Wouldn’t him suing anyone over this be a perfect example of a SLAPP suit?
"A strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP) is a lawsuit that is intended to censor, intimidate, and silence critics by burdening them with the cost of a legal defense until they abandon their criticism or opposition. Such lawsuits have been made illegal in many jurisdictions on the grounds that they impede freedom of speech.
The typical SLAPP plaintiff does not normally expect to win the lawsuit. The plaintiff’s goals are accomplished if the defendant succumbs to fear, intimidation, mounting legal costs, or simple exhaustion and abandons the criticism. In some cases, repeated frivolous litigation against a defendant may raise the cost of directors and officers liability insurance for that party, interfering with an organization’s ability to operate. A SLAPP may also intimidate others from participating in the debate. A SLAPP is often preceded by a legal threat."
Washington Post reporter Robert Costa:
“Members also complaining to me that the House gym lacks enough towels this morning and they wonder if it’s because of the shutdown.”
I really, really wish this were the worst example of a conflict of interest we currently have in government. But I can think of at least a dozen off the top of my head. We *really need to start publicly financing elections and outlaw campaign contributions.
[Moderating]
We ask that posters at the SDMB not use the site for political organizing or “calls to action,” including organizing letter writing campaign to sitting politicians. Please avoid this in the future.
There’s no other single action that would make so great a difference to the welfare and prospects of this nation and its people, as to outlaw campaign contributions and move to public finance of elections.
The magnitude of the benefits would be nearly incalculable.
I say we should not outlaw contributions, rather, levee a hefty tax on expenditures. Say, 30% tax on the money you spend campaigning, to go into a general fund that helps support your opponents’ campaigns. Including all messaging, outside of campaign season, aimed at garnering support for a policy.
Or the Mercers. What’s the good of having all that money if you can’t buy governments with it? I mean, a person can only own so many cars and vacation homes, amirite?