The democratic primary for Westchester district attorney is more than 100 days away (June 23) but attacks between the candidates – incumbent Anthony Scarpino and MSNBC commentator Mimi Rocah – have already begun.
Two recent social media ads, posted by the Rocah campaign, do not include who paid for the ad, as required by New York State Election Law. As a result, the Scarpino campaign recently wrote to the NYS Board of Elections:
“I write to alert to you to Mimi Rocah’s illegal activity in her campaign for Westchester County district attorney,” wrote Campaign Manager Joe Montalto. “As we have exhibited in the attached evidence, Mimi Rocah has violated New York State campaign finance laws on numerous occasions by failing to disclose who pays for her digital advertisements as required by Chapter 454 of the Laws of 2019 [Election Law Section 14-106 (2)].
“This illegal activity includes both positive advertisements promoting her candidacy, and negative advertisements attacking her opponent, creating a haven for dark money which violates the trust of voters. This new law requiring ‘paid for by’ disclaimers exists for a reason.
“If voters are not aware of the source of funds for campaign ads, then millionaires and billionaires, special interests and others can spread lies to the public with impunity. Especially in this age of foreign influence in our elections and the rejection of facts endemic during the Trump era, Mimi Rocah’s illegal campaign activity is especially dangerous.
“We ask that you investigate Ms. Rocah’s repeated state campaign finance law violations and levy the appropriate statutory penalties, as it is critical to protect our democracy and show that no one is above the law. Examples of Ms. Rocah’s illegal advertisements are attached. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.” (End of letter.)
One Westchester democrat pointed out that “Mimi needs to run her race by the book. If she wants to be the top law enforcement official in the county, then her campaign must act above the standards set by the Board of Elections so that there is not even the appearance of impropriety,” said our source.
Scarpino won the Westchester Democratic nomination last month, with 52% of the vote.
