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Stefanik files complaint about James

Feb 14, 2024 12:55 pm

Brendan J. Lyons reports in the Times Union that on Feb. 12 Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik filed a formal complaint against Democrat state Attorney General Letitia James alleging investigation and prosecution of Donald J. Trump was biased, complaining about “highly inappropriate and prejudicial comments” against the former president during his recent trial on civil fraud charges in New York. Stefanik's complaint said, “Ms. James has pursued a personal vendetta against President Trump since he first was elected president of the United States,” Stefanik’s complaint states. “Ms. James’ comments as attorney general and as a candidate for attorney general adversely reflect on her fitness as a lawyer and implicate … (the) Rules of Professional Conduct.” The attorney general’s office declined to respond with a comment on Stefanik’s complaint. The Attorney Grievance Committee decides what happens next. Their investigations are confidential, so they could dismiss the issue without the public knowing, or they could privately issue a letter of advisement or admonition. If the committee believes there may be professional misconduct, a case could be referred to the Appellate Division of state Supreme Court for a formal disciplinary proceeding. Stefanik cites previous comments from James in her 2018 election night victory speech where she vowed to shine “a bright light into every dark corner of his real estate dealings.” She later pledged to “use every area of the law to investigate President Trump and his business transactions and that of his family as well.” Meanwhile, the former president and his family are awaiting a decision from Judge Arthur Engoron, about allegations Trump lied about his wealth on financial statements to banks and insurance companies. He could be fined up to $370 million and get banned from engaging future business dealings in New York’s real estate market. Read more about this story in the Times Union.