Donald Trump pardons ex-campaign manager for Sens. Rand Paul, Mitch McConnell
President Donald Trump granted a full pardon this week to Jesse Benton, who previously managed campaigns for Kentucky Republican Sens. Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul before he was convicted for his role in a political endorsement scheme.
Benton managed Rand Paul's 2010 general election campaign as well as McConnell's reelection bid in 2014. He also has a family connection to Rand Paul, who is the uncle of Benton's wife.
The White House announced Benton's pardon Wednesday. More than 20 other people, including notable Louisville activist Christopher 2X, also received full pardons from the president.
Bentons conviction was related to his involvement in a plot to provide $73,000 in payments to former Iowa state Sen. Kent Sorenson to secure his endorsement of former U.S. Rep. Ron Pauls 2012 presidential campaign. (Sorenson eventually received a related, 15-month prison sentence.)
Read more: https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/2020/12/24/trump-pardons-jesse-benton-ex-campaign-manager-rand-paul-mitch-mcconnell/4042657001/