Doylestown Democrats returns donations after campaign finance violations review
A campaign finance report from May shows that Doylestown Democrats reimbursed three local businesses for 2024 contributions: The Wyck, a Buckingham restaurant, as well as Evolution Candy and Comedy Cabaret, both in Doylestown.
The donations may have violated state election law, the Doylestown Republican Committee wrote in a statement on Monday, which prohibits corporations from donating to political committees in many cases.
Ed Sheppard, a spokesperson for the GOP committee who sent Monday's press release, filed the campaign finance complaint in late January, according to emails reviewed by this news organization. Sheppard's press release did not mention who had filed the complaint, and he blacked out all mentions of his name in the emails he provided, but his information was legible despite the redactions. (Sheppard said he only meant to redact his email address and had omitted all other references to his name by mistake).
The Pennsylvania Department of State completed its investigation by March. "Dear Mr. Sheppard, Please allow this letter to serve as a follow-up to your complaint dated January 25, 2025 regarding Doylestown Democrats," wrote a compliance analyst for the state's campaign finance office. "After review, the Bureau of Campaign Finance and Lobbying Disclosure has worked with the committee to rectify any violations of Article XVI and the committee is now in compliance."
'Local offices, like this year's Township Supervisor's race, are not supposed to have corporate sponsors," Sheppard wrote in the press release.
Doylestown Democrats "proactively worked with the Pennsylvania Department of State to address any concerns related to contributions to our organization," said the committee chair, Judy Dixon.
The committee returned the contributions in late February, according to campaign finance records.
"There was no secret, no scandal, and no wrongdoing," said Connor O'Hanlon, who chaired the committee at the time of the alleged violations. "We worked transparently with the Department of State, who is completely satisfied that everything has been handled properly. To suggest otherwise is nothing more than a political stunt."
The Department of State said Wednesday that it keeps campaign finance violation complaints confidential.
The largest contribution, for $1,050, came from Comedy Cabaret. The committee does fundraisers at the comedy club, said Dixon and the club's owner, Andy Scarpati. A variety of other companies and organizations host fundraisers at the venue, according to its website.
"They weren't paying us," said Johnny King-Marino, a Democratic organizer, explaining that the comedy club was giving back to the committee $1,050 in donations the committee had received during a fundraiser at the club. Since then, the committee has handled the donations from the comedy fundraisers in cash or through King-Marino, the organizer and the club owner said.
The latest campaign finance report shows that King-Marino made two sizable contributions to the committee in early May, a few days after the Doylestown Democrats' April 26 fundraiser at the venue.
More: Polarizing politics chills participation in Bucks County primary races. Why no one ran
The Doylestown Republican Committee also alleged that the state had taken the investigation off the Bucks County Board of Elections' hands because the state didn't think Bucks officials would handle it appropriately.
Both the state and the county elections board had received the complaint, county spokesperson Jim O'Malley said Tuesday, but the state was responsible for conducting the investigation.
Doylestown Democrats' finances fall under the state department's purview because it's a state-level committee, O'Malley said. When the county received the complaint in January, Bucks officials contacted the state to confirm the complaint fell under the state's remit, and Pennsylvania officials agreed that it did.
The GOP committee also criticized O'Hanlon for not disclosing the investigation when he was being appointed to Doylestown Borough Council. O'Hanlon did not address that criticism on Tuesday.
Jess Rohan can be reached at jrohan@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: PA investigated Doylestown Democrats for campaign finance violations
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNN
32 minutes ago
- CNN
New York may have America's top pizza, but LA is at its heels, Italian judges say
The best pizza in the United States comes from a wood-fired oven on New York's Lower East Side, an Italian pizza-ranking guide has announced. For the second year running, the Naples-based 50 Top Pizza judged Una Pizza Napoletana the winner in its annual assessment of American bakers. The ranking focuses strictly on Neapolitan-style pizza — the thin, round, fastidiously prepared variety from the city that considers itself the cradle of pizza — but to aficionados, it's the only type that matters. In a one-two punch, the Big Apple also claimed the top individual pizza slice, with the honors going to L'industrie Pizzeria, run by Massimo Laveglia and Nick Baglivo. Last year, Una Pizza Napoletana was also rated No. 1 in the whole world. The global rankings are due to be released later this year. Una Pizza Napoletana is owned by Anthony Mangieri. Born and raised in New Jersey, Mangieri opened his first pizzeria on the Jersey Shore in 1996. Food and Wine magazine has called Mangieri 'one of the country's most skilled practitioners of the Neapolitan style' of pizza, and New York magazine called him a 'one-man Opus Dei' for authentic pizza. The organization behind the ranking, 50 Top Pizza, cited the rich flavor of his pizzas and the his straightforward approach to making them, with only a few dishes on offer and a single location. Mangieri said that perfecting his technique has been his goal since he first started making pizzas at age 15. While his focus remains the same, he said the world of pizza has changed dramatically in the nearly 30 years since he established his first restaurant. 'When we opened, no one was making the style of pizza that we make,' he told CNN Travel. Now, he says, you can find good pizza all over the world, and American diners have come to appreciate fine Neapolitan pizza. He attributes his success to a strong work ethic that limits distractions. 'It is not a concept restaurant — it is not one of 20 things that I'm doing,' Mangieri said of the restaurant on Orchard Street in New York. 'It's a life's work.' Restaurants in Los Angeles and San Francisco snagged the next two spots on the list of top pizzerias in the US, which also included nine other New York pizzerias. Pizzeria Sei, the No. 2 pizzeria in the US, is run by William Joo, whom the organization deemed 'very talented.' And American pizza 'legend' Tony Gemignani came in third with his Tony's Pizza Napoletana in San Francisco. Other cities known for their pizza also made appearances on the list, including New Haven where the restaurant Zeneli was singled out. California fared particularly well, with honors also going to pizzerias in San Diego, San Luis Obispo and Berkeley. But the gospel of Neapolitan pizza has traveled widely, and the ranking also included restaurants in Louisville, Kentucky, and Charlotte, North Carolina. The ranking was announced at the West Edge in New York's Chelsea Market on Tuesday. Have a hankering for more pizza news? The organization will announce the best pizzerias in Italy on July 15 and the world's best pizzerias in September. The top 10 pizzerias in the US according to 50 Top Pizza: 1 Una Pizza Napoletana - (New York) 2 Pizzeria Sei – (Los Angeles) 3 Tony's Pizza Napoletana – (San Francisco) 4 Jay's – (Kenmore, New York) 5 Ribalta – (New York) 6 Robert's – (Chicago) 7 Don Antonio – (New York) 8 Ken's Artisan Pizza – (Portland, Oregon) 9 Truly Pizza – (Dana Point, California) 10 La Leggenda – (Miami)
Bloomberg
32 minutes ago
- Bloomberg
OpenAI Casts Doubt on Robinhood's New Tokenized Equity Products
Robinhood Markets Inc. shares fell after OpenAI advised caution to customers taking advantage of the brokerage's offer for access to equity 'tokens' for the closely held company led by Sam Altman. The artificial-intelligence firm said the tokens offered by Robinhood aren't company equity, and that OpenAI neither collaborated on nor endorsed the offering, triggering questions about the tokenization of private-company shares more broadly.
Newsweek
33 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Will You Be Better Off Under Trump's Big Beautiful Bill? What to Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. After months of debate and political brinkmanship, a massive new Republican-led One Big Beautiful Bill Act is moving closer to becoming law. The sweeping package touches nearly every corner of American life—from taxes and healthcare to student loans and food assistance. The bill continues tax cuts from President Trump's first stint in the White House, funds his border wall plan, and increases defense spending. The associated fiscal impact of this is offset by reducing federal support for key components of the social safety net, including food assistance and health coverage programs. Its scale is matched only by its controversy. Democrats are firmly opposed to it, and numerous groups have warned it could have a devastating impact on America's neediest, as well as increasing the deficit - much to the chagrin of certain fiscal hawks in the GOP as well. Regardless of opinions, the sprawling megabill will impact all Americans. As the House prepares to cast its final vote, here are the most important elements of the bill that may impact your money: Taxes The OBBBA is loaded with new tax legislation, with several new tax breaks on the horizon - as well as some eliminations: State and Local Taxes (SALT) deduction : Expanded to $40,000, up from $10,000, through to 2029. : Expanded to $40,000, up from $10,000, through to 2029. Senior tax break : Those over 65 would receive a $6,000 boost to their standard deduction from 2025 through 2028. : Those over 65 would receive a $6,000 boost to their standard deduction from 2025 through 2028. Overtime income : Allows individuals to deduct up to $12,500 of overtime pay from their taxable income for tax years 2025 through 2028, while couples filing jointly could deduct up to $25,000. : Allows individuals to deduct up to $12,500 of overtime pay from their taxable income for tax years 2025 through 2028, while couples filing jointly could deduct up to $25,000. Tipped income : Allows tipped workers to deduct tip income from their federal taxable income, up to $25,000 annually. A full list of eligible occupations for tip deductions will be released within 90 days of the bill becoming law. : Allows tipped workers to deduct tip income from their federal taxable income, up to $25,000 annually. A full list of eligible occupations for tip deductions will be released within 90 days of the bill becoming law. American-made tax break : If you're buying a new car made in America, you will benefit from an annual $10,000 interest deduction. : If you're buying a new car made in America, you will benefit from an annual $10,000 interest deduction. Electric vehicle tax credits : If you're buying a new electric vehicle however, you will no longer be able to get the current $7,500 deduction. : If you're buying a new electric vehicle however, you will no longer be able to get the current $7,500 deduction. Boosted Child Tax Credit : Families with children will benefit from a $200 boost to the CTC, bringing it to $2,200. However, there is no boost to the $1,600 refundable portion of the credit, which could mean low-earners will not fully benefit compared to higher earners. : Families with children will benefit from a $200 boost to the CTC, bringing it to $2,200. However, there is no boost to the $1,600 refundable portion of the credit, which could mean low-earners will not fully benefit compared to higher earners. Estate taxes: The bill will raise the exemption threshold starting in 2026 to $15 million for individuals and $30 million for married couples—up from the current $13.99 million and $27.98 million. U.S. President Donald Trump stops and talks to the media before he boards Marine One on the South Lawn at the White House on June 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Donald Trump stops and talks to the media before he boards Marine One on the South Lawn at the White House on June 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. Tasos Katopodis/GETTY Healthcare One of the most talked about elements of the bill has been its impact on Medicaid. Here's how it will change: Work requirements: Able-bodied adults ages 19 to 64 enrolled through Medicaid expansion must work, volunteer, attend school, or participate in job training for at least 80 hours per month. Exemption for those with children aged 14 and under. Eligibility and cost changes : Expansion enrollees would undergo more frequent eligibility reviews. Enrollees could be required to pay up to $35 for certain types of care. : Federal funding cuts : States would receive less federal funding for Medicaid. This could lead to states eliminating benefits, tightening enrollment, or making other cost-cutting changes. : Increased administrative burden : Enrollees may face more paperwork and verification requirements, which could make it harder to apply for or maintain coverage. : Food Assistance Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit recipients will also face a slew of changes: Work requirements : Similar to Medicaid, able-bodied adults ages 19 to 64 must work, volunteer, attend school, or participate in job training for at least 80 hours per month. Again, there is an exemption for those with children aged 14 and under. : Similar to Medicaid, able-bodied adults ages 19 to 64 must work, volunteer, attend school, or participate in job training for at least 80 hours per month. Again, there is an exemption for those with children aged 14 and under. States facing cost share: For the first time, states with high improper payment rates will be required to start paying a share of benefits, up to 15 percent. Many states have warned this is unaffordable, which could lead to states ending their participation in the program entirely. Student Loans There are some big changes coming for student borrowers. Here's the breakdown: Changes to payment plans : Several widely-used repayment plans—the Biden administration's SAVE plan, Income Contingent Repayment, and Pay As You Earn—would be discontinued. They will be replaced by the newly introduced Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), or the traditional standard repayment option, in July 2026. : Several widely-used repayment plans—the Biden administration's SAVE plan, Income Contingent Repayment, and Pay As You Earn—would be discontinued. They will be replaced by the newly introduced Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), or the traditional standard repayment option, in July 2026. Graduate PLUS loan program will be no more, also effective July 2026. It currently allows graduate and professional students to borrow up to the full cost of attendance. It will be replaced with a cap of $100,000 for most graduate students and $200,000 for those in medical or law programs. will be no more, also effective July 2026. It currently allows graduate and professional students to borrow up to the full cost of attendance. It will be replaced with a cap of $100,000 for most graduate students and $200,000 for those in medical or law programs. Parent PLUS loans would also face a borrowing limit of $65,000 and would no longer qualify for any income-driven repayment options. would also face a borrowing limit of $65,000 and would no longer qualify for any income-driven repayment options. No more deferment options for those in financial difficulty, although loan rehabilitation for those who are in default will be permitted twice instead of once. Trump Accounts Good news for newborn babies: they'll be getting $1,000 from the federal government. The so-called "Trump Accounts" will see babies born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028 who are U.S. citizens with parents that have Social Security numbers get a one-time government contribution of $1,000 into a dedicated account. The accounts will track a stock index and allow for additional private contributions of up to $5,000 every year. The money unlocks at 18 years of age, and according to PBS, can be spent on higher education expenses, small business or small farm expenses, or put toward purchasing a first home. Other Changes End of the Internal Revenue Service Direct File program : Totally free tax filing direct with the IRS under the Biden-administration's program will end. It was initially piloted in 2024, before being expanded to more than two dozen states in 2025. : Totally free tax filing direct with the IRS under the Biden-administration's program will end. It was initially piloted in 2024, before being expanded to more than two dozen states in 2025. Unemployment payments for millionaires: Federal funds cannot be used for unemployment compensation benefits for millionaires. Will Americans Be Better Off Under Trump's Bill? This depends on your own personal situation. Not all of the measures apply to everyone. For example, if you have student debt, collect SNAP benefits, and are on Medicaid, you may end up worse off under the OBBBA. But if you're a hospitality worker hoping to keep more of your own tips, or a couple about to have their first child, you could find your financial situation looking up. According to analysis by the Yale Budget Lab, this is how the bill will, on average, impact different income brackets, according to the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI): Lowest earners (AGI under $13,350): Average income loss: $600 Change: –2.5 percent Lower earners (AGI between $13,350 and $36,475): Average income loss: $65 Change: –0.2 percent Middle-income earners (AGI between $36,475 and $64,955): Average income gain: $720 Change: +1.4 percent Upper-middle earners (AGI between $64,955 and $120,390): Average income gain: $1,730 Change: +2.0 percent High earners (AGI over $120,390): Average income gain: $6,495 Change: +2.4 percent However, there may be some amendments to come before the House casts its final vote, meaning these estimates could change.
