published an op-ed from Sen. Tom Cotton (R., Ark.)—a conflict that led to a public apology from newspaper executives and the resignation of opinion page editor James Bennet. ASU administrators bowed to similar demands from students and professors.
Students from minority journalism coalitions issued a joint statement calling on the university to revoke Duhé's offer. The letter said Duhé has a history of making racist, homophobic, and bodyshaming comments. "The student leaders are demanding ASU retract its current offer of her incoming position as Dean," the letter reads. "We refuse to let minority voices go unheard, especially those of the Black community."
ASU community: The student leaders of the Cronkite diversity organizations made a statement revolving around the incoming dean. Here’s our petition: https://t.co/rrE23RR3tS pic.twitter.com/t255j1slNX — kiarra (@_kiarralanae) June 6, 2020
The student-led coalition started a Change.org petition calling for Duhé's offer to be rescinded. The petition garnered more than 4,000 signatures.
"I really believe that ASU did the right thing," said National Association of Hispanic Journalists president Marco Peralta. "For a journalism school such as Cronkite, it is important to be respectful of every ethnicity, race, and sexual orientation.… We felt, as students and leaders of ethnicity student organizations at Cronkite, Sonya Duhé was not the right person for the job. Racism and homophobia have no place."
A spokesman for ASU provost Mark Searle's office told the Washington Free Beacon that the school and television station "will be better served by not advancing with Dr. Duhé as their leader." The decision came after ASU president Michael Crow publicly called on the university to accelerate "the rate of enhanced social justice."
"The development regarding the Cronkite Dean is most unfortunate, but we now must turn our attention to meeting that challenge and ensuring we offer the highest level of journalism education," the spokesman said.
Woods said she was empowered by ASU's decision but wished LOYNO faculty and staff had made the same decision years ago.
"The real victory here is that people finally had a space to speak their truth and to finally feel like that truth was heard," Woods said. "What the ASU faculty and staff did is what we wish Loyola faculty and staff did while we were in school."


freebeacon--2020-06-10--Food Editor Ousted Over Brownface Scandal, But These Culturally Appropriating Dems Still Have Jobs

Adam Rapoport , the editor in chief of Bon Appétit magazine , resigned in disgrace after an old photo of him wearing brownface resurfaced online and prompted employees to accuse him of racial discrimination .
The announcement came hours after a freelance food writer posted a photo of Rapoport and his wife dressed as `` Puerto Ricans '' for Halloween in 2003 .
Rapoport , who is not Puerto Rican , said he was stepping down `` to reflect on the work that I need to do as a human being '' and apologized for the `` extremely ill-conceived '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failure to promote `` an inclusive vision '' at Bon Appétit , a monthly food magazine .
Unfortunately for Rapoport , he was merely an editor in chief .
Things might have turned out differently if he was an elected Democratic politician .
If recent history is any guide , he probably would have kept his job .
Democratic leaders at all levels of power and prominence have been caught partaking in egregious displays of cultural appropriation , yet somehow manage to stay in office .
Appeared in a medical school yearbook photo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Klan hooded robe .
Democratic attorney general Mark Herring , among others , called on Northam to resign , but Herring was forced to admit days later that he had worn a blackface costume in 1980 .
Both Democrats remain in office .
This never caused a scandal , but still .
Below is a real , unedited photo of Cuomo marching in the annual West Indian Day Parade in September 2019 , and one of the governor giving a press conference last month .
The repeat blackface offender and cultural appropriation enthusiast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prominent black athlete 's signature protest in kente cloth , even Teen Vogue thought it was a cheap stunt .

Adam Rapoport, the editor in chief of Bon Appétit magazine, resigned in disgrace after an old photo of him wearing brownface resurfaced online and prompted employees to accuse him of racial discrimination.
The announcement came hours after a freelance food writer posted a photo of Rapoport and his wife dressed as "Puerto Ricans" for Halloween in 2003. Rapoport, who is not Puerto Rican, said he was stepping down "to reflect on the work that I need to do as a human being" and apologized for the "extremely ill-conceived" costume choice, as well as his failure to promote "an inclusive vision" at Bon Appétit, a monthly food magazine.
Unfortunately for Rapoport, he was merely an editor in chief. Things might have turned out differently if he was an elected Democratic politician. If recent history is any guide, he probably would have kept his job.
Democratic leaders at all levels of power and prominence have been caught partaking in egregious displays of cultural appropriation, yet somehow manage to stay in office.
Gov. Ralph Northam (D., Va.)
Appeared in a medical school yearbook photo wearing either blackface or a Ku Klux Klan hooded robe. Democratic attorney general Mark Herring, among others, called on Northam to resign, but Herring was forced to admit days later that he had worn a blackface costume in 1980. Both Democrats remain in office.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D., N.Y.)
This never caused a scandal, but still. Below is a real, unedited photo of Cuomo marching in the annual West Indian Day Parade in September 2019, and one of the governor giving a press conference last month.
Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D., Fla.)
She's really into Indian cosplay.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (D., Canada)
The repeat blackface offender and cultural appropriation enthusiast was reelected in 2019.
House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.)
Appropriating a prominent black athlete's signature protest in kente cloth, even Teen Vogue thought it was a cheap stunt.


freebeacon--2020-06-10--Iowa Dem Receives Endorsement From Far-Left Group Behind Anti-Ethanol Lawsuit

Rep. Abby Finkenauer ( D. , Iowa ) , who has positioned herself as a champion of local agriculture , received the endorsement of a far-left environmental group considered hostile to the economic interests of Iowa farmers .
Sierra Club , a liberal environmental activist group , announced its endorsement of Finkenauer on Tuesday .
While the endorsement is likely to boost her fundraising appeal among national liberals—85 percent of the Democrat 's campaign funds have come from outside of Iowa in the 2020 cycle—it could muddy her pledge to `` fight like hell '' for Iowa farmers .
Finkenauer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iowa agriculture , touting her `` working class '' background .
Sierra Club has long taken positions that threaten the state 's farm economy , however , including criticizing the production of ethanol because of its environmental impact .
In 2017 , the group launched an anti-ethanol lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency , arguing that the biofuel has caused `` the elimination of vast native landscapes for the production of corn '' and `` contributed to severe algal blooms in water bodies including the Great Lakes and … Gulf of Mexico .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ all U.S. ethanol , supporting roughly 42,000 jobs and accounting for $ 4.7 billion in state GDP , according to the Iowa Corn Growers Association .
Republican Ashley Hinson , who is challenging Finkenauer in the state 's First Congressional District , said the endorsement `` makes it clear that [ Finkenauer ] stands with liberal environmentalists and not Iowa Farmers . ''
`` The Sierra Club passionately supports the Green New Deal and increased regulations that would bankrupt the renewable fuels industry , '' campaign manager Jimmy Peacock said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she supports Iowa Farmers while she consistently turns her back on them for political gain ? ''
Finkenauer and Sierra Club did not respond to requests for comment .
In addition to opposing ethanol production incentives vital to the Iowa economy , Sierra Club also supports `` minimizing the production and consumption of domestic animals '' to `` reduce greenhouse gas production . ''
The group encourages Americans to `` eliminate meat and animal products '' from their diets in order to reduce `` greenhouse gas impacts , water pollution and inhumane treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation in ethanol production and hog and egg production , and the state ranks second in commercial red meat production .
Sierra Club is also a vocal proponent of far-left congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez 's ( D. , N.Y. ) $ 94 trillion Green New Deal , which calls for the `` economic transformation '' of the United States .
Finkenauer has danced around the legislation since its introduction in February 2019 , stressing the need to get `` creative about how we actually address environmental concerns '' without directly supporting or opposing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hinson , a former Cedar Rapids news reporter and state representative , in November .
The Iowa Republican won her June primary handily , receiving 78 percent of the vote .
The Cook Political Report rates the race a `` toss up . ''

Rep. Abby Finkenauer (D., Iowa), who has positioned herself as a champion of local agriculture, received the endorsement of a far-left environmental group considered hostile to the economic interests of Iowa farmers.
Sierra Club, a liberal environmental activist group, announced its endorsement of Finkenauer on Tuesday. While the endorsement is likely to boost her fundraising appeal among national liberals—85 percent of the Democrat's campaign funds have come from outside of Iowa in the 2020 cycle—it could muddy her pledge to "fight like hell" for Iowa farmers.
Finkenauer has positioned herself as a supporter of Iowa agriculture, touting her "working class" background. Sierra Club has long taken positions that threaten the state's farm economy, however, including criticizing the production of ethanol because of its environmental impact. In 2017, the group launched an anti-ethanol lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency, arguing that the biofuel has caused "the elimination of vast native landscapes for the production of corn" and "contributed to severe algal blooms in water bodies including the Great Lakes and … Gulf of Mexico."
Iowa produces nearly 30 percent of all U.S. ethanol, supporting roughly 42,000 jobs and accounting for $4.7 billion in state GDP, according to the Iowa Corn Growers Association. Republican Ashley Hinson, who is challenging Finkenauer in the state's First Congressional District, said the endorsement "makes it clear that [Finkenauer] stands with liberal environmentalists and not Iowa Farmers."
"The Sierra Club passionately supports the Green New Deal and increased regulations that would bankrupt the renewable fuels industry," campaign manager Jimmy Peacock said in a statement. "How can Congresswoman Finkenauer say she supports Iowa Farmers while she consistently turns her back on them for political gain?"
Finkenauer and Sierra Club did not respond to requests for comment.
In addition to opposing ethanol production incentives vital to the Iowa economy, Sierra Club also supports "minimizing the production and consumption of domestic animals" to "reduce greenhouse gas production." The group encourages Americans to "eliminate meat and animal products" from their diets in order to reduce "greenhouse gas impacts, water pollution and inhumane treatment of animals." Iowa leads the nation in ethanol production and hog and egg production, and the state ranks second in commercial red meat production.
Sierra Club is also a vocal proponent of far-left congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's (D., N.Y.) $94 trillion Green New Deal, which calls for the "economic transformation" of the United States. Finkenauer has danced around the legislation since its introduction in February 2019, stressing the need to get "creative about how we actually address environmental concerns" without directly supporting or opposing the controversial bill.
Finkenauer will take on Hinson, a former Cedar Rapids news reporter and state representative, in November. The Iowa Republican won her June primary handily, receiving 78 percent of the vote. The Cook Political Report rates the race a "toss up."


freebeacon--2020-06-10--Lawsuit Alleges Qatar Secretly Financed Terror Attacks that Killed Americans

Qatar secretly provided funding for several terror attacks that killed Americans and Israelis , according to allegations leveled in an unprecedented new lawsuit filed in New York City on Wednesday that seeks compensation for the families of those killed .
Multiple Qatari financial institutions , largely controlled by the country ’ s ruling monarch , provided millions of dollars to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad ( PIJ ) , two U.S.-designated terrorist organizations that waged multiple successful attacks on American citizens , according to a copy of the lawsuit obtained by the Washington Free Beacon .
As part of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used the U.S. banking system to illegally funnel these groups the money necessary to orchestrate and conduct the attacks .
As Hamas ’ s most prolific funder , `` Qatar coopted several institutions that it dominates and controls to funnel coveted U.S. dollars ( the chosen currency of Middle East terrorist networks ) to Hamas and PIJ under the false guise of charitable donations , '' according to the lawsuit , which was filed under the U.S. Anti-Terrorism Act and has been in the works for the last two years .
Revelations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terror plots is likely to fuel ongoing congressional investigations into Qatar ’ s support for terror factions and other anti-U.S. militia groups .
Qatar ’ s involvement with these groups has also been a source of tension with its regional neighbors , including Saudi Arabia , Bahrain , and Egypt—all of which cut ties with the regime in 2017 due to its support for terrorism .
The lawsuit was filed by American attorney Steven Perles , who has prosecuted several notable terrorism cases filed on behalf of the families and victims of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among its plaintiffs the family of Taylor Force , an American military veteran killed by Hamas in 2016 .
`` In addition to holding those who have financed terrorism accountable , this case should serve as a strong deterrent to others who might consider similar activities , '' Perles told the Free Beacon .
American victims of terrorism have won similar cases in the past , including the victims of the 9/11 terror attacks and those killed by Iran .
Earlier this year , American victims of the 1983 attack on a U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.5 billion in damages .
Other cases , however , have dragged on for years with no end in sight .
In many instances it has been difficult for the legal system to extract funds from malign regimes and their supporters .
Qatar allegedly skirted U.S. sanctions on Hamas and PIJ by enlisting several of its charitable organizations in a scheme to funnel funds to the terror groups .
As with many other terror financing cases , it was critical this money be provided in U.S. dollars .
The lawsuit specifically targets Qatar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Qatar Charitable Society .
The organization serves as `` a key funding source for international terrorists '' and is believed to have been a major source of funding for deceased terror leader Osama bin Laden .
Qatar Charity allegedly worked with Masraf Al Rayan bank and Qatar National Bank to forward Hamas and PIJ millions of dollars , according to the lawsuit .
Both banks `` were essential to provide access to the U.S. financial system to obtain the U.S. dollars needed to sustain Hamas ’ s and PIJ ’ s terrorist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The banks and charity group are largely controlled by members of Qatar ’ s royal family .
Masraf Al Rayan bank is currently under investigation in the United Kingdom for helping Qatar Charity send money to Hamas and PIJ .
After funneling the charitable donations through banks located in New York , the money was allegedly transferred to Qatar Charity ’ s accounts at the Bank of Palestine and the Islamic Bank in Ramallah , where the funds were then distributed to affiliates of Hamas and PIJ .
Between March and September 2015 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was distributed by Qatar Charity to its affiliates in Palestinian-controlled territories , according to the lawsuit .
Internal documents from Qatar Charity noted in the lawsuit further indicate that it transferred funds to Hamas and PIJ fronts from at least 2013 .
It is alleged that these funds directly aided at least six terror attacks conducted by Hamas and PIJ operatives between 2014 and 2016 .
This includes multiple car-ramming attacks in Israel , in which terrorists drove vehicles into crowds of people , killing several American citizens .
Others were kidnapped and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Israel .
The most prominent plaintiff is the family of Taylor Force , whose name is attached to legislation passed by Congress in 2017 that blocks American aid to the Palestinian Authority due to its policy of using this cash to pay convicted terrorists and their families .
Nine other families also are included in the lawsuit .

Qatar secretly provided funding for several terror attacks that killed Americans and Israelis, according to allegations leveled in an unprecedented new lawsuit filed in New York City on Wednesday that seeks compensation for the families of those killed.
Multiple Qatari financial institutions, largely controlled by the country’s ruling monarch, provided millions of dollars to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), two U.S.-designated terrorist organizations that waged multiple successful attacks on American citizens, according to a copy of the lawsuit obtained by the Washington Free Beacon. As part of this alleged funding scheme, Qatari charities allegedly used the U.S. banking system to illegally funnel these groups the money necessary to orchestrate and conduct the attacks.
As Hamas’s most prolific funder, "Qatar coopted several institutions that it dominates and controls to funnel coveted U.S. dollars (the chosen currency of Middle East terrorist networks) to Hamas and PIJ under the false guise of charitable donations," according to the lawsuit, which was filed under the U.S. Anti-Terrorism Act and has been in the works for the last two years.
Revelations of Qatar’s alleged involvement in these terror plots is likely to fuel ongoing congressional investigations into Qatar’s support for terror factions and other anti-U.S. militia groups. Qatar’s involvement with these groups has also been a source of tension with its regional neighbors, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Egypt—all of which cut ties with the regime in 2017 due to its support for terrorism.
The lawsuit was filed by American attorney Steven Perles, who has prosecuted several notable terrorism cases filed on behalf of the families and victims of these terror attacks. The current case includes among its plaintiffs the family of Taylor Force, an American military veteran killed by Hamas in 2016.
"In addition to holding those who have financed terrorism accountable, this case should serve as a strong deterrent to others who might consider similar activities," Perles told the Free Beacon.
American victims of terrorism have won similar cases in the past, including the victims of the 9/11 terror attacks and those killed by Iran. Earlier this year, American victims of the 1983 attack on a U.S. embassy compound in Lebanon were awarded $1.5 billion in damages. Other cases, however, have dragged on for years with no end in sight. In many instances it has been difficult for the legal system to extract funds from malign regimes and their supporters.
Qatar allegedly skirted U.S. sanctions on Hamas and PIJ by enlisting several of its charitable organizations in a scheme to funnel funds to the terror groups. As with many other terror financing cases, it was critical this money be provided in U.S. dollars.
The lawsuit specifically targets Qatar Charity, which was founded in 1992 as Qatar Charitable Society. The organization serves as "a key funding source for international terrorists" and is believed to have been a major source of funding for deceased terror leader Osama bin Laden.
Qatar Charity allegedly worked with Masraf Al Rayan bank and Qatar National Bank to forward Hamas and PIJ millions of dollars, according to the lawsuit. Both banks "were essential to provide access to the U.S. financial system to obtain the U.S. dollars needed to sustain Hamas’s and PIJ’s terrorist activities," the lawsuit states. The banks and charity group are largely controlled by members of Qatar’s royal family.
Masraf Al Rayan bank is currently under investigation in the United Kingdom for helping Qatar Charity send money to Hamas and PIJ.
After funneling the charitable donations through banks located in New York, the money was allegedly transferred to Qatar Charity’s accounts at the Bank of Palestine and the Islamic Bank in Ramallah, where the funds were then distributed to affiliates of Hamas and PIJ.
Between March and September 2015, at least $28 million dollars was distributed by Qatar Charity to its affiliates in Palestinian-controlled territories, according to the lawsuit. Internal documents from Qatar Charity noted in the lawsuit further indicate that it transferred funds to Hamas and PIJ fronts from at least 2013.
It is alleged that these funds directly aided at least six terror attacks conducted by Hamas and PIJ operatives between 2014 and 2016. This includes multiple car-ramming attacks in Israel, in which terrorists drove vehicles into crowds of people, killing several American citizens. Others were kidnapped and stabbed by Hamas operatives in and around Israel.
The most prominent plaintiff is the family of Taylor Force, whose name is attached to legislation passed by Congress in 2017 that blocks American aid to the Palestinian Authority due to its policy of using this cash to pay convicted terrorists and their families. Nine other families also are included in the lawsuit.


freebeacon--2020-06-10--LSU Profs Want To Drop Students For ‘Hate Speech’

A Louisiana State University assistant professor promised to keep an ongoing list of students who engage in `` hate speech '' and pledged to drop them from her classes .
Video showing a white incoming LSU freshman using the n-word stoked controversy over how colleges should handle individuals who use racial epithets .
LSU tweeted that the university condemns `` hate and bigotry in any form , including racially incendiary remarks . ''
The tweet noted that as a publicly funded college , LSU is subject to uphold the First Amendment .
Biological Sciences assistant professor Alyssa Johnson said she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if LSU will not revoke the student 's admission .
In a since-deleted tweet , Johnson said she will keep a list of names of students who engage in `` hate speech '' and drop them from her courses .
`` It 's not just free speech , it 's hate speech and it 's a threat to student safety .
# safespace # BlackLivesMatter , '' Johnson said .
LSU associate professor William Doerrler responded to Johnson 's deleted tweet signaling his support for dropping the incoming LSU student .
`` Thank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my class I 'll drop him too , '' Doerrler said .
Johnson and Doerrler did not respond to requests for comment .
According to the LSU Faculty Handbook , faculty have no authority to drop a student who is properly registered in their class .
The Supreme Court has ruled that the First Amendment protects even bigoted remarks , but speech codes have been implemented at many private and public universities .
The definition of `` hate speech '' has also grown in scope to include some conservative slogans .
A College @ @ @ @ @ @ @ college students believe `` offensive jokes '' can be a form of hate speech .
Johnson 's comments have sparked a larger conversation about whether universities should alter speech codes .
Former LSU law professor Paul Baier told the Free Beacon that he does not believe the freedom of speech should allow racists to bring their ideas to a university campus .
`` To be completely free to advocate [ racism ] without any kind of consequences … if that 's the scope of free speech , it 's asinine , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' as specific racist , prejudiced words , such as the n-word .
He does not classify slogans with `` suggestive motivation '' —such as `` MAGA '' —as hate speech .
The student group LSU Against Racism said it stands behind Johnson 's promise to drop students who engage in `` hate speech . ''
The group told the Free Beacon it understands free speech is protected by federal law , but does not believe such speech should be protected on campuses that have a `` Code of Student Conduct . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hate speech code .
`` Any language that targets others in a manner so vicious , like a slur , should not ever be protected at the university because it alienates a huge portion of the student body and puts them in an unsafe environment , '' an LSU Against Racism spokesperson said .
After a meeting with black student leaders , LSU announced it will investigate and take action against racist language .
This will include the incoming freshman who used the n-word .
The university announced it will meet with student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe , welcoming and inclusive university . ''
The university did not respond to requests for comment nor has the administration publicly commented on Johnson 's tweet .

A Louisiana State University assistant professor promised to keep an ongoing list of students who engage in "hate speech" and pledged to drop them from her classes.
Video showing a white incoming LSU freshman using the n-word stoked controversy over how colleges should handle individuals who use racial epithets. LSU tweeted that the university condemns "hate and bigotry in any form, including racially incendiary remarks." The tweet noted that as a publicly funded college, LSU is subject to uphold the First Amendment. Biological Sciences assistant professor Alyssa Johnson said she will take action into her own hands if LSU will not revoke the student's admission.
In a since-deleted tweet, Johnson said she will keep a list of names of students who engage in "hate speech" and drop them from her courses. "It's not just free speech, it's hate speech and it's a threat to student safety. #safespace #BlackLivesMatter," Johnson said.
LSU associate professor William Doerrler responded to Johnson's deleted tweet signaling his support for dropping the incoming LSU student. "Thank you!! If he enrolls in my class I'll drop him too," Doerrler said. Johnson and Doerrler did not respond to requests for comment. According to the LSU Faculty Handbook, faculty have no authority to drop a student who is properly registered in their class.
The Supreme Court has ruled that the First Amendment protects even bigoted remarks, but speech codes have been implemented at many private and public universities. The definition of "hate speech" has also grown in scope to include some conservative slogans. A College Pulse survey found that 60 percent of college students believe "offensive jokes" can be a form of hate speech.
Some students expressed concern that allowing professors to drop students from their classes due to offensive speech would silence conservatives. The LSU College Republicans worries that Johnson’s standard could be enforced arbitrarily. "Removing students from classes for undefined 'hate speech' would put at risk the integrity of LSU's world-class learning environments," said club president Grant Scheeringa. "It is the job of the University to expand students' knowledge, not condemn them on the basis of Prof. Johnson's personal opinion."
Free speech groups also said Johnson’s pledge runs afoul of the rights of students at public universities. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) said professors at a public university cannot refuse to teach students because of a disagreement on speech. "Faculty members at public institutions properly possess the academic freedom to guide discussions within their classrooms," spokeswoman Katlyn Patton told the Washington Free Beacon. "But, they cannot refuse to teach students simply because they disagree with their extramural speech or views."
Johnson's comments have sparked a larger conversation about whether universities should alter speech codes. Former LSU law professor Paul Baier told the Free Beacon that he does not believe the freedom of speech should allow racists to bring their ideas to a university campus. "To be completely free to advocate [racism] without any kind of consequences ... if that's the scope of free speech, it's asinine," he said. Baier defined "hate speech" as specific racist, prejudiced words, such as the n-word. He does not classify slogans with "suggestive motivation"—such as "MAGA"—as hate speech.
Others argued that even reprehensible speech is protected by the First Amendment. LSU political science professor James Stoner distinguished between speech that can interpreted as a "general threat" and remarks that constitute a true threat to individual safety. "The First Amendment does not include the right to threaten. It has to be a true threat though, not a general threat," Stoner said. "The problem is, of course, hate speech restrictions have had a tendency to go way beyond that and suppress discussion of opinions that are not meant to be threatening, other than politically."
The student group LSU Against Racism said it stands behind Johnson's promise to drop students who engage in "hate speech." The group told the Free Beacon it understands free speech is protected by federal law, but does not believe such speech should be protected on campuses that have a "Code of Student Conduct." It lobbies the university to change its hate speech code.
"Any language that targets others in a manner so vicious, like a slur, should not ever be protected at the university because it alienates a huge portion of the student body and puts them in an unsafe environment," an LSU Against Racism spokesperson said.
After a meeting with black student leaders, LSU announced it will investigate and take action against racist language. This will include the incoming freshman who used the n-word. The university announced it will meet with student leaders to "ensure LSU is a safe, welcoming and inclusive university." The university did not respond to requests for comment nor has the administration publicly commented on Johnson's tweet.


freebeacon--2020-06-10--Memo: Free Beacon to Allow Employees to Engage in Limited Political Activity

The executive braintrust of the Washington Free Beacon , a site popular among pro-freedom advocates , said in a memo on Wednesday the company would support staff members who engage in certain political activities , a shift from the stance journalists often pretend to adopt in hopes of avoiding the appearance of partisanship .
In a companywide encrypted email decoded and reviewed by the Free Beacon , executive ombudsman and chief human relations officer Biff Diddle said , `` First , let me say we are legally obligated to support and encourage you to exercise your so-called ‘ rights ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrested or meet harm while exercising these rights , the Free Beacon will stand behind you , seek vengeance through appropriate channels , and use the Bullion Reserve to cover your bail or assist with medical bills . ''
The announcement comes as media outlets across the country struggle to confront the fact that many of their younger employees view journalism as indistinguishable from political activism and reject as old-fashioned the notion that reporters should at least maintain a pretense of objectivity .
The New York Times , for example , has an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` march or rally in support of public causes or movements '' or publicly take positions on public issues because `` doing so might reasonably raise doubts about their ability or The Times 's ability to function as neutral observers in covering the news . ''
The same newspaper also saw its opinion page editor resign for failing to spike an op-ed authored by Sen. Tom Cotton ( R. , Ark . )
that some Times staffers considered too `` dangerous '' to publish .
As it happens , reading the New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approved political activities outlined in Diddle 's memo , which represents a radical departure from existing company policy .
The other approved activities are as follows : • Employees may participate in government-sanctioned military parades and war games .
• Employees are no longer required to smoke cigarettes at work .
• Employees are no longer required to receive 100 percent of their salaries in precious metals and firearms .
• Employees may purchase Trump campaign merchandise , specifically The Official Trump Coloring Book ( Note : Does NOT apply to MAGA hats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer required to prove ( via photographic evidence ) they were standing during the daily office recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance .
• Male-identifying employees may partake in seated urination , within reason .
• Employees may acknowledge the existence of the WNBA .
• Employees are no longer required to celebrate Hiroshima Day ( August 6 ) .
• Employees may respectfully decline to accept the company-issued AR-15 .
• Employees may respectfully decline to accept the company-issued Truck Nutz .
• Employees may participate in half marathons , provided they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sticker on their vehicles like a freaking nerd .
• Employees may partake in cycling , within reason , but are prohibited from pressing charges against coworkers who run them down with their cars .
• Employees are no longer banned from crying at the office , but must do so in the sound-proof panic room .
• All former employees fired for cavorting with confirmed Antifa activist Lachlan Markay will be reinstated .

The executive braintrust of the Washington Free Beacon, a site popular among pro-freedom advocates, said in a memo on Wednesday the company would support staff members who engage in certain political activities, a shift from the stance journalists often pretend to adopt in hopes of avoiding the appearance of partisanship.
In a companywide encrypted email decoded and reviewed by the Free Beacon, executive ombudsman and chief human relations officer Biff Diddle said, "First, let me say we are legally obligated to support and encourage you to exercise your so-called 'rights' to free speech. If you're arrested or meet harm while exercising these rights, the Free Beacon will stand behind you, seek vengeance through appropriate channels, and use the Bullion Reserve to cover your bail or assist with medical bills."
The announcement comes as media outlets across the country struggle to confront the fact that many of their younger employees view journalism as indistinguishable from political activism and reject as old-fashioned the notion that reporters should at least maintain a pretense of objectivity.
The New York Times, for example, has an ethics policy advising its journalists not to "march or rally in support of public causes or movements" or publicly take positions on public issues because "doing so might reasonably raise doubts about their ability or The Times's ability to function as neutral observers in covering the news."
The same newspaper also saw its opinion page editor resign for failing to spike an op-ed authored by Sen. Tom Cotton (R., Ark.) that some Times staffers considered too "dangerous" to publish.
As it happens, reading the New York Times opinion section was among the newly approved political activities outlined in Diddle's memo, which represents a radical departure from existing company policy. The other approved activities are as follows:
Employees may participate in government-sanctioned military parades and war games.
Employees are no longer required to smoke cigarettes at work.
Employees are no longer required to receive 100 percent of their salaries in precious metals and firearms.
Employees may purchase Trump campaign merchandise, specifically The Official Trump Coloring Book (Note: Does NOT apply to MAGA hats).
Remote employees are no longer required to prove (via photographic evidence) they were standing during the daily office recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Male-identifying employees may partake in seated urination, within reason.
Employees may acknowledge the existence of the WNBA.
Employees are no longer required to celebrate Hiroshima Day (August 6).
Employees may respectfully decline to accept the company-issued AR-15.
Employees may respectfully decline to accept the company-issued Truck Nutz.
Employees may participate in half marathons, provided they refrain from displaying a "13.1" sticker on their vehicles like a freaking nerd.
Employees may partake in cycling, within reason, but are prohibited from pressing charges against coworkers who run them down with their cars.
Employees are no longer banned from crying at the office, but must do so in the sound-proof panic room.
All former employees fired for cavorting with confirmed Antifa activist Lachlan Markay will be reinstated.


freebeacon--2020-06-10--Hickenlooper Blames His Ethics Violations on Republicans

Former Colorado governor John Hickenlooper characterized his conviction on ethics violations as Republican `` smear attacks '' during a primary debate Tuesday night .
Hickenlooper was found guilty by the Colorado Independent Ethics Commission last Friday of twice accepting free luxury travel from business interests while he was governor .
The five-member panel also voted unanimously to hold him in contempt for initially defying a subpoena to appear at the hearing .
`` These allegations were waged by a dark-money Republican group and they 're going to lay attacks and millions of dollars of smear ads against whoever the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in response to a call from his opponent , former Democratic Colorado House speaker Andrew Romanoff , that he drop out of the race .
The allegations against Hickenlooper were first submitted to the nonpartisan commission in 2018 by the Public Trust Institute , a watchdog group founded by former Republican Colorado House speaker Frank McNulty .
Hickenlooper 's ongoing ethics trial and conviction has cast a pall over his Senate bid , although he continues to hold a significant polling lead over incumbent Sen. Cory Gardner ( R. ) .
Romanoff blasted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held in contempt by an independent ethics commission '' and called on him to withdraw from the race .
`` Now , when he breaks the law , [ he ] refuses to apologize , defies a subpoena , '' Romanoff said .
`` You heard John blame the Republicans , you heard him blame the staff , I suppose he even blames the [ ethics ] commission , which includes his own appointees who ruled against him . ''
The Colorado Springs Gazette editorial board also came out against Hickenlooper ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` politician proven susceptible to inappropriate gifts by corporations is the last thing Colorado needs in Washington . ''
Hickenlooper 's sentencing is scheduled for Friday , and he faces fines of up to twice the value of the illicit gifts as well as sanctions for the contempt charge .

Former Colorado governor John Hickenlooper characterized his conviction on ethics violations as Republican "smear attacks" during a primary debate Tuesday night.
Hickenlooper was found guilty by the Colorado Independent Ethics Commission last Friday of twice accepting free luxury travel from business interests while he was governor. The five-member panel also voted unanimously to hold him in contempt for initially defying a subpoena to appear at the hearing.
"These allegations were waged by a dark-money Republican group and they're going to lay attacks and millions of dollars of smear ads against whoever the Democratic candidate is," Hickenlooper said in response to a call from his opponent, former Democratic Colorado House speaker Andrew Romanoff, that he drop out of the race.
The allegations against Hickenlooper were first submitted to the nonpartisan commission in 2018 by the Public Trust Institute, a watchdog group founded by former Republican Colorado House speaker Frank McNulty.
Hickenlooper's ongoing ethics trial and conviction has cast a pall over his Senate bid, although he continues to hold a significant polling lead over incumbent Sen. Cory Gardner (R.).
Romanoff blasted Hickenlooper as "the first person ever held in contempt by an independent ethics commission" and called on him to withdraw from the race.
"Now, when he breaks the law, [he] refuses to apologize, defies a subpoena," Romanoff said. "You heard John blame the Republicans, you heard him blame the staff, I suppose he even blames the [ethics] commission, which includes his own appointees who ruled against him."
The Colorado Springs Gazette editorial board also came out against Hickenlooper’s candidacy on Tuesday, writing that a "politician proven susceptible to inappropriate gifts by corporations is the last thing Colorado needs in Washington."
Hickenlooper's sentencing is scheduled for Friday, and he faces fines of up to twice the value of the illicit gifts as well as sanctions for the contempt charge.


freebeacon--2020-06-10--Network of White Supremacists Spreads Anti-Semitic Conspiracy Theories About Coronavirus

A network of white supremacists and far-right provocateurs have spent the last several months disseminating anti-Semitic conspiracy theories alleging Jews are behind the coronavirus pandemic , further endangering an already vulnerable global Jewish community , according to a new watchdog report obtained by the Washington Free Beacon .
A loose-knit community of 26 far-right anti-Semites are responsible for `` a large proportion of online coronavirus anti-Semitism , '' according to an investigation conducted by Canary Mission , a watchdog group that monitors the dissemination of anti-Semitism online .
As the virus spread across the globe , these individuals mobilized online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them of manufacturing the virus as part of a plot for world domination .
While many of the conspiracy theories invoke age-old canards about Jews , the coronavirus provided a prime opportunity for these individuals to further stoke the flames of anti-Semitism , the report concludes .
Anti-Semitism has skyrocketed across the world in the past several years , including in the United States , where crimes targeting Jews have been on the rise .
The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated this trend , as frightened populations seek a scapegoat for their fear , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals profiled in the report `` have a long history of anti-Semitism and share a common hatred of Jews , '' according to Canary Mission .
`` Coronavirus is just the latest opportunity to attack the Jewish community .
Bigoted posts , videos , memes and podcasts feed their cultures and subcultures of hate—and this can lead to tragic consequences . ''
The report breaks online anti-Semitism surrounding the coronavirus into several categories .
These include blaming Jews for creating the virus , claims that Israel and American Jews are using the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jewish people have intentionally spread the illness .
Around 73 percent of the online posts in the report promoted the theory that the `` Jewish-controlled government '' is exploiting the coronavirus to consolidate power .
Each of the individuals profiled in the report also disseminated `` classic anti-Semitism , '' or general allegations that Jews are the source of global unrest .
YouTube and other social media platforms remain a primary vehicle for the distribution of this content .
While these websites have attempted to police such rhetoric , the success rate of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Free Beacon independently verified the rhetoric quoted below .
David Duke , the white supremacist at the forefront of this movement , recently claimed that Zionists used the coronavirus to manipulate the stock market and consolidate wealth .
`` So they knew that they could , with their help … in the media , create this pandemic , they could spook the stock market , they could then sell the stock market short , '' Duke said in an April video posted on BitChute .
`` They could make trillions of dollars and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that middle class . ''
Duke also alleged that Israel ’ s Mossad security service may have intentionally spread the virus to political leaders , such as those in Lebanon and Iran , in order to create a power vacuum in the world ’ s governments .
Tony Hovater , another online provocateur that Canary Mission alleges is central to the spread of anti-Semitism online , claimed in March that Jews exploited the crisis to further their interests .
`` In the middle of a pandemic the National Guard is being deployed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Not quarantine .
PROTECT .
What can I even say ?
This system exists to serve them and big capital .
Big business matters .
You absolutely DO N'T matter .
The guard is n't even for you .
You get nothing . ''
Others claimed the American Israel Public Affairs Committee ( AIPAC ) , the nation 's leading pro-Israel lobbying group , was central to spreading the virus among elected officials .
While it is true there was an outbreak of coronavirus during the group 's annual conference earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of a larger Jewish-controlled plot .
`` AIPAC was the first big cluster [ of coronavirus ] in America .
And we told everybody : ‘ Watch what happens , it 's going to spread across America from AIPAC . '
Well it 's spreading in Israel through the synagogues . ''
Rick Wiles , an anti-Semite who founded the far-right website TruNews , said in a March YouTube video , `` You 're under judgment because you opposed His son , the Lord Jesus Christ .
That is why you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dozens of other examples can be found in Canary Mission 's full report .
The report profiles 26 individuals and features the 7 with the furthest reach , including neo-Nazis and other far-right figures .
`` During the 14th century Black Death pandemic , stories that Jews caused the plague resulted in tens of thousands of Jews being murdered , '' Canary Mission wrote in the report .
`` Today , Jews are once again being accused of creating and spreading a disease , this time it 's the Covid-19 . ''

A network of white supremacists and far-right provocateurs have spent the last several months disseminating anti-Semitic conspiracy theories alleging Jews are behind the coronavirus pandemic, further endangering an already vulnerable global Jewish community, according to a new watchdog report obtained by the Washington Free Beacon.
A loose-knit community of 26 far-right anti-Semites are responsible for "a large proportion of online coronavirus anti-Semitism," according to an investigation conducted by Canary Mission, a watchdog group that monitors the dissemination of anti-Semitism online. As the virus spread across the globe, these individuals mobilized online to spread fear about Jews and accuse them of manufacturing the virus as part of a plot for world domination. While many of the conspiracy theories invoke age-old canards about Jews, the coronavirus provided a prime opportunity for these individuals to further stoke the flames of anti-Semitism, the report concludes.
Anti-Semitism has skyrocketed across the world in the past several years, including in the United States, where crimes targeting Jews have been on the rise. The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated this trend, as frightened populations seek a scapegoat for their fear, according to the report.
All the individuals profiled in the report "have a long history of anti-Semitism and share a common hatred of Jews," according to Canary Mission. "Coronavirus is just the latest opportunity to attack the Jewish community. Bigoted posts, videos, memes and podcasts feed their cultures and subcultures of hate—and this can lead to tragic consequences."
The report breaks online anti-Semitism surrounding the coronavirus into several categories. These include blaming Jews for creating the virus, claims that Israel and American Jews are using the pandemic to their advantage, and allegations that Jewish people have intentionally spread the illness.
Around 73 percent of the online posts in the report promoted the theory that the "Jewish-controlled government" is exploiting the coronavirus to consolidate power. Each of the individuals profiled in the report also disseminated "classic anti-Semitism," or general allegations that Jews are the source of global unrest.
YouTube and other social media platforms remain a primary vehicle for the distribution of this content. While these websites have attempted to police such rhetoric, the success rate of these efforts are widely varied. The Free Beacon independently verified the rhetoric quoted below.
David Duke, the white supremacist at the forefront of this movement, recently claimed that Zionists used the coronavirus to manipulate the stock market and consolidate wealth.
"So they knew that they could, with their help … in the media, create this pandemic, they could spook the stock market, they could then sell the stock market short," Duke said in an April video posted on BitChute. "They could make trillions of dollars and they could take away the wealth of that middle class."
Duke also alleged that Israel’s Mossad security service may have intentionally spread the virus to political leaders, such as those in Lebanon and Iran, in order to create a power vacuum in the world’s governments.
Tony Hovater, another online provocateur that Canary Mission alleges is central to the spread of anti-Semitism online, claimed in March that Jews exploited the crisis to further their interests.
"In the middle of a pandemic the National Guard is being deployed to protect J*ws," Hovater tweeted. "Not quarantine. PROTECT. What can I even say? This system exists to serve them and big capital. Big business matters. You absolutely DON'T matter. The guard isn't even for you. You get nothing."
Others claimed the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the nation's leading pro-Israel lobbying group, was central to spreading the virus among elected officials. While it is true there was an outbreak of coronavirus during the group's annual conference earlier this year, individuals online portrayed it as part of a larger Jewish-controlled plot.
"AIPAC was the first big cluster [of coronavirus] in America. And we told everybody: 'Watch what happens, it's going to spread across America from AIPAC.' Well it's spreading in Israel through the synagogues." Rick Wiles, an anti-Semite who founded the far-right website TruNews, said in a March YouTube video, "You're under judgment because you opposed His son, the Lord Jesus Christ. That is why you have a plague in your synagogues!"
Dozens of other examples can be found in Canary Mission's full report. The report profiles 26 individuals and features the 7 with the furthest reach, including neo-Nazis and other far-right figures.
"During the 14th century Black Death pandemic, stories that Jews caused the plague resulted in tens of thousands of Jews being murdered," Canary Mission wrote in the report. "Today, Jews are once again being accused of creating and spreading a disease, this time it's the Covid-19."


freebeacon--2020-06-10--Maine Dem Reports Mysterious Payments to Dark Money Group Behind Disastrous Iowa Caucus App

Maine Democratic Senate candidate Sara Gideon reported paying thousands of dollars to ACRONYM—the dark money group that came under fire over a botched Iowa Democratic caucus app—but the group denies receiving the cash or providing services to Gideon 's campaign .
Gideon is the only Democratic politician to report payments to the group this election cycle .
ACRONYM , led by political operative Tara McGowan , came under fire after a mobile app created by its then tech arm , Shadow , publicly malfunctioned , wreaking havoc at February 's Iowa caucus .
The Gideon campaign 's reported payments to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subscriptions , '' started five days after the Iowa caucus .
Despite the widely publicized software malfunction , Gideon reported paying ACRONYM nearly $ 6,500 during her bid to unseat Republican senator Susan Collins this November .
ACRONYM denied receiving the reported payments and said it was not working with the Maine Democrat 's campaign .
`` ACRONYM did not provide the Gideon campaign with software or services during that time period and has not received any of those payments you flagged from the Gideon campaign , '' Kyle Tharp , ACRONYM 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington Free Beacon .
Unlike previous groups ' payments to ACRONYM , Gideon 's expenditures were not marked to the group 's principal Washington , D.C. , address , but to an Alexandria , Va. , address .
That address is registered to Amanda Bowen , treasurer of ACRONYM 's affiliated super PAC , PACRONYM , and corporation records list it as ACRONYM 's mailing address .
Tharp did not respond to inquiries about why the Gideon campaign marked the payment on its filings .
The campaign did not respond to a request @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with numerous ethics complaints over her past campaign finance operations .
An ethics watchdog unanimously found she had violated state laws after reimbursing herself for political contributions to federal campaigns from her now dissolved leadership PAC .
Gideon has taken a hardline stance against secret money in politics .
She issued calls to overhaul the campaign finance system and to require dark money groups to disclose their donors .
ACRONYM—part of a massive 2020 election effort funded by the largest Democratic dark money donor network—does not disclose its donors .
ACRONYM launched in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with President Donald Trump 's formidable digital campaign operations , which one Facebook executive called `` the single best digital ad campaign he 's ever seen . ''
In 2018 , the group hauled in $ 18 million in donations , including hundreds of thousands from committees associated with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D. , Calif. ) and failed presidential candidate and megadonor Tom Steyer .
While ACRONYM has received large donations from several PACs , Gideon 's is the only campaign committee ever to report direct payments to the dark money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been at the center of numerous controversies .
Most notably , it held a controlling share in Shadow , the tech vendor behind an app meant to tabulate results during the Iowa Democratic caucus .
The app 's numerous technical difficulties led Shadow to change its name to BlueLink and bring in new leadership .
ACRONYM , which initially denied its connections to Shadow despite contrary evidence from tax forms , is in the process of divesting its equity in the firm .
In 2019 , ACRONYM helped fund a Virginia news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pro-Democratic messaging under the guise of being an unaffiliated outlet .
A recent report by the Center for Responsive Politics said the group backed partisan operations `` masquerading as news coverage to influence the 2020 elections . ''
ACRONYM and its affiliated super PAC are part of a coalition of more than a dozen liberal groups called Organizing Together 2020 , working to better position Democrats to take on Trump in battleground states .
The coalition is led by Obama campaign alum Paul Tewes and is cochaired by numerous Democratic governors .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between $ 20 and $ 60 million and is funded by the shadowy Strategic Victory Fund .
The Free Beacon found that the Strategic Victory Fund is tied to the Democracy Alliance , a liberal donor club cofounded by George Soros .
Confidential documents show that the group mapped out a $ 275 million spending plan for the 2020 election cycle .
Members of the deep-pocketed donor club have pumped more than $ 2 billion into progressive infrastructure since its founding in 2005 .
ACRONYM 's super PAC has raised $ 10.3 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contributor is Soros 's Democracy PAC , which has given $ 1.75 million .

Maine Democratic Senate candidate Sara Gideon reported paying thousands of dollars to ACRONYM—the dark money group that came under fire over a botched Iowa Democratic caucus app—but the group denies receiving the cash or providing services to Gideon's campaign.
Gideon is the only Democratic politician to report payments to the group this election cycle. ACRONYM, led by political operative Tara McGowan, came under fire after a mobile app created by its then tech arm, Shadow, publicly malfunctioned, wreaking havoc at February's Iowa caucus. The Gideon campaign's reported payments to ACRONYM, which were for "software subscriptions," started five days after the Iowa caucus.
Despite the widely publicized software malfunction, Gideon reported paying ACRONYM nearly $6,500 during her bid to unseat Republican senator Susan Collins this November. ACRONYM denied receiving the reported payments and said it was not working with the Maine Democrat's campaign. "ACRONYM did not provide the Gideon campaign with software or services during that time period and has not received any of those payments you flagged from the Gideon campaign," Kyle Tharp, ACRONYM's vice president of communications, told the Washington Free Beacon.
Unlike previous groups' payments to ACRONYM, Gideon's expenditures were not marked to the group's principal Washington, D.C., address, but to an Alexandria, Va., address. That address is registered to Amanda Bowen, treasurer of ACRONYM's affiliated super PAC, PACRONYM, and corporation records list it as ACRONYM's mailing address.
Tharp did not respond to inquiries about why the Gideon campaign marked the payment on its filings. The campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
Gideon has been hit with numerous ethics complaints over her past campaign finance operations. An ethics watchdog unanimously found she had violated state laws after reimbursing herself for political contributions to federal campaigns from her now dissolved leadership PAC.
Gideon has taken a hardline stance against secret money in politics. She issued calls to overhaul the campaign finance system and to require dark money groups to disclose their donors. ACRONYM—part of a massive 2020 election effort funded by the largest Democratic dark money donor network—does not disclose its donors.
ACRONYM launched in 2017 to help Democrats bridge the gap with President Donald Trump's formidable digital campaign operations, which one Facebook executive called "the single best digital ad campaign he's ever seen." In 2018, the group hauled in $18 million in donations, including hundreds of thousands from committees associated with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) and failed presidential candidate and megadonor Tom Steyer. While ACRONYM has received large donations from several PACs, Gideon's is the only campaign committee ever to report direct payments to the dark money group.
Since its founding, ACRONYM has been at the center of numerous controversies. Most notably, it held a controlling share in Shadow, the tech vendor behind an app meant to tabulate results during the Iowa Democratic caucus. The app's numerous technical difficulties led Shadow to change its name to BlueLink and bring in new leadership. ACRONYM, which initially denied its connections to Shadow despite contrary evidence from tax forms, is in the process of divesting its equity in the firm.
In 2019, ACRONYM helped fund a Virginia news site that came under scrutiny for pushing pro-Democratic messaging under the guise of being an unaffiliated outlet. A recent report by the Center for Responsive Politics said the group backed partisan operations "masquerading as news coverage to influence the 2020 elections."
ACRONYM and its affiliated super PAC are part of a coalition of more than a dozen liberal groups called Organizing Together 2020, working to better position Democrats to take on Trump in battleground states.
The coalition is led by Obama campaign alum Paul Tewes and is cochaired by numerous Democratic governors. The organizing effort carries a price tag of between $20 and $60 million and is funded by the shadowy Strategic Victory Fund. The Free Beacon found that the Strategic Victory Fund is tied to the Democracy Alliance, a liberal donor club cofounded by George Soros. Confidential documents show that the group mapped out a $275 million spending plan for the 2020 election cycle. Members of the deep-pocketed donor club have pumped more than $2 billion into progressive infrastructure since its founding in 2005.
ACRONYM's super PAC has raised $10.3 million so far this cycle. Its biggest contributor is Soros's Democracy PAC, which has given $1.75 million.


freebeacon--2020-06-10--Kentucky Democrat Changes Tune on Cops

Kentucky Democrat Changes Tune on Cops

A Democratic congressional candidate who once mocked police critics for joining a `` trendy '' movement is now arguing that law enforcement officers are `` systemically racist '' as he tries to woo liberal voters .
Josh Hicks , a former police officer now challenging Rep. Andy Barr ( R. ) in Kentucky 's Sixth Congressional District , wrote in 2005 on an online message board that he `` call [ s ] bull— on the overwhelming number of people who claim to have bad experiences '' when pulled over by police .
The Democrat acknowledged that his position could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a stereotypical voice to mock police critics .
`` I could be wrong , and this could be inflammatory , but I think it 's become trendy and cool to say ‘ F— THA POLICE DAWG ' , and have that sort of attitude , '' Hicks wrote .
`` It 's my opinion that it 's not always warranted , it 's just cool to have it , and there 's no reason to have it unless you have a story , real or fake , about the pig who was fat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than you who harassed you for no reason other than you were cooler than he was . ''
Hicks , who served in the Maysville Police Department from 2003 to 2008 , sang a different tune during a June 1 debate on Kentucky Educational Television , which occurred as anti-police protests ravaged cities across the country .
He said he saw first-hand during his years as a cop that systemic racism exists and `` has been going on for a long time . ''
`` There is systemic racism in the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt it and have heard it , '' he said .
`` In law enforcement particularly ? ''
host Renee Shaw asked .
`` In law enforcement , yes ma'am , the same thing , '' Hicks responded .
While working as a police officer , however , Hicks said that in his `` several years experience '' he had `` not met even ONE '' colleague who `` took the job just to f— with people . ''
He argued that those who hold negative opinions of police often `` make your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Cops are people just like you .
… They have opinions and are prone to respond just like you would to disrespect , '' Hicks wrote .
`` If I see obvious disdain on your face when I walk up to your car for a traffic violation , a smirk , or a bad attitude from you , do n't expect the kid glove treatment from me .
I give respect as it 's given to me . ''
During his debate appearance , Hicks attributed disparities in police interaction to race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ color differently than we police communities without color . ''
He added that he `` cared deeply '' about the issue as an officer .
`` And so I 'm not just speaking from a position of a little bit of credibility here , '' Hicks said .
`` I 'm speaking from a position of responsibility because this is a profession I was in .
This was something I cared deeply about . ''
Hicks , who did not respond to a request for comment , is one of two Democrats running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defeated former fighter pilot and current Democratic Senate candidate Amy McGrath by nearly 10,000 votes in 2018 .

Josh Hicks, who once called ‘bull—’ on complaints about police behavior, now says he sees systemic racism at work
A Democratic congressional candidate who once mocked police critics for joining a "trendy" movement is now arguing that law enforcement officers are "systemically racist" as he tries to woo liberal voters.
Josh Hicks, a former police officer now challenging Rep. Andy Barr (R.) in Kentucky's Sixth Congressional District, wrote in 2005 on an online message board that he "call[s] bull— on the overwhelming number of people who claim to have bad experiences" when pulled over by police. The Democrat acknowledged that his position could be "inflammatory" but nevertheless affected a stereotypical voice to mock police critics.
"I could be wrong, and this could be inflammatory, but I think it's become trendy and cool to say 'F— THA POLICE DAWG', and have that sort of attitude," Hicks wrote. "It's my opinion that it's not always warranted, it's just cool to have it, and there's no reason to have it unless you have a story, real or fake, about the pig who was fat and sloppy and probably much less intelligent than you who harassed you for no reason other than you were cooler than he was."
Hicks, who served in the Maysville Police Department from 2003 to 2008, sang a different tune during a June 1 debate on Kentucky Educational Television, which occurred as anti-police protests ravaged cities across the country. He said he saw first-hand during his years as a cop that systemic racism exists and "has been going on for a long time."
"There is systemic racism in the United States, and I saw it and have felt it and have heard it," he said. "In law enforcement particularly?" host Renee Shaw asked. "In law enforcement, yes ma'am, the same thing," Hicks responded.
While working as a police officer, however, Hicks said that in his "several years experience" he had "not met even ONE" colleague who "took the job just to f— with people." He argued that those who hold negative opinions of police often "make your presumption self-fulfilling through your actions."
"Cops are people just like you. … They have opinions and are prone to respond just like you would to disrespect," Hicks wrote. "If I see obvious disdain on your face when I walk up to your car for a traffic violation, a smirk, or a bad attitude from you, don't expect the kid glove treatment from me. I give respect as it's given to me."
During his debate appearance, Hicks attributed disparities in police interaction to race, saying "we police communities of color differently than we police communities without color." He added that he "cared deeply" about the issue as an officer.
"And so I'm not just speaking from a position of a little bit of credibility here," Hicks said. "I'm speaking from a position of responsibility because this is a profession I was in. This was something I cared deeply about."
Hicks, who did not respond to a request for comment, is one of two Democrats running to unseat Barr. The Kentucky Republican defeated former fighter pilot and current Democratic Senate candidate Amy McGrath by nearly 10,000 votes in 2018.


freebeacon--2020-06-10--Cindy McCain ‘Disappointed’ in Amy McGrath’s Use of John McCain’s Image in Attack Ad

Cindy McCain , the widow of longtime Arizona senator John McCain , said she was `` disappointed '' in Kentucky Democratic Senate candidate Amy McGrath 's use of her husband in an attack ad .
McCain tweeted that she disapproved of McGrath 's use of her late husband 's image in a `` partisan attack ad '' against Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R. , Ky. ) , who McCain described as her husband 's `` good friend . ''
`` John ’ s memory should be used [ to ] promote common ground and civility not to stoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responded by claiming she had reached out to a member of McCain 's family and `` received encouragement . ''
She said she will keep the ad up `` to honor Sen. McCain 's historic vote '' against repealing the Affordable Care Act in 2017 .
The attack ad against McConnell featured footage of John McCain voting on the Senate floor against the GOP-led effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act .
McGrath narrated the ad , warning viewers that `` we ca n't let Mitch McConnell return to the Senate to try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of using Republican politicians in her advertisements against their wishes .
Republican governors Mike DeWine ( Ohio ) and Larry Hogan ( Md . )
criticized McGrath for using their images in a May attack ad that contrasted the governors with McConnell and criticized McConnell 's leadership during the coronavirus crisis .
`` Mitch and I have worked together for a long time and I know that he is focused , as I am , on the crisis and I appreciate his leadership , '' DeWine said .
`` I ask for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her advertising immediately . ''
Hogan criticized the ad as `` not constructive . ''
McGrath took another blow from within her own party this week .
Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I. , Vt. ) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D. , N.Y. ) endorsed one of McGrath 's primary opponents , Charles Booker .
Sanders touted Booker 's support for criminal justice reform and Medicare for All , and Ocasio-Cortez said the Senate would `` be a better place with him in it . ''
The Democratic primary in Kentucky will take @ @ @ @ @

Cindy McCain, the widow of longtime Arizona senator John McCain, said she was "disappointed" in Kentucky Democratic Senate candidate Amy McGrath's use of her husband in an attack ad.
McCain tweeted that she disapproved of McGrath's use of her late husband's image in a "partisan attack ad" against Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.), who McCain described as her husband's "good friend."
"John’s memory should be used [to] promote common ground and civility not to stoke division," McCain wrote.
I’m disappointed in @AmyMcGrathKY’s use of my late husband #johnmccain image in a partisan attack ad against his good friend @senatemajldr. John’s memory should be used promote common ground and civility not to stoke division. — Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) June 10, 2020
McGrath responded by claiming she had reached out to a member of McCain's family and "received encouragement." She said she will keep the ad up "to honor Sen. McCain's historic vote" against repealing the Affordable Care Act in 2017.
The attack ad against McConnell featured footage of John McCain voting on the Senate floor against the GOP-led effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act. McGrath narrated the ad, warning viewers that "we can't let Mitch McConnell return to the Senate to try again."
McGrath has a history of using Republican politicians in her advertisements against their wishes. Republican governors Mike DeWine (Ohio) and Larry Hogan (Md.) criticized McGrath for using their images in a May attack ad that contrasted the governors with McConnell and criticized McConnell's leadership during the coronavirus crisis.
"Mitch and I have worked together for a long time and I know that he is focused, as I am, on the crisis and I appreciate his leadership," DeWine said. "I ask for the McGrath campaign to remove my image from her advertising immediately."
Hogan criticized the ad as "not constructive."
McGrath took another blow from within her own party this week. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.) endorsed one of McGrath's primary opponents, Charles Booker. Sanders touted Booker's support for criminal justice reform and Medicare for All, and Ocasio-Cortez said the Senate would "be a better place with him in it."
The Democratic primary in Kentucky will take place on June 23.


freebeacon--2020-06-10--Tom Cotton Places Anti-Biden Ads in New York Times

Sen. Tom Cotton ( R. , Ark . )
is back in the New York Times .
Just a week after the appearance of the Republican senator 's byline in the paper sparked outrage among Times employees , a new ad from Cotton 's affiliated political action committee is plastered on the Times ‘ s website .
A top adviser for Cotton praised the paper for running the ads , which target Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and portray him as `` too confused to lead . ''
`` While we were concerned that the woke mob would stifle debate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Times will run these ads from Senator Cotton 's PAC , '' the adviser told the Washington Free Beacon , adding that the senator and his team are `` grateful to the New York Times for sharing Senator Cotton 's message that Joe Biden is too confused to be president . ''
Cotton and his allies are reveling in the internal drama his op-ed caused at the Times .
Cotton said it `` exposes the hypocrisy of all these woke progressives who claim to defend liberal values . ''
Cotton 's team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his fundraising that helped him purchase the ads placed in the Times .
Cotton 's June 3 op-ed called for the use of military force to quell riots across the country .
Its publication caused an uproar at the paper , with many reporters taking to social media to say that running the op-ed put black staffers at the paper in danger .
The Times ultimately put an editors ' note on the piece saying it `` should not have been published , '' and editorial page editor James Bennet resigned over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has continued to bait staffers at the paper , thanking the Times in a Wednesday morning social media post for publishing a previous op-ed of his that advocated for the United States to purchase Greenland .
Cotton 's campaign said he has raised nearly $ 200,000 since his op-ed was published , an impressive haul for a senator who , despite being up for reelection this year , does not have a Democratic opponent .
His campaign plans to spend much of the money it raised to influence the top of the ticket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the one placed in the Times .
The ad highlights Biden 's record on China as well as his many verbal snafus .

Sen. Tom Cotton (R., Ark.) is back in the New York Times.
Just a week after the appearance of the Republican senator's byline in the paper sparked outrage among Times employees, a new ad from Cotton's affiliated political action committee is plastered on the Times's website. A top adviser for Cotton praised the paper for running the ads, which target Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and portray him as "too confused to lead."
"While we were concerned that the woke mob would stifle debate, it's admirable that the New York Times will run these ads from Senator Cotton's PAC," the adviser told the Washington Free Beacon, adding that the senator and his team are "grateful to the New York Times for sharing Senator Cotton's message that Joe Biden is too confused to be president."
Cotton and his allies are reveling in the internal drama his op-ed caused at the Times. Cotton said it "exposes the hypocrisy of all these woke progressives who claim to defend liberal values." Cotton's team said the drama caused a substantial boost to his fundraising that helped him purchase the ads placed in the Times.
Cotton's June 3 op-ed called for the use of military force to quell riots across the country. Its publication caused an uproar at the paper, with many reporters taking to social media to say that running the op-ed put black staffers at the paper in danger. The Times ultimately put an editors' note on the piece saying it "should not have been published," and editorial page editor James Bennet resigned over the decision to do otherwise.
Cotton has continued to bait staffers at the paper, thanking the Times in a Wednesday morning social media post for publishing a previous op-ed of his that advocated for the United States to purchase Greenland.
Happy that today @StateDept is reopening its consulate in Nuuk, Greenland. PHASE ONE COMPLETE. Thanks to @nytopinion for publishing my op-ed on this important issue!https://t.co/TzR1Jqz2dH — Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) June 10, 2020
Cotton's campaign said he has raised nearly $200,000 since his op-ed was published, an impressive haul for a senator who, despite being up for reelection this year, does not have a Democratic opponent. His campaign plans to spend much of the money it raised to influence the top of the ticket, attacking Biden with ads such as the one placed in the Times. The ad highlights Biden's record on China as well as his many verbal snafus.


freebeacon--2020-06-10--BEASTMODE: McConnell Mocks NY Times After Paper ‘Begged for Mercy’ From Woke Mob

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R. , Ky. ) mocked the editors of the New York Times for capitulating @ @ @ @ @ the paper pull an op-ed by Sen. Tom Cotton ( R. , Ark. )
.
@ @ @ @ @ 's most storied newspapers just had its intellectual independence challenged by an angry mob , @ @ @ @ @ house of cards , '' McConnell said Wednesday on the Senate floor .
`` A @ @ @ @ @ indicted them as accessories to a thought crime , and instead of telling them to @ @ @ @ @ the paper pleaded guilty and begged for mercy . ''
Cotton 's essay , titled @ @ @ @ @ , '' made the case for using the military to help quell rioting .
The @ @ @ @ @ note lamenting the `` needlessly harsh '' tone of the piece , and Times opinion @ @ @ @ @ out Sunday .
The ongoing drama has earned the paper derision from Cotton , McConnell @ @ @ @ @ .

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) mocked the editors of the New York Times for capitulating to liberal employees who demanded the paper pull an op-ed by Sen. Tom Cotton (R., Ark.).
"One of our nation's most storied newspapers just had its intellectual independence challenged by an angry mob, and they folded like a house of cards," McConnell said Wednesday on the Senate floor. "A jury of people on Twitter indicted them as accessories to a thought crime, and instead of telling them to go take a hike, the paper pleaded guilty and begged for mercy."
Cotton's essay, titled "Send In the Troops," made the case for using the military to help quell rioting.
The paper added an editor's note lamenting the "needlessly harsh" tone of the piece, and Times opinion editor James Bennet was forced out Sunday. The ongoing drama has earned the paper derision from Cotton, McConnell, and other freedom defenders.


freebeacon--2020-06-10--What Does Defund the Police Mean? Depends Which Democrat You Ask

Calls to `` defund the police '' are in vogue on the left , but what that means varies depending @ @ @ @ @ .
Responses vary from calls to allocate money to social support services to Minnesota representative @ @ @ @ @ the complete dismantling of the Minneapolis police department .

Calls to "defund the police" are in vogue on the left, but what that means varies depending on which Democrat you ask.
Responses vary from calls to allocate money to social support services to Minnesota representative Ilhan Omar's call for the complete dismantling of the Minneapolis police department.