The California Senate leader has decided to reappoint Democratic Senator Susan Rubio as the chair of the Insurance Committee, despite concerns about her possible involvement in a federal corruption investigation.
On Friday, Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire made the announcement that he was reappointing Rubio, a senator from West Covina to her leadership role. The Insurance Committee seat had been vacant for three weeks prior to the reappointment.
“Senator Rubio has led the Insurance Committee since 2019, and I have full confidence in her experience and leadership, especially as California faces major challenges, including those arising from the recent wildfires,” McGuire said in a statement.
This announcement came after McGuire had kept the insurance committee seat empty when he revealed his committee assignments on January 3. He had stated that he was waiting for more information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office before making a decision.
In a statement, McGuire emphasized, “The Senate takes allegations of unethical or illegal behavior very seriously. That’s why I directed the Senate’s legal team to look into whether any violations have occurred involving Senate members. As of now, no case has been filed, and no further information is available from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
A spokesperson from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles declined to comment on the matter. Instead, they referred to the Department of Justice’s guidelines, which explain when federal prosecutors are allowed to discuss ongoing investigations publicly.
According to the DOJ’s policy, “Generally, the DOJ will not confirm or comment on ongoing investigations.” It adds, “DOJ officials are prohibited from answering questions regarding the existence or nature of any investigation unless formal charges are filed.”
Although Rubio has not been directly named in the investigation, it is widely believed that she may be “Person 20,” a figure referred to in federal court documents. This person allegedly requested $240,000 in bribes from a cannabis company and received $30,000 in illegal campaign contributions. These allegations date back to when Rubio was serving as a member of the Baldwin Park City Council.
Rubio has strongly denied accepting any bribes. In an interview with CBS News, she was asked directly whether she was “Person 20.” Rubio responded, “I’m not saying that,” adding, “But whatever is happening there, I think investigators would need to reach out to me if I were involved.”
Her office has also made statements in the past, explaining that Rubio voluntarily spent hours assisting authorities with their investigation. She has expressed confidence that she would not be involved in any criminal charges.
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