AUSTIN, Texas — As GOP lawyers and leaders frantically search for proof of fraud to back allegations of election irregularities, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick offered to pay tipsters at least $25,000 for information leading to a conviction for voter fraud.
Patrick, one of President Donald Trump's biggest boosters in Texas, said Tuesday the payments would be capped at $1 million. The money to encourage and reward tipsters would come from Patrick's campaign fund, which held almost $15.5 million at the end of June.
Democrats dismissed the offer as a desperate and cynical stunt.
Complaining of fraud, Trump has claimed victory in last week's election despite projections showing Democrat Joe Biden with more than enough electoral votes and despite Biden receiving almost 5 million more votes nationwide — a lead that has widened as more votes get counted.
But a flurry of lawsuits challenging the results in a number of states have failed to gain traction for Trump and Republican organizations, in part because judges have noted a lack of evidence of actual fraud.
Patrick, hoping to find supporting evidence, asked tipsters to turn their information over to law enforcement.
"President Trump's pursuit of voter fraud is not only essential to determine the outcome of this election, it is essential to maintain our democracy and restore faith in future elections," Patrick said in his announcement, which provided no details on how to cash in on a successful tip.
"My goal is to ensure that, regardless of the outcome, every American has faith in our electoral process and our democracy," he added.
