Dominion Energy’s CEO said the company’s political action committee didn’t properly vet an anti-Glenn Youngkin PAC before giving it large donations. He said Dominion wants its money back.
Dominion donated $200,000 to the PAC that looks aligned with Democrats but is attacking the Republican nominee from the right on gun issues, The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported. The PAC’s ads, which make it look like conservatives aren’t happy with Youngkin, are running in rural areas that support him, in an attempt to lower voter turnout for him.
Dominion has a long history of transparent and bipartisan political giving, but news stories highlighted activities of the Accountability Virginia PAC that they wouldn’t knowingly support, CEO Bob Blue said in an email to employees Monday.
“Although familiar with the Accountability Virginia PAC sponsors, we failed to vet sufficiently the scope of their intended activities. In as much, we have asked that our contributions be returned,” Blue wrote.
Dominion won’t be giving to organizations like this in the future, Blue said.
Youngkin’s campaign issued a statement Saturday attacking Democratic nominee Terry McAuliffe and Dominion.
McAuliffe’s campaign declined to answer questions, including whether McAuliffe was aware of the PAC’s involvement.