Kamala Harris' presidential campaign may have ended, but her fundraising has not.
According to the New York Post, Vice President Kamala Harris' "recount account" on ActBlue remains active, purportedly supporting Democrats in close contests while also servicing her own debt.
On November 6, 2024, at Howard University, Vice President Kamala Harris accepted defeat to President-elect Donald Trump and subsequently ended her run for the presidency. Despite her concession, her campaign continues vigorous fundraising efforts. The initiative, running through the fundraising platform ActBlue, positions itself partly as a sustenance fund for other Democratic candidates mired in unresolved races.
The “recount account” also allocates resources for Harris' campaign liabilities. Reports indicate that she accrued $20 million in debt during her presidential bid. This mounting debt forces her to continue soliciting financial support, partially disguised as assistance for fellow party members.
Pennsylvania's Democratic Senator, Bob Casey, benefits from such funds. Casey requested a recount in his recent election against Republican opponent Dave McCormick, which was called just two days after Harris' electoral defeat. The recount efforts and related electoral expenses highlight significant uses of the raised funds.
Sources indicate a division in congressional response. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has notably not invited McCormick, who is currently projected to be the winner, to the upcoming Senate orientation for new members. This decision has inflamed bipartisan disagreements, evidenced by criticism from both Republican Senator Mitt Romney and outgoing Independent Senator Kyrsten Sinema.
Philip Letsou, a spokesman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, levied harsh words towards Senator Casey and Senator Schumer's actions, suggesting they undermine democracy by refusing to accept McCormick's purported victory and squander taxpayer dollars on a recount destined to fail. This statement brings to light the contentious atmosphere surrounding these ongoing electoral processes.
Conversely, Harris’ campaign emphasizes the importance of the raised funds for ensuring robust electoral processes. The campaign website states, “With a handful of key Senate and House races still too close to call, we are keeping our organizers and volunteers on the ground in those states to see the election across the finish line."
“If you are able, please donate to the Harris Fight Fund today to ensure we have the resources to elect Democrats down the ticket ready to hold the Trump administration accountable.”
Senator Kyrsten Sinema pointed out the practical necessity of orientation for new senators. In 2018, despite a delay in her race call, Sinema traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in orientation, which she described as invaluable for initiating effective service.
Senator Mitt Romney also expressed his views via the social media platform X, stating that McCormick should be included in orientation as the race has been definitively called. Sinema, recounting her own experience, underscored the significance of onboarding sessions for incoming senators like McCormick and Ruben Gallego from Arizona.
As the political tension continues, Harris' fundraising through the recount account mirrors a broader struggle within the United States over electoral transparency and readiness. The funds raised serve dual purposes: supporting uncertain democratic outcomes and mitigating extensive campaign debts.
The ongoing discourse among politicians across party lines and between campaigning efforts underscores the complexity of America's electoral integrity and the multifaceted use of political funds in the aftermath of election results. These activities reflect persistent partisan debates and the practicalities of transitioning senatorial roles amidst electoral disputes.
