Hilda Solis Made Illegal Campaign Solicitation On Behalf of Obama Campaign Group

By Brian Hews and Brian Hews

Los Angeles County Supervisor-Elect Hilda Solis is once again the subject of another national political controversy after an audio tape phone recording of her was released that details how the former US Labor Secretary sought campaign contributions from a subordinate on behalf of a campaign committee connected to the reelection of President Obama in 2012.

Hews Media Group-Community Newspapers obtained a copy of the explosive recording on Wednesday morning.

Rep. Darrel Issa of Fallbrook also issued a scathing press statement about Solis and her now famous phone call that is being reported by media outlets around the country.

Issa said in a statement that David Simas, who is the Director of the White House Office of Political Strategy and Outreach, was “in defiance of a congressional subpoena” when he failed to appear today to testify before a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on taxpayer-funded political campaign activity by government officials.

Issa and his Committee released an audio recording of then-United States Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis saying she was “illegally soliciting funds for President Obama’s re-election campaign in violation of the Hatch Act, which prohibits political activity on official time.”

In his opening statement, Issa played a recording of a message left on the phone of a Labor Department subordinate pressuring the employee to contribute to President Obama’s re-election campaign. The recording subsequently became the subject of a complaint made to the Office of Special Counsel. Then-Labor Secretary Solis says:

“Hi—this is Hilda Solis calling, um, just calling you off-the-record here—Wanted to ask you if you could, um, help us get folks organized to come to a fundraiser that we’re doing for Organizing for America for Obama campaign on Friday at La Fonda at 6 p.m. Steven Smith, an attorney, and his staff are helping us [inaudible]. There are a lot of folks that we know that are coming but wanted to ask you if you might help contribute or get other folks to help out. I would encourage you to call this number, [inaudible]–that’s his assistant– at [phone number] and you can call [the attorney] yourself who’s a good friend, an attorney, good friend of mine, at [phone number]. And it’s for a Friday event at La Fonda [inaudible] we’re just trying to raise money to show that we have support here in [inaudible].”

Following opening statements, Issa immediately recessed the proceedings of the Committee. Simas refused to appear before the Congressional committee.

Issa said in a statement, “this is the White House’s latest attack on our Constitution’s system of checks and balances.”

HMG-CN contacted Solis through her political consultant Steven Barkan in Los Angeles via two different emails.  Barkan has not responded as of 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

Silonn Ice Maker Countertop, Portable Ice Machine with Carry Handle, Self-Cleaning Ice Makers with Basket and Scoop, 9 Cubes in 6 Mins, 26 lbs per Day, Ideal for Home, Kitchen, Camping, RV

(4319)

(as of April 18, 2025 06:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Wesdut 52in1 Precision Screwdriver Set, [Super Durable] Small Repair Kit, PC Accessories, PS5 Cleaning Kit, Tool Sets for Men, Fit MacBook, Computer, Laptop, Watch, PS4, Xbox, Eyeglass, Console More

(58)

$8.99 (as of April 18, 2025 17:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Rain-X 810165 Latitude 2-In-1 Water Repellent Wiper Blades, 22 Inch Windshield Wipers (Pack Of 2), Automotive Replacement Windshield Wiper Blades With Patented Rain-X Water Repellency Formula

(112517)

(as of April 18, 2025 06:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Wornick MRE Meals Ready to Eat, 2024, 2025 Inspection Date or Better, Emergency Food Supply, Survival Camping Outdoor Meals 12 Pack (A & B Case Bundle, 2, Count)

(73)

$98.73 (as of April 18, 2025 17:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Silonn Ice Maker Countertop, 9 Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, 26lbs in 24Hrs, Self-Cleaning Ice Machine with Ice Scoop and Basket, 2 Sizes of Bullet Ice for Home Kitchen Office Bar Party

(25914)

(as of April 18, 2025 06:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Armor All Protectant, Glass and Cleaning Wipes, Wipes for Car Interior and Car Exterior, 30 Count Each (Pack of 3)

(15791)

(as of April 18, 2025 06:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

2025 P Cent Roll - Union Shied Design Uncirculated

(2)

$19.99 (as of April 18, 2025 17:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

KUKKA essential oils 100% Pure & Natural Tea Tree Oil for Skin, Hair, Toenails, Aromatherapy, & DIY (4 fl oz/118 ml)

(13803)

(as of April 18, 2025 06:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

USANOOKS Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Grey - 12 Pcs (12.5"x12.5") - High Performance - 1200 Washes, Ultra Absorbent Microfiber Towel Weave Grime & Liquid for Streak-Free Mirror Shine - Car Washing Cloth

(13664)

(as of April 18, 2025 06:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

SAMPEEL Womens Summer Tops Trendy 2025 Eyelet Crossed V Neck T Shirts Loose Casual Short Sleeve Tshirts Shirts Fashion

(64)

$6.99 (as of April 18, 2025 17:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)