Wisconsin Republican Party says hackers stole $2.3 million from party's account
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The head of the Wisconsin Republican Party says hackers stole $2.3 million from the party's account that was being used to help reelect President Donald Trump in the key battleground state.
The Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Andrew Hitt told CBS 58, when they looked into hackers actions, they found the only money stolen was earmarked for Donald Trump’s campaign.
“It is very interesting, when you think of all the vendors we work with, all the things that we’re doing on all the races, that they would target invoices that were solely for the benefit of the president’s campaign,” Hitt said.
Hitt says the money was for services already rendered, and if anything, this will impact the campaign by energizing voters around President Trump.
“We are full steam ahead to get this president reelected on Nov. 3 here in Wisconsin.”
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin sent the statement "according to our IT team, we've been targeted by more than 800 phishing attempts this cycle, but none of them have been successful."
Marquette Political Science Professor Paul Nolette said Wisconsin could be close enough for this money to impact the race because of what millions can buy.
“Advertisements," Nolett said. "Certainly television, radio, as well as various 'get out the vote' efforts.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland security said this does not directly impact votes, but the amount of money stolen will likely impact the election.
“It’s very sad to see that," DHS acting Deputy Secretary Jenneth Cuccinelli told CBS 58. "You know, they’re going to have to be flexible obviously, and respond to that. But now without about $2 million, that is not likely to be returned over the course of the next couple of days.”
Hitt said the FBI office in Madison is handling the case. The FBI said they had no comment.