Michael Toner Discusses Legal Limits of Use of Gifts to Gain Delegate Votes

April 11, 2016

Michael E. Toner, co-chair of Wiley Rein’s Election Law & Government Ethics Practice, was quoted in an article published today in The Washington Post about what presidential candidates are legally allowed to offer delegates in exchange for votes.

“I think the vast majority of the deals are going to be political deals,” Mr. Toner said. “People want attention, a seat at the table.” He also added that it may be difficult to determine if gifts were offered in exchange for votes. “Beyond subsistence expenses, in the weeks ahead, are there cash and items of value given to these delegates? Is someone going to show up in the Cayman Islands in January with a three-week paid trip? That’s not going to be readily apparent before the election.”

To read the full article, please click here.