The Virginia Beach Democratic Committee said Sunday that they have filed complaints with the commonwealth and the Federal Elections Commission against a City Council candidate. They are accusing Calvern “Cash” Green-Jackson, a candidate for the 7th District City Council seat, of multiple campaign violations.
“Mr. Green-Jackson’s campaign has blatantly disregarded ethical standards, state and federal campaign regulations, and decency expected of a candidate for public office, undermining the very principles of fairness and transparency that voters expect and deserve,” VBDC said in a statement Sunday.
They allege that Jackson-Green improperly used an image of Vice President Kamala Harris in his campaign materials without permission or compliance with federal authorization and disclosure requirements.
“As a federal candidate’s likeness was used without permission, Mr. Jackson-Green’s campaign actions are not only misleading but constitute a serious breach of federal campaign guidelines,” VBDC said.
They also accuse Jackson-Green of attempting to “buy votes” by distributing turkeys to voters within the 7th district.
“Such acts represent a flagrant violation of Virginia Code and betray the ethical principles of public service, further exemplifying Mr. Jackson-Green’s disregard for lawful and transparent campaigning,” VBDC said.
Virginia’s code states that it is illegal to “solicit or accept directly or indirectly any money or any thing of value to influence his or another’s vote in any election.”
When reached for comment, Jackson-Green did not respond directly to the accusations, but instead, he talked about his campaign.
When asked to respond directly to what VBDC is alleging, he did not immediately respond.
City Council races in Virginia Beach are non-partisan, but Jackson-Green has been endorsed by the Virginia Beach Republican Committee.
The VBRC did not respond to a request for comment Sunday.
His opponent, Mabinty Saffie Scott, has been endorsed by VBDC.
“As the only Democratic endorsed candidate in Virginia Beach City Council District 7, I am dismayed by the actions of my opponent,” Scott said in a statement released by VBDC. ”Cash Green is endorsed and supported by big money developers and by the Republican party of Virginia Beach. He is using Kamala Harris in his literature-showing he will do anything to try and get elected to this seat.”