Cause of Action, though, argued that if the source’s allegations are true, they would constitute a “direct and serious” violation of federal law barring corporate PACs from compelling donations by threatening job security.
The co-founder of broadcasting giant DISH Network was accused in a federal complaint last week of intimidating company executives into making political donations that largely went to Democratic causes.
The Federal Election Commission complaint, filed by conservative advocacy group Cause of Action, claimed an unnamed “insider” had come forward to report DISH executives “being compelled to make political campaign contributions.”
The allegations center around co-founder and Board Chairman Charles Ergen. According to the complaint, the insider claimed Ergen “forced” Chief Operating Officer Bernard Han “to donate to a Democratic candidate and/or party in 2009/2010.” The complaint went on to claim that, according to the source, Han was “encouraged” to attend Democratic functions and fundraisers.
Further, the filing said “Ergen allegedly made similar statements” to other executives.
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