Is the Group “Patriots for Economic Freedom” Scamming Dave Brat Supporters? You be the judge.

I received an email this morning with a picture of Dave Brat that appeared to be soliciting donations for Dave. This group is not associated with the Dave Brat Campaign. If you want to help Dave Brat win, you need to click this link : Dave Brat for Congress and click the Donate Now link. I do not know that this is or is not a scam. But back in 2012 when this group popped up, the newly elected Allen West was the picture this group used. An article in Politico writes:

In the presidential race, and tied to the coattails of Republican firebrand Rep. Allen West, a cottage industry has sprung up in which groups with such seemingly innocuous names as “Patriots for Economic Freedom” use high-profile campaigns and big names like West to raise money for themselves and build their email lists.

t’s the inevitable, if unsightly, convergence of the Internet, tea party, the post-Citizens United campaign-finance era and the presence of a Democrat in the White House who is despised by many conservatives. Political operatives can create a PAC and corresponding website on the cheap, drop some cash to rent an email list and, voilà— in come the small-dollar contributions from grass-roots Republicans eager to support any effort aiming to turn out President Barack Obama or reelect the fiery West.

Except those chunks of $25 and $50 don’t often find their way to any serious campaigns to beat Obama or boost West.

“The vast majority of the groups that we know are engaged in this have done nothing for West,” said Jill Holtzman Vogel, the congressman’s campaign attorney.

The largest recipient of the donated money is Amagi Strategies a group that lists Tyler Whitney as the Registered Agent (owner). And there is also a payment directly to Tyler Whitney. And on the PAC’s website the only blog posts were written by an Andrew Whitney. If you Google the two names you will find that there is a lot of evidence and speculation that they are the same person. And also strange stories that Tyler Whitney is an anti-gay Republican who was recently outed as being gay. As if the story wasn’t already strange enough.

There is more than enough evidence for me to avoid this PAC and I would suggest that you do the same. Donate to Dave Brat directly at the links above. That you can trust 100% because it is the Brat Campaign website. And if you have already maxed out and need a PAC that is trustworthy, email me and I have a few that know of personally and will recommend without hesitation.

And keep in mind that campaigns are not permitted by law to coordinate with PACs so please don’t ask the campaign for a recommended PAC.

Below is the email I received. I have changed to “donate” links to Dave Brat’s site to avoid the possibility of confusion or accidentally donating to this PAC because it appeared on Va Right!

David Brat has already defeated Eric Cantor. Now, it is time to ensure that David Brat wins the general election for Congress in Virginia’s 7th district! As a staunch advocate for conservative principles, David Brat will put an end to the liberal Washington establishment. He will stop the left’s continuous attacks on the constitution and will not allow Harry Reid and Nacy Pelosi to give amnesty to millions of illegal aliens! A contribution of $25, $50, $100, $250, $500, $1000 or more will support voter outreach and advertising efforts to bring David Brat’s conservative leadership to Congress!

David Brat will not allow the left to continue Washington’s reckless spending. He will fight against Nancy Pelosi’s attempts to raise taxes, grow government, and give millions of illegal immigrants amnesty. David Brat is strongly opposed to ObamaCare and will stop the liberal attempts to make America a nanny state. 

David Brat’s opponent, Jack Trammell, supports the radical liberal agenda. Jack Trammell will help the left increase spending, grant amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants, and raise taxes. Help stop Jack Trammell!

David Brat took down House Majority Leader Eric Cantor because he is a true conservative champion. David Brat is a man who will fight against the Washington establishment and work to protect the constitution. He will slash government spending and enforce America’s immigration laws. David Brat is the conservative leader that America needs in the U.S. House of Representatives!

David Brat needs the support of every conservative who is sick and tired of the radical agenda in Washington! A contribution of $25, $50, $100, $250, $500, $1000 or more will support David Brat with voter outreach and advertising.

This vital election sets a precedent for the future of our nation! America needs David Brat’s strong conservative leadership in the U.S. House. Please contribute $25, $50, $100, $250, $500, $1000 or more to support David Brat with voter outreach and advertising!

This is the most important time to support David Brat in his race against liberal Jack Trammell. Conservatives everywhere must rally behind David Brat to protect the constitution and stop amnesty. Don’t allow Jack Trammell to give Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi more power! America cannot afford to have Jack Trammell in Congress!  

Also, checks can be mailed to:
Patriots For Economic Freedom
P.O. Box XXXXXXXXXX
New York, NY 10009