Politics

Bernie Sanders Managed To Dodge Personal Finance Disclosure With Two Simple Requests

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Despite cries for transparency during his bid for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders managed to dodge releasing his personal financial information after filing a 45-day extension ahead of dropping out of the race.

Sanders’s campaign lawyer requested an extension from the Federal Election Commission May 15 and again June 30, citing “current campaign schedule and officeholder duties” as the candidate’s reasoning, The Center For Public Integrity first reported.  The request was soon after approved, giving the former candidate until Aug. 15 to provide the information – weeks after conceding to Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton.

The former candidate failed to file the personal financial disclosure before the deadline, and under FEC rules, is no longer obligated to do so now that he is officially out of the race.

“We were told that since the senator no longer is a candidate there was no requirement to file,” FEC spokesman Michael Briggs told CPI.

Critics allege the move allowed the self-described “Democratic Socialist” to intentionally delay revealing what could be sizable assets while attacking his opponents for ties to Wall Street.

While his last financial disclosure as U.S. Senator showed he carried sizable credit-card and mortgage debt, nebulous profits made during campaigning for president are not discernible.

Evidence points toward Sanders enjoying capitalist spoils, having recently purchased a $600,000 summer home on Lake Champlain.

The former candidate touted himself as a crusader for transparency in campaign finance and a strong opponent of the Citizens United ruling.

Sanders will be required to disclose the information next year.

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