Spitzer Falsely Claims Endorsement From Crime Survivors Group Jeopardizing The Groups’ Non-Profit Status
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer lists Crime Survivors, Inc., in the endorsements section of his campaign website. Here’s the problem. Crime Survivors, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, meaning that the organization doesn’t have to pay taxes and donors can make tax-deductible donations to the group.
The Internal Revenue Service guidance to 501(c)(3) organizations such as Crime Survivors, Inc., is that these “organizations are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office.”
OC Watch reached Patricia Wenskunas, Founder and CEO of Crime Survivors, Inc., by email this afternoon. She confirmed that the organization never endorsed Mr. Spitzer. “As a nonprofit organization, we do not endorse candidates for office or get involved in politics. We help victims of crime, work with and partner with those who go above and beyond for victims, survivors, and for public safety.”
We’ve reached out to Mr. Spitzer to ask whether, in his view, “does listing a 501(c)(3) organization as an endorser on your campaign website for elected office, which could jeopardize the tax status of the organization, constitute going above and beyond for victims and crime survivors.” We will update the piece if he responds.