GOP Operatives Boost Third-Party Candidates to Sway 2024 Election

In a strategic move that could significantly impact the 2024 U.S. presidential election, a network of Republican operatives is actively supporting third-party candidates, particularly Cornel West, to potentially divert votes from Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee. This effort, which spans multiple battleground states, has raised ethical concerns and drawn scrutiny from election officials.

Italo Medelius, co-chairman of West's "Justice for All Party," found himself at the center of this controversy when he received an unexpected offer of assistance from a man named Paul during a volunteer drive in North Carolina. This interaction led to a state election board investigation into the motivations and tactics of these new allies.

The key figure in this operation appears to be Paul Hamrick, counsel for the Virginia-based nonprofit People Over Party. Hamrick has been instrumental in efforts to place West on the ballot in several states, including Arizona, Maine, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Despite claiming not to be affiliated with any major party, Hamrick's voting records and political contributions suggest strong ties to the Republican Party.

Hamrick's background includes serving as chief of staff to former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman, a Democrat who was later convicted on federal charges. Hamrick himself faced legal troubles but was ultimately acquitted. His subsequent career moves, including consulting for Matrix LLC, a firm known for its aggressive political tactics, have raised questions about his current motivations.

The efforts to support third-party candidates have not been limited to West. Donald Trump, the former president, has expressed support for both West and Green Party candidate Jill Stein, stating that they take "100% from them," referring to potential Democratic voters. This strategy could prove impactful in states where the 2020 election was decided by narrow margins.

"I like her very much. You know why? She takes 100% from them. He takes 100%."

Concerns about potentially fraudulent activities have also emerged. In Arizona, a woman reported that her signature was forged on a document submitted to the secretary of state, purportedly agreeing to serve as an elector for West. This incident led to a last-minute scramble involving Republican lawyers attempting to secure new elector signatures.

Edward B. Foley, a law professor at Ohio State University, commented on the situation:

"The fact that either of the two major parties would attempt financially and otherwise to support a third-party spoiler candidate as part of its effort to win is an unfortunate byproduct of the current election laws that facilitate spoilers."

This complex situation highlights the intricate nature of U.S. election laws and the ongoing debate about the role of third-party candidates in the electoral process. As the 2024 election approaches, the actions of these operatives and their potential impact on the outcome will likely remain under close scrutiny.