Election day is right around the corner. But this Leftist might not even make it that far after this report came out.
As a Democrat candidate was caught in a major scandal that could destroy their campaign.
Maryland’s Democratic Senate candidate, Angela Alsobrooks, is under fire for receiving tax exemptions she did not qualify for, leading to significant savings on her properties in Washington, D.C., and Maryland. This revelation, based on property records and tax bills obtained by CNN, has raised concerns about her adherence to tax regulations as she campaigns for a Senate seat.
Alsobrooks reportedly saved nearly $14,000 between 2005 and 2017 on her Washington, D.C., property by taking advantage of tax exemptions meant for primary residents, low-income individuals, and senior citizens.
However, public records indicate that Alsobrooks, who has been registered to vote in Prince George’s County, Maryland, since 1995, does not primarily reside in D.C. She currently serves as the County Executive of Prince George’s County, where she oversees the county’s budget and tax collection.
In addition to the homestead exemption meant for primary residences, Alsobrooks benefited from a tax break intended for low-income senior citizens on her Washington property. This tax cut reduced her bill by half, even though at 53, she did not meet the age requirement. The tax break may have been tied to her grandparents, who owned the property before her, according to CNN.
Alsobrooks’ senior adviser, Connor Lounsbury, addressed the situation, telling CNN that the candidate was unaware of the tax benefits attached to the property. “She was unaware of any tax credits attached to that property and has reached out to the District of Columbia to resolve the issue and make any necessary payment,” Lounsbury said.
He explained that Alsobrooks began paying the mortgage on her grandmother’s home in Washington after her grandmother moved out, continuing until the house was sold in 2018.
In Maryland, Alsobrooks purchased a property in 2005 and claimed a homestead exemption in 2008, reducing her taxes on the property even after it was turned into a rental. CNN reports that this exemption likely saved her an additional $2,600.
Her campaign, however, defended Alsobrooks, pointing to another home in Prince George’s County listed as her primary residence. Notably, she does not receive a homestead exemption on this property.
“When Angela bought her new property, the homestead tax credit from her previous home was not transferred,” Lounsbury explained. “This resulted in no financial gain for Angela. In fact, she ended up paying more in taxes than she would have had the credit transferred over.”
Alsobrooks’ Scandal Could Play A Role In Who Controls The Senate
Despite Alsobrooks’ assurances that she is working to repay any credits wrongly received, her political opponents are seizing on the controversy.
Alsobrooks is running against former Republican Governor Larry Hogan for Maryland’s open Senate seat, which will be vacated by outgoing Senator Ben Cardin.
According to a Gonzales Research poll from early September, Alsobrooks holds a slight lead over Hogan, with 46% of voters supporting her compared to 41% for Hogan.
Hogan’s campaign has not hesitated to criticize Alsobrooks over the tax issues. “It’s deeply disturbing that Angela Alsobrooks thinks the rules don’t apply to her,” said Hogan spokesperson Blake Kernen. “She campaigns on raising taxes while failing to pay her own and taking advantage of tax credits reserved for the poor and elderly.”
Hogan has positioned himself as an anti-Trump Republican in deep-blue Maryland, aiming to appeal to moderate voters. Meanwhile, Alsobrooks has attacked him for being a “MAGA”-enabler and suggests his election would help Republicans control the Senate – which would be a major blow to Democrats, even though Hogan is a RINO (Republican in name only).
All in all, it’s safe to say a Republican controlled Senate and House would be an all out disaster for the Left, especially if former President Donald Trump is able to win reelection this November. And Alsobrooks’ scandal could certainly be a factor in the fruition of this.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
