CBS News: George Santos’ backers include a migrant smuggler, a big Trump donor and the cousin of a sanctioned Russian oligarch

Newly elected Republican Congressman George Santos says he won’t step down amid the chorus of calls for his resignation over lies he’s told about his past, but experts say questions about his campaign finances could ultimately push him to reconsider.

His Long Island constituents say Santos seemed to come out of nowhere when he defeated Democrat Robert Zimmerman for the seat previously held by now-retired Rep. Tom Suozzi, flipping a blue district to red. Now, the embattled congressman is facing probes by state and federal prosecutors, as well as complaints to the Federal Election Commission and a congressional ethics committee regarding his financial disclosures. …

“This member of Congress has flaunted campaign finance laws,” Susan Lerner, the executive director of Common Cause/New York said. “There is no respect for the rules or the voters.”

According to Lerner, the personal financial disclosures made by candidates are critical for voters to have at their disposal prior to casting their vote. She says  “porous” campaign finance laws and lack of enforcement from the FEC have allowed this particular situation to devolve.