Summary
The Run Patriots Project has been linked to Democratic consulting firms and has spent significant resources on recruiting candidates across multiple states, including Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Montana, and Virginia. Candidates were often approached through social media and offered assistance with paperwork and signature collection to qualify for the ballot. However, many recruits, like Joe Wiederien, have expressed feelings of manipulation and have withdrawn from their candidacies upon realizing the group’s true intentions. Legal experts have indicated that the group’s tactics could lead to various federal and state violations, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
Recruitment Tactics
- The group utilized Facebook ads to target Trump supporters, promising them a chance to “stand for freedom” and run for office.
- Candidates reported being contacted after engaging with pro-Trump content online or completing surveys.
Financial Backing and Operations
- The Run Patriots Project has reportedly spent over $48,000 on advertisements and related expenses to support its candidates.
- The group has faced scrutiny for its lack of transparency, with no formal registration as a nonprofit or political committee.
Candidate Experiences
- Many candidates described feeling like pawns in a larger political game, with some withdrawing from races after realizing they were being used to split the Republican vote.
- The group’s involvement has drawn criticism from both Republican officials and legal experts, who are calling for investigations into potential election fraud.
This situation reflects ongoing tensions in U.S. politics, where both parties are exploring unconventional strategies to gain electoral advantage in a highly polarized environment.
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