Bernie Sander's campaign signed its own Joint Fundraising Agreement with the DNC

quote:

---

WASHINGTON — The Democratic National Committee struck a fundraising deal with Hillary Clinton in 2015 that gave her campaign input on some party personnel and spending decisions, but only as they related to the general election and with the provision that other candidates could make similar arrangements, according to a memo of the agreement obtained by NBC News.

The document provides more context to the explosive claims made by former DNC Interim Chair Donna Brazile in a forthcoming book, an excerpt of which was published this week.

The August 26, 2015, memorandum of understanding from Clinton Campaign Manager Robby Mook to DNC CEO Amy Dacey, which supplemented a standard Joint Fundraising Agreement, more fully explains the relationship between Clinton and the DNC long before she won her party's nomination.

However, the memo made clear it pertained only to the general election, not the primary season, and it left open the possibility it would sign similar agreements with other candidates.

"Nothing in this agreement shall be construed to violate the DNC's obligation of impartiality and neutrality through the Nominating process. All activities performed under this agreement will be focused exclusively on preparations for the General Election and not the Democratic Primary," the memo states.

"Further we understand you may enter into similar agreements with other candidates," it continues.

The Clinton campaign agreed to make an initial payment of $1.2 million to DNC, which was crippled by debt, and provide a monthly allowance and other funds. The agreement appears intended to give the campaign oversight over their money was money was spent.

The Joint Fundraising Agreement was first reported over a year and a half ago, but gained new attention this week with Brazile's book.

Sanders' campaign later signed its own Joint Fundraising Agreement with the DNC, but did not utilize it.

---